25+ Quick + Yummy Weeknight Dinners With Fish
Finding the time to cook a wholesome, delicious dinner on a busy weeknight can be a challenge. Fish is an incredibly healthy, fast-cooking protein that is perfect for busy evenings. Whether you prefer flaky white fish, rich salmon, or meaty tuna, these 25+ quick and yummy weeknight fish dinners will save your evening. Each recipe includes a full list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to ensure your dinner is on the table in no time.
1. Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
A light, flaky, and foolproof fish dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tilapia fillets in a lightly greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the butter mixture over the fish.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
2. Pan-Seared Salmon
Crispy skin and tender, flaky meat in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon skin-side up in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
3. Fish Tacos with Slaw
Fresh, vibrant, and perfect for a quick weeknight.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod or tilapia)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Toss fish fillets with olive oil and taco seasoning.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook fish for 3-4 minutes per side until flaky.
- Flake the fish into bite-sized pieces with a fork.
- In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and lime juice to make the slaw.
- Warm tortillas, then assemble tacos with fish and slaw.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve.
4. Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon
Sweet, tangy, and incredibly easy.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and garlic.
- Brush the glaze generously over the salmon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is cooked through and glaze is bubbly.
5. Garlic Parmesan Crusted Cod
A crispy, cheesy coating makes this fish irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Place cod fillets in the dish and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and melted butter.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly onto the top of each fillet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish is flaky and topping is golden brown.
6. Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
A healthy, Asian-inspired meal in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Cooked rice
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate salmon in teriyaki sauce for 10 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add broccoli and 2 tbsp water; cover and steam for 3 minutes.
- Divide cooked rice into bowls, top with salmon and broccoli.
- Drizzle with remaining teriyaki sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.
7. Blackened Catfish
Spicy, smoky, and ready in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 catfish fillets
- 2 tbsp blackened seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Coat both sides of the catfish fillets generously with blackened seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over high heat until very hot.
- Carefully place the fillets in the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until a dark crust forms and fish is flaky.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
8. Baked Pesto Salmon
Just two ingredients for a flavor-packed dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cherry tomatoes for roasting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spread a generous layer of pesto over each fillet.
- Scatter cherry tomatoes around the salmon if using.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
9. Fish and Chips (Oven-Baked)
A healthier, less messy take on the pub classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod or haddock), cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 bag frozen French fries
- Tartar sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen fries on one half of a large baking sheet.
- In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Dip fish strips into the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place coated fish on the other half of the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until fish is crispy and fries are golden.
- Serve hot with tartar sauce.
10. Lemon Caper Trout
A bright, briny sauce elevates simple trout.
Ingredients:
- 4 trout fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp capers, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Season trout fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook trout for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and flaky; remove to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and stir in lemon juice and capers.
- Simmer for 1 minute, then pour the sauce over the trout.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
11. Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon
Sweet, spicy, and sticky.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
- Brush the glaze over the salmon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.
12. Mediterranean Baked Fish
A healthy, colorful, one-pan meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 white fish fillets (cod or halibut)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place fish fillets in a baking dish and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Scatter cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion around the fish.
- Drizzle everything with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until fish is flaky and tomatoes are soft.
- Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread.
13. Salmon Patties
A great way to use canned salmon for a quick meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (5 oz each) pink salmon, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix flaked salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, onion, and dill.
- Form the mixture into 4 patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with a side salad or on a bun as a burger.
14. Soy Ginger Steamed Fish
A delicate, healthy, Asian-inspired preparation.
Ingredients:
- 4 white fish fillets (like tilapia or cod)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Place fish fillets in a steamer basket or a heatproof dish that fits in a large pot.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, green onions, and garlic.
- Pour the mixture over the fish.
- Steam over boiling water for 8-10 minutes until fish is opaque and flaky.
- Serve immediately with the juices spooned over the top.
15. Coconut Crusted Tilapia
Crispy, sweet, and tropical.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season tilapia with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: flour in one dish, beaten egg in another, and a mix of coconut and panko in a third.
- Dredge fish in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the coconut mixture.
- Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook fish for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with a squeeze of lime.
16. Salmon and Asparagus Foil Packets
Zero cleanup and perfectly cooked every time.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut 4 large squares of aluminum foil.
- Divide asparagus evenly among the foil squares.
- Place a salmon fillet on top of each pile of asparagus.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper, and top with lemon slices.
- Fold the foil over and seal the edges tightly to create packets.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until salmon is cooked through. Open carefully and garnish with dill.
17. Mahi Mahi with Mango Salsa
A bright, fruity, and refreshing dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 Mahi Mahi fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice to make the salsa; set aside.
- Season Mahi Mahi fillets with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook fish for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and flaky.
- Top the cooked fish with the fresh mango salsa and serve.
18. Creamy Dill Salmon
A rich, comforting sauce over tender fish.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season salmon with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side; remove to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, simmering for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in fresh dill.
- Return salmon to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and serve.
19. Fish Chowder (Quick Version)
A comforting, creamy soup in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish (cod or haddock), cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups chicken or seafood broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- Salt, pepper, and fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat; sauté onion until softened.
- Add diced potatoes and broth; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in fish chunks and corn; simmer for 5 minutes until fish is opaque and flaky.
- Stir in heavy cream and heat gently (do not boil).
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
20. Pecan Crusted Salmon
A crunchy, nutty, slightly sweet crust.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard and honey; brush evenly over the salmon.
- Press the chopped pecans into the mustard glaze on each fillet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is cooked through and pecans are toasted.
21. Tuna Steaks with Soy Ginger Glaze
Meaty, flavorful, and cooks in a flash.
Ingredients:
- 4 tuna steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic.
- Marinate tuna steaks in the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear tuna steaks for 1-2 minutes per side for rare, or 3-4 minutes for medium-well.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the steaks during the last minute of cooking.
- Serve immediately.
22. Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Feta
A simple, Greek-inspired preparation.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Place cod fillets in the dish and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Spoon diced tomatoes evenly over the fish.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until fish is flaky and cheese is slightly melted.
23. Salmon Fried Rice
A great way to use leftover salmon and rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
- 3 cups cooked, chilled rice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Scramble eggs in the wok, then remove and set aside.
- Add diced onion, peas, and carrots to the wok; sauté for 3 minutes.
- Stir in chilled rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, breaking up any clumps.
- Gently fold in the flaked salmon and scrambled eggs.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and serve.
24. Fish Sandwich with Tartar Sauce
Crispy, satisfying, and kid-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 4 white fish fillets (tilapia or cod)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup tartar sauce
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions:
- Season fish fillets with salt and pepper.
- Dredge fish in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry fish for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Toast hamburger buns if desired.
- Assemble sandwiches with lettuce, crispy fish, and a generous dollop of tartar sauce.
25. Lemon Herb Grilled Halibut
Firm, meaty fish with bright, fresh flavors.
Ingredients:
- 4 halibut fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the mixture generously over the halibut fillets.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the fish for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and grill marks appear.
- Serve hot with extra lemon wedges if desired.
26. Salmon and Spinach Stuffed Shells
A seafood twist on a pasta classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
- 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flaked salmon, ricotta, chopped spinach, and egg.
- Spread half the Alfredo sauce in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Stuff shells with the salmon mixture and place in the dish.
- Top with remaining sauce and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.
