When dinner needs to be quick but still tastes amazing, seafood is always a smart move. It cooks fast, pairs well with simple ingredients, and still feels like something special. These recipes keep things simple without cutting corners on flavor. From busy weeknights to last-minute meals with friends, these 21 fast and flavorful seafood dinners are ones you can count on again and again.
Spicy Tuna Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Give your canned tuna a boost with the fresh taste of pesto and the rich bite of sun-dried tomatoes. It makes an easy lunch you can eat in a sandwich, wrap, or straight from the bowl. This simple seafood dish is full of flavor and turns pantry staples into something you’ll want to make again.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Salmon Patties
These salmon patties are crispy on the outside and soft and flaky in the middle, which makes every bite extra satisfying. You can serve them with a side salad, stuff them into a sandwich, or eat them plain with sauce. They’re quick to mix up and perfect for a fast dinner that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Patties
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Whip up this hearty pasta using canned tuna and just a few pantry staples for a meal that comes together fast. The tomato sauce adds richness while the tuna makes it feel filling and satisfying without needing much effort. This is the kind of easy, reliable seafood dinner that’s perfect when you want comfort food but don’t have much time.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Miso Glazed Salmon
Roast salmon with a miso glaze that turns sweet, salty, and packed with flavor as it caramelizes in the oven. The glaze helps the fish stay juicy while adding a deep, savory taste that builds with every bite. This seafood recipe is quick to prep and makes dinner feel special without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Simmer salmon in a creamy sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes for a dinner that’s both rich and easy. The sauce coats the fish and turns each bite into something warm, bold, and comforting. This is one of those seafood recipes that makes a quiet night in feel extra satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon
Soy Ginger Salmon
Cover salmon in a soy and ginger glaze that brings a savory, slightly sweet flavor in every bite. It cooks quickly and pairs well with noodles, rice, or vegetables without needing much else on the plate. This is a simple recipe that tastes like it took more effort than it did.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Roll up spicy tuna and rice for a dish that’s fast, fresh, and full of just the right amount of heat. It uses only a few ingredients but still feels exciting and fun to eat. This is the kind of recipe that’s perfect when takeout sounds tempting but you want to stay in.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Niçoise Dinner Omelet
Fill a soft omelet with tuna, tomatoes, and tender vegetables for a light but satisfying meal that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It cooks quickly and leaves you with very little cleanup. This seafood recipe is a solid choice for days when you need something fast that still tastes good.
Get the Recipe: Niçoise Dinner Omelet
Pesto Salmon
Spread pesto over salmon and roast it until the fish turns flaky and full of garlicky, herb-packed flavor. It’s easy to serve with pasta, salad, or even cold leftovers the next day. This is one of those meals that’s simple but always feels fresh and worth repeating.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Poached Orange Salmon
Simmer salmon in orange juice for a bright and tender dish that’s just a little sweet and full of citrus flavor. It doesn’t take much prep and cooks while you do other things. This seafood recipe feels fresh but doesn’t ask for much from you in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Asian Glazed Salmon
Bake salmon in a sticky soy-based glaze that turns rich and slightly caramelized by the time it’s ready. It comes together fast and goes well with rice or greens for a complete meal. This one is big on flavor and light on effort, making it great for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Blackened Fish Tacos
Rub fish with smoky spices and sear until it’s crispy on the outside and flaky inside, then wrap in warm tortillas. You can top them with whatever’s in your fridge for a meal that’s quick and flexible. This is a taco-night recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos
Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl
Scoop spicy tuna over warm rice and pile on whatever toppings you like for a bowl that’s full of color, texture, and heat. Every bite has a mix of crunch, spice, and freshness that keeps things interesting. This is a fast seafood dinner that’s just as good as takeout.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl
Shrimp Pico de Gallo
Toss cooked shrimp with tomatoes, onion, herbs, and lime juice for something that’s bold, fresh, and packed with flavor. It works as a light main dish, a topping, or a shareable dip. This easy recipe is great on its own or brought out for a casual get-together.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pico de Gallo
Bloody Mary Shrimp
Coat shrimp in a tomato and horseradish mix that brings a bold, spicy kick to every bite. It takes just minutes to throw together and works as an appetizer, lunch, or party snack. This is one of those quick recipes that feels a little more fun than your usual dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp
Baked Lemon Butter Fish
Pour lemon butter over fish and bake until the meat turns tender, flaky, and full of citrus flavor. The sauce is rich without being heavy, making the whole thing feel light but satisfying. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want when comfort food is calling.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish
Salmon on the Blackstone Griddle
Cook salmon on a hot griddle until the skin gets crispy and the inside stays soft and flavorful. It only takes a few minutes but brings out the full taste of the fish. This is a reliable, fast seafood dinner you can come back to any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Salmon on the Blackstone Griddle
Lemon Garlic Scallops
Sear scallops in butter with lemon and garlic until they’re golden outside and tender in the middle. They feel fancy but cook in just minutes, which makes them perfect for any night of the week. This is one of those seafood recipes that works for dinner, date night, or anything in between.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill until they’re smoky, juicy, and packed with seasoning. They cook quickly and work well with sauces, sides, or just eaten right off the stick. This easy recipe is always a hit and perfect for warm evenings or weekend meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Salmon and Asparagus Quiche
Bake a creamy salmon and asparagus filling into a buttery crust for a dish that’s both flaky and rich. It holds together well and works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner without needing much else. This is a seafood recipe that feels like comfort food in every slice.
Get the Recipe: Salmon and Asparagus Quiche
Blackened Cod
Coat cod in bold spices and sear until the outside is dark and crisp while the inside stays flaky and tender. It cooks in minutes and brings big flavor without any complicated steps. This is a fast dinner that works on busy nights when you still want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod