Fresh Fish Dishes for Weeknight Cooking

Foodie | 18.02.2026 16:30

Cooking fresh fish on weeknights is a great way to enjoy healthy, flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Fish is quick to cook, rich in protein, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings. By using simple ingredients and easy techniques, you can create dishes that feel special but are ready in under 30 minutes. These fresh fish recipes are versatile, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or quick solo meals.

1. Pan-Seared Lemon Garlic Salmon

Ingredients for 2 servings:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
  3. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until fully cooked.
  4. Add garlic to the pan for the last minute of cooking and squeeze lemon juice over the fillets.
  5. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

2. Baked White Fish with Herbs

Ingredients for 2 servings:

  • 2 white fish fillets (cod, hake, or tilapia)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  2. Place fish on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.

3. Fish Tacos with Fresh Salsa

Ingredients for 2 servings:

  • 200 grams white fish fillets
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 small tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
  • Fresh salsa (tomatoes, red onion, coriander, lime juice)

Instructions:

  1. Season fish with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook fish for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.
  3. Warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.
  4. Assemble tacos with fish, cabbage, and fresh salsa. Serve immediately.

4. Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp

Ingredients for 2 servings:

  • 250 grams shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with parsley.
  5. Serve with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Weeknight Fish Dinners

  • Choose fresh or high-quality frozen fish for best results.
  • Keep seasoning simple to enhance natural flavors.
  • Use quick cooking methods like pan-searing, baking, or grilling.
  • Pair fish with light sides like roasted vegetables, salads, or couscous.
  • Prepare sauces or salsas ahead of time to reduce cooking stress.

Fresh fish dishes bring nutrition, flavor, and convenience to weeknight cooking. With simple preparation and quick cooking times, these recipes make it easy to enjoy a healthy meal even on busy evenings. Whether you prefer salmon, white fish, shrimp, or fish tacos, these dishes deliver freshness and satisfaction in every bite.