Plain fish has given Lent a bad reputation for years. Dry fillets and timid seasoning don’t have to be part of the deal. These 17 seafood recipes bring crisp edges, bold sauces, butter, heat, and real depth so we never feel like we’re settling. Tradition can still taste powerful.
Pan-Seared Cod with Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce
Golden-seared cod topped with blistered cherry tomatoes bursting with brightness. It’s clean but layered with real flavor.
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Roasted Branzino with Lemon Caper Sauce
Whole branzino roasted until tender and finished with sharp lemon caper sauce. Elegant without feeling fussy.
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Clams Casino
Clams baked with a savory, buttery topping that bubbles at the edges. Bold, briny, and anything but quiet.
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Crispy Fritto Misto with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce
Lightly fried seafood piled high with lemon dill tartar on the side. Crunch like this keeps the table lively.
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Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites With Sriracha-Lime Sauce
Crisp salmon bites glazed in sriracha-lime for a sharp kick. We bring heat to the table without overcomplicating it.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites With Sriracha-Lime Sauce
Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass
A hard sear gives the outside a golden crust while the center stays silky. Rich enough to stand on its own.
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Fisherman’s Stew
Seafood simmers in a savory broth layered with depth. Big bowls make this feel like a full meal.
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Pan Seared Scallops
Deep caramelization on the outside, tender sweetness inside. It’s a quick cook with serious payoff.
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Shrimp Creole
Shrimp simmer in a bold tomato sauce layered with spice. Served over rice, it delivers comfort with character.
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Shrimp Saganaki with Crispy Fried Halloumi
Shrimp cook in bright tomato sauce topped with crispy fried halloumi. Salty, saucy, and full of contrast.
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Pan Seared Salmon
Crisp skin and flaky salmon finished with creamy leeks and a poached egg. We turn a simple fillet into something layered.
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Ancho Rubbed Grilled Salmon with Nogada Sauce
Smoky ancho seasoning meets cool, creamy nogada sauce. Sweet heat and richness balance in every bite.
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Fried Catfish Po’boys with Spicy Remoulade Sauce
Crunchy fried catfish stacked high with spicy remoulade. Messy, bold, and worth it.
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Double-Smoked Stuffed Salmon
Salmon layered with filling and smoked twice for deep flavor. This is seafood with serious presence.
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New Orleans Style Fish Sandwiches
Crispy fish tucked into bread with bold sauce and toppings. It tastes like it came straight off Bourbon Street.
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Shrimp Fajita Bowls with Chipotle Sauce
Seared shrimp and peppers finished with smoky chipotle sauce. We keep things colorful and full of heat.
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Mini Tarragon Butter Lobster Rolls (Connecticut Style)
Warm lobster tossed in tarragon butter and piled into toasted rolls. Rich, indulgent, and still perfectly Lent-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Mini Tarragon Butter Lobster Rolls (Connecticut Style)
