For a lot of people, Lent means fish on Fridays, even if fish is rarely on the menu the rest of the year. After a few weeks, though, it’s easy to run out of ideas and fall back on the same baked fillet over and over. These recipes keep things simple with quick methods like roasting, air frying and fast skillet cooking. Most are ready in about 30 minutes and use ingredients that are easy to find. If you’re sticking to the no-meat Fridays during Lent, this list will keep dinner from getting boring.
Air Fryer Scallops
Scallops cook quickly in the air fryer and come out with a lightly browned exterior and tender center without filling the kitchen with lingering smells. A quick lemon, garlic, and chive butter brings everything together in minutes. The whole meal lands on the table in about 15 minutes, which makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little more put together than usual.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops
Blackened Cod
Cod handles a quick spice rub and a hot pan without much effort. The seasoning forms a flavorful crust while the inside stays flaky and light. It cooks in under 15 minutes and works well with simple sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a quick salad when you want dinner finished fast.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod
Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon
This salmon goes straight onto a sheet pan with broccoli and a turmeric coating that builds flavor without adding extra steps. Everything roasts together in about 20 minutes, which keeps prep and cleanup simple. A spoonful of cherry sauce at the end brightens the plate and makes the whole dinner feel thought through.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon
Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp
Frozen shrimp go straight from the freezer into a quick garlic ginger marinade before hitting the air fryer. In about 10 minutes they’re cooked through and ready for rice, noodles, or vegetables. The sauce brings enough punch that the meal feels complete without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp
Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon
This salmon heads into the oven with citrus, garlic, herbs, and capers layered on top. It bakes quickly and keeps the kitchen free from that lingering fish smell many people worry about. Serve it with grains or roasted vegetables and dinner is handled in about 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon
Baked Sablefish
Sablefish bakes with a honey lime glaze that balances sweetness with a little brightness. A quick jalapeño corn salsa on top adds crunch and color without complicating the process. The fish cooks fast and feels substantial enough for a full dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sablefish
Spicy Shrimp Tostadas
Shrimp cook in a skillet in just a few minutes before getting piled onto crispy tostada shells. A jalapeño avocado sauce and shredded vegetables bring contrast and keep every bite interesting. It’s a fast dinner that feels lively without taking over the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Shrimp Tostadas
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Garlic shrimp and tomatoes cook quickly before getting tossed with bucatini. The pasta absorbs the sauce and turns a short ingredient list into a complete meal. Dinner lands on the table in about 25 minutes and doesn’t require complicated prep.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp
Shrimp cook in a skillet with a sauce that balances sweet mango and a bit of heat. The whole dish comes together in about 20 minutes and pairs well with rice or simple greens. It keeps things interesting when you want something quick but not repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp
Blackened Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi handles bold seasoning and cooks quickly under the broiler. The result is flaky fish with a strong spice crust that brings plenty of flavor without complicated steps. Serve it with rice or roasted vegetables for a straightforward dinner that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Frozen salmon goes straight into the air fryer with a maple mustard coating that caramelizes slightly as it cooks. No thawing or long prep required. In about 15 minutes you have a dinner that works with grains, vegetables, or a simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Salmon gets cut into bite-sized pieces and cooks quickly in the air fryer. A soy-based dipping sauce made from the marinade adds depth and makes the plate feel finished. The smaller pieces cook evenly and work well over rice or in lettuce wraps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia
Tilapia cooks quickly in a skillet with a coating of Dijon mustard and crushed almonds. The crust adds texture while the fish stays flaky inside. The whole dish comes together in around 10 minutes and pairs easily with vegetables or a quick grain.
Get the Recipe: Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia
Pesto Salmon
A spoonful of pesto turns simple baked salmon into a dinner that tastes like more effort went into it. The fish cooks in about 15 to 20 minutes and only needs a few ingredients to come together. Serve it with pasta, potatoes, or greens and call it done.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Cod Piccata
This cod version of piccata uses lemon, capers, and shallots to build a bright pan sauce. The fish cooks quickly and the sauce forms in the same skillet, which keeps things efficient. It’s a solid option when you want something fast but still balanced.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata
Beer Battered Fish
Cod gets dipped in a light beer batter and cooked until crisp on the outside and flaky inside. The coating brings crunch while the fish stays tender. Serve it with a quick remoulade and simple sides for a dinner that feels substantial.
Get the Recipe: Beer Battered Fish
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
The air fryer gives these shrimp a crisp coating without a pot of oil. Toss them in a creamy sweet and spicy sauce and dinner comes together quickly. They work over rice, in tacos, or alongside a quick vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Shrimp Egg Foo Young
Shrimp and bean sprouts get folded into a fluffy omelet that cooks quickly in a skillet. A savory brown sauce gets poured over the top and ties everything together. It’s a fast dinner that feels different from the usual seafood routine.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Egg Foo Young
Greek Shrimp Skillet
Shrimp cook in a skillet with tomatoes, spinach, olives, and feta in about 30 minutes. Lemon and oregano bring brightness while everything cooks down into a balanced one-pan meal. Serve it with bread or grains to round things out.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
