Seafood is a healthy, flavorful, and versatile option for quick meals. Whether you enjoy fish, shrimp, or scallops, there are many ways to prepare a delicious seafood dinner. Below are 20 seafood recipes that are easy to make and perfect for busy evenings. From grilling to sautéing, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings for a fast yet delicious seafood meal.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
4. Add shrimp, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
5. Stir in butter, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss the cooked pasta into the shrimp mixture and combine.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Tip: For a richer flavor, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Add it to the shrimp and butter mixture to create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.

2. Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place lemon slices and fresh dill on top of the salmon.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
6. Serve with extra lemon wedges.

Tip: To prevent the salmon from sticking to the parchment paper, lightly grease the paper with olive oil or cooking spray before placing the fillets on it.

3. Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Season shrimp with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. In a small bowl, mix sour cream and lime juice.
4. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
5. Assemble tacos by placing shrimp, cabbage, avocado slices, and a drizzle of lime sour cream on each tortilla.
6. Serve with extra lime wedges.

Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the shrimp with a zesty, tangy taste.

4. Lemon Garlic Grilled Scallops

Ingredients:

• 1 lb scallops
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss scallops with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and zest.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Serve with a drizzle of lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tip: Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels before grilling. This ensures a perfect sear and prevents them from steaming instead of browning.

5. Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia)
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 mango (diced)
• 1/4 red onion (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp cumin

Directions:

1. Season the fish fillets with cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill or pan-fry fish fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side.
3. Mix mango, onion, cilantro, and lime juice to make the salsa.
4. Warm the tortillas and assemble tacos with fish, lettuce, and salsa.
5. Serve with lime wedges.

Tip: If you prefer a crispier fish, lightly coat the fillets in flour or cornstarch before grilling or pan-frying. This adds a subtle crunch to the tacos.

6. Simple Shrimp Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 1 cup snap peas

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and ginger.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add shrimp.
3. Stir-fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through, then remove.
4. In the same skillet, add bell pepper, onion, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Return shrimp to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss to coat.
6. Serve over rice or noodles.

Tip: Add a splash of sesame oil at the end of cooking for a nutty, aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.

7. Lemon Butter Crab Legs

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs crab legs
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lemon (juiced and sliced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place crab legs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
3. Melt butter and mix with garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the butter mixture over the crab legs and place lemon slices on top.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
6. Serve with extra lemon wedges.

Tip: If you don’t have fresh crab legs, frozen ones work just as well. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking for the best texture.

8. Crispy Fish Fillets

Ingredients:

• 4 fish fillets (like tilapia or cod)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg (beaten)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

1. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the fillets in flour, dip into the beaten egg, and coat in breadcrumbs.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Drain on paper towels and serve with tartar sauce.

Tip: For an extra-crispy coating, double-dip the fillets in the egg and breadcrumb mixture. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust.

9. Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 ripe avocados (diced)
• 1 cucumber (sliced)
• 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
2. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and onion.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve immediately.

Tip: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick that complements the creamy avocado.

10. Clam Chowder

Ingredients:

• 2 cans clams (drained, reserve juice)
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1/2 cup celery (diced)
• 1/2 cup onion (diced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp thyme

Directions:

1. In a pot, melt butter and sauté celery and onion until soft.
2. Add potatoes, thyme, and reserved clam juice. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in clams and heavy cream.
4. Cook for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Tip: For a thicker chowder, mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the clams and cream.

11. Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into pieces)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
3. Add asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
4. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Tip: Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding it to the skillet. This ensures it stays vibrant green and tender-crisp.

12. Seared Tuna Steaks

Ingredients:

• 4 tuna steaks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season tuna steaks with salt and pepper.
3. Sear tuna steaks for 2-3 minutes per side, leaving the center rare.
4. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
5. Serve with a side of vegetables or rice.

Tip: Let the tuna steaks sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before searing. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents overcooking.

13. Coconut Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Dredge shrimp in flour, dip in egg, and coat with a mixture of coconut and breadcrumbs.
3. Place shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Tip: Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before coating the shrimp. This enhances the coconut flavor and adds a deeper golden color.

14. Spicy Crab Cakes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb crab meat
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, mustard, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into patties.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook crab cakes for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Serve with tartar sauce.

Tip: Chill the crab cakes in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape better during frying.

15. Seafood Paella

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid)
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 2 tomatoes (diced)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 tsp saffron (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large pan, sauté onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes until soft.
2. Add rice and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in broth and wine, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Stir in seafood and saffron (if using).
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes until seafood is cooked through and rice is tender.
6. Serve immediately.

Tip: Use a wide, shallow pan to cook the paella. This allows the rice to cook evenly and develop the coveted crispy bottom layer, known as socarrat.

16. Mussels in White Wine Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs mussels (cleaned)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add white wine and bring to a boil.
3. Add mussels and cover the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until mussels open.
4. Discard any unopened mussels.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve with crusty bread.

Tip: Add a splash of heavy cream to the white wine sauce for a richer, more luxurious broth.

17. Tuna Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna (drained)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 red onion (diced)
• 1 celery stalk (diced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, onion, and celery.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Serve on a bed of lettuce or as a sandwich filling.

Tip: For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and a tangy flavor.

18. Salmon and Vegetable Skewers

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (cut into cubes)
• 1 zucchini (sliced)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread salmon, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until salmon is cooked through.
5. Serve with rice or a side salad.

Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

19. Fish and Chips

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets (like cod)
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 cup cold beer or sparkling water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add egg and beer (or water) to create a batter.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot.
4. Dip fish fillets in batter and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
5. Serve with fries and tartar sauce.

Tip: For an extra-crispy batter, use sparkling water or beer that’s ice-cold. The carbonation creates a lighter, airier texture.

20. Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink.
4. Stir in wine, lemon juice, and parsley.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle heat that complements the shrimp beautifully.

Conclusion

Seafood offers a wealth of flavors and is perfect for a quick meal after a busy day. Whether you’re in the mood for shrimp, fish, or shellfish, these 20 recipes are simple and can be prepared in no time. These dishes are packed with flavor, healthy ingredients, and easy-to-follow steps, making them a great choice for busy nights. Enjoy!