Seafood can be a hard sell, especially if you’ve got picky eaters in the house who think anything from the ocean is automatically suspicious. But not every seafood dinner has to smell like low tide or come with tentacles. These recipes keep things simple, familiar, and most importantly, edible for even the seafood skeptics. With crispy coatings and easy sauces, these meals don’t feel like a punishment. Some of them are even fast enough to pull off on a weeknight without losing your mind. If fish night usually means complaints, this list might actually shut them up.
General Tso Shrimp
General Tso shrimp is a quick and easy copycat Chinese takeout recipe that tastes just like the real deal. Made in one-skillet in just 10 minutes with that sweet and slightly spicy sticky sauce you love, there’s no need to order out anymore!
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp
Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
These crispy homemade air fryer fish sticks have just 6 ingredients including the fish! The recipe is gluten-free and eggless too with an easy dijon remoulade sauce for serving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Fish Sticks
Kung Pao Shrimp
Make this easy kung pao shrimp recipe in minutes right in your kitchen. Save time and money by making it at home instead of ordering takeout. It’s a flavorful and quick dinner served over white rice with your favorite steamed vegetable.
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Baked Sablefish
This honey lime sablefish, also known as black cod, is topped with a spicy jalapeno and corn salsa for a healthy but incredibly flavorful and easy meal.
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Beer Battered Fish
This beer battered fish recipe is simple and super crispy. A crunchy golden brown exterior gives way to tender, flaky cod that’s served with a tangy remoulade dipping sauce you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Beer Battered Fish
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
Making frozen salmon in the air fryer is quick, easy and delicious when paired with this simple maple mustard sauce. No need to defrost, cook straight from the freezer when you’re pressed for time!
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Blackened Cod
Simple pantry seasonings and a quick pan-sear is all it takes to make this delicious blackened cod recipe.
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Cod Piccata
A deliciously tangy, bright seafood version of the classic piccata recipe using tender cod filets. Cod piccata is dredged in almond flour then pan-fried until flaky. Capers, lemon juice and shallots bring big flavor to this easy, gluten-free dish.
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Spicy Shrimp Tostadas
Not quite tacos but close enough! These tostadas feature spicy shrimp and a refreshing jalapeño avocado sauce.
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Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
This easy bucatini pasta recipe tossed with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes is made in under 30 minutes making it a great weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Shrimp Lo Mein
Make delicious shrimp lo mein at home and skip the takeout with this simple recipe. Featuring Chinese egg noodles, juicy shrimp and vegetables tossed in a restaurant-worthy sauce, this 20 minute meal will become a dinner time favorite.
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Greek Shrimp Skillet
This Greek shrimp skillet is an easy 30 minute meal with tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, feta and lots of fresh oregano and lemon flavor.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet
Bacon Wrapped Salmon
Need a decadent yet healthy and wholesome restaurant quality meal? This bacon-wrapped salmon recipe is your answer!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon
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.