Out of Lent dinner ideas already? We get it, seafood nights can start to feel repetitive fast. The season calls for meals that cook quickly, hit with bold flavor, and still come out golden and tender. These picks keep prep simple and timing tight so dinner actually lands on time. Expect crisp edges, clean sauces, and no guesswork when you’re fresh out of ideas.

Close-up of cooked scallops garnished with herbs and black pepper, surrounded by lemon wedges and greens.
Grilled Scallops with Parmesan and Lemon. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air Fryer Shrimp

Air fryer shrimp lightly crisped with golden edges arranged on a white plate.
Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Air fryer heat locks in juicy centers with crisp edges. Keep shrimp in a single layer for fast, even browning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Quick and Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Grilled shrimp tacos with seasoned shrimp, slaw, and lime tucked into warm tortillas.
Quick and Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Crank the grill for smoky char and quick-cooked shrimp. We salt early so the flesh stays juicy on the grate.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Steamed Dungeness Crab Legs

Steamed Dungeness crab legs stacked high beside melted garlic butter for dipping.
Steamed Dungeness Crab Legs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Clean steam brings out sweet, tender crab meat fast. Hold the lid tight to keep heat steady.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Dungeness Crab Legs

Pan-Seared Cod with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce

Pan-seared cod fillet topped with blistered cherry tomatoes and herbs on a clean white plate.
Pan-Seared Cod with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hard skillet heat builds a golden crust on flaky cod. Dry the fillets well to prevent sticking.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Seared Cod with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce

Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites With Sriracha-Lime Sauce

Air fryer salmon bites with crispy edges served with sriracha-lime dipping sauce.
Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites With Sriracha-Lime Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Crisp edges meet juicy centers in minutes. Shake the basket halfway for even browning.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites With Sriracha-Lime Sauce

Easy Fresh Fish Ceviche

Fresh fish ceviche with bright citrus, peppers, and herbs served chilled in a bowl.
Easy Fresh Fish Ceviche. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Bright citrus firms fish into tender, clean bites. We cut pieces evenly so the cure hits together.
Get the Recipe: Easy Fresh Fish Ceviche

Roasted Branzino with Lemon Caper Sauce

Whole roasted branzino drizzled in lemon caper sauce with crispy skin and bright herbs on top.
Roasted Branzino with Lemon Caper Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hot roast delivers crisp skin over flaky flesh. Score the skin lightly to help it render clean.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Branzino with Lemon Caper Sauce

Smoked Cedar Plank Salmon

Smoked cedar plank salmon with rich smoky color and lemon slices resting on the plank.
Smoked Cedar Plank Salmon. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Wood smoke adds deep, savory notes to tender salmon. Soak the plank well to prevent flare-ups.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cedar Plank Salmon

Fish Cakes

Fish cakes browned on both sides served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
Fish Cakes. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pan heat sets crisp edges around flaky centers. Chill the mix briefly so patties hold their shape.
Get the Recipe: Fish Cakes

Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass

Pan-seared Chilean sea bass with browned edges topped with lemon and herbs on white plate.
Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Golden sear meets buttery, tender flesh fast. We let the pan get ripping hot first.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass

Steamed Stone Crab Claws with Garlic Butter

Stone crab claws steamed and served with garlic butter for dipping.
Steamed Stone Crab Claws with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Gentle steam keeps claws sweet and juicy. Crack shells before serving for clean pulls.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Stone Crab Claws with Garlic Butter

Shrimp Saganaki with Crispy Fried Halloumi

Shrimp saganaki simmering in tomato sauce with crispy fried halloumi on top.
Shrimp Saganaki with Crispy Fried Halloumi. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Skillet heat sears shrimp beside golden, squeaky cheese. Pat the halloumi dry so it browns, not steams.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Saganaki with Crispy Fried Halloumi

Crispy Fritto Misto with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce

Crispy fritto misto with shrimp and vegetables served with lemon dill tartar sauce.
Crispy Fritto Misto with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hot oil builds light, golden crunch across seafood and veg. Fry in small batches to keep oil steady.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fritto Misto with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce

Butter Poached Lobster

Butter-poached lobster tail sliced with glossy butter clinging to the meat.
Butter Poached Lobster. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low simmer in butter turns lobster silky and tender. We keep the heat gentle to avoid tightening.
Get the Recipe: Butter Poached Lobster

Steamed Whole Dungeness Crab Recipe

Steamed whole Dungeness crab cracked open with bright orange shell served beside melted butter.
Steamed Whole Dungeness Crab Recipe. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Full steam cooks the crab evenly with sweet, tender meat. Twist legs off first for easier cracking.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Whole Dungeness Crab Recipe

Shrimp Creole

Shrimp creole simmering in spicy tomato sauce with vegetables and herbs visible throughout.
Shrimp Creole. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Quick simmer builds smoky heat around juicy shrimp. Bloom the spices in oil for deeper flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Creole

Grilled Salmon in Foil

Grilled salmon cooked in foil with lemon slices and herbs wrapped around the fillet.
Grilled Salmon in Foil. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Foil grilling seals in juices for tender, flaky fish. We vent the packet slightly to avoid steaming.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon in Foil

Grilled Scallops with Parmesan and Lemon

Grilled scallops with parmesan and lemon showing browned tops and fresh zest sprinkled over.
Grilled Scallops with Parmesan and Lemon. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High grill heat chars scallops with golden edges. Dry the scallops well so they sear clean.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Parmesan and Lemon

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers on a plate with lemon wedges.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer heat delivers charred notes with juicy bite. We space the skewers so heat can circulate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivore®, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivore®, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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