Mardi Gras! Cue the King cakes, confetti, and beginning of the Lenten Season. This year we’re focusing on freshening up our fish recipes for Lent.
Many folks make a personal commitment to fast or give up certain things as an act of penitence during Lent. That’s the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday. I’ve done chocolate (whew!), soda (way back when I actually drank it) and a multitude of other vices.
Fish for Fridays During Lent
This time of year you may see signs at nearby Catholic churches for “Friday Fish Fry” dinners during Lent. We’re a half-Catholic family. To clarify, my husband is Catholic. We split our time between mass and my Disciples of Christ-based church. That means we observe practices of both. During Lent, Catholics are only allowed to eat cold-blooded animals (putting it as bluntly as possible!) on Fridays. That’s why you’ll see so much focus on fish dinners for many parishes.
Our own parish does fish dinners (complete with scrumptious fish tacos!) As a family of five, those weekly dinners aren’t in the budget. We try to go to one or two but cook at home the remaining Fridays to make our own fish recipes for Lent.
Seafood Recipes to Make at Home
Are you looking to change things up each Friday during Lent? Or, do you simply need to freshen up your typical fish dish menus? No problem! Here are more than a dozen seafood recipes that are sure to please the seafood lovers in your family. P.S. We found so many healthy salmon recipes, they’re in their own post here. 🙂
Easy and Healthy Fish Tacos (No “Fishy” Taste) (Food Meanderings)
Fish tacos are one of our FAVORITE fish recipes for Lent. Terri of Food Meanderings shares a BRILLIANT fish hack. Learn how to neutralize any “fishy” taste that could deter your family from giving this dish a chance.
BONUS FISH TACO RECIPE: (Maybe I Will)
Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes – Gluten, Dairy, & Egg Free (Pink Fortitude)
Holly from Pink Fortitude shares an authentic Chesapeake Bay-style crab cake recipe. (In other words, it’s legit!) Be sure to check out her hack to make these crab cakes budget-friendlier ;).
Air Fryer Southern Fried Catfish (This Old Gal)
Jill at This Old Gal promises this Air Fryer Southern Fried Catfish will “knock your socks off”. Her recipe includes a perfect crunchy Homemade Louisiana Style Fish Fry Mix. She promises to make a catfish lover out of anyone ;)!
Easy Shrimp Creole (Recipes from a Pantry)
Bintu’s shrimp creole is a traditional southern food recipe that is full of flavor. It’s a quick and easy Creole shrimp recipe is perfect for every occasion.
Pan-seared Mahi-mahi w/ Fresh Pineapple Salsa The Rising Spoon)
Craving tropical flavors? This pan-seared mahi-mahi (a neutral-tasting white fish) is topped with fresh pineapple salsa. BONUS: Elaina tells us exactly how to get a perfect crust on your fish!
Cod Recipe with Tomato Basil Sauce (To Simply Inspire)
This Italian style Cod Recipe is pan-seared with a simple, fresh, tomato basil sauce and lightly seasoned with garlic and lemon. Sherri (To Simply Inspire) promises a quick, healthy dinner idea for any day of the week.
Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fillets (Little Sunny Kitchen)
These golden fish fillets are cooked in the air fryer until crispy and delicious. Covered in a tasty crust, the fish remains soft and velvety from the inside. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Smothered Tilapia Provençal (Swirls of Flavor)
Gwynn, aka “GG”, from Swirls of Flavor, says pour ingredients over tilapia and bake. This easy seafood dinner is ready in just minutes!
Baked Shrimp Scampi – Keto, Low Carb, Gluten Free (Joy Filled Eats)
Simply toss a few ingredients on a sheet pan and pop it in the oven for this shrimp scampi from Taryn at Joy Filled Eats. A little lemon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese give big results for this healthier take on a seafood fave.
Aromatic Skillet Trout with Onions and Whole Peppercorns (Where is My Spoon?)
In West Virginia, we can get locally-sourced trout. Maybe that’s why this skillet trout recipe from Adina at “Where is My Spoon?” caught my eye! A great fish recipe to try for Lent!
The Best Tuna Patties (The Rising Spoon)
Elaina from the Rising Spoon says her tuna patties are quick, easy, and budget-friendly. They get crunchy outside but remain tender on the inside. The ingredients are simple but these patties are bursting with flavor. Gluten-free & grain-free options available.
Swai with Tomato Caper Sauce (Babaganosh)
This recipe for swai fish is a great way to use seasonal tomatoes and herbs. It’s a dish that’s irresistible, easy to cook, and healthy.
Broiled Lobster Tail (Become Betty)
Brenda at Become Betty says to “fear not”, even if you have been intimidated by preparing lobster tail in the past. She promises that all it takes to prepare a luxurious, low calorie broiled lobster tail at home is a good pair of kitchen shears.
Crispy Baked Cod w/ a Homemade Red Pesto (Slow The Cook Down)
Betty from Slow the Cook Down shares this crispy baked cod with a homemade red pesto. Panko-topped cod fillets create a fish dish full of texture and flavor. Simply serve with veggies for a quick, easy, and healthy meal the whole family will love.
Baked Haddock with Horseradish Topping (Ann’s Entitled Life)
Whether for a holiday meal or weeknight dinner, this haddock recipe is easy and delicious!
Halibut Ceviche (Allergy Free Alaska)
Mary from Allergy Free Alaska says this recipe is super popular with their friends. It’s tart, yet salty and spicy. Perfect for eating with tortilla chips, plantain chips, or sliced cucumbers.
Roasted Cod with Asparagus and Jalapeno Dressing (Sidewalk Shoes)
This Roasted Cod with Asparagus and Jalapeño Dressing is so easy to make and can be on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfectly roasted cod and asparagus are topped with a jalapeño dressing. It has just the right amount of heat to go with a creamy avocado puree!
Pin for Later!
I hope you get to try out as many of these fish recipes for Lent (or anytime!) as possible. Don’t forget to pin for later to access all the fish recipes when you need them! 🙂 And check out those salmon recipes too!
