Tired of Salmon? Try These 9 Creative Fish Recipes Instead

If you’re concerned about the cost of fish, the freezer section of your local supermarket has some affordable options, and they’re just as nutritious as fresh fish. Tinned fish is also a good, and shelf-stable, choice.
If you count yourself among those who don’t eat enough fish, or only stick to salmon, it may be time to consider new ways to add more seafood to your plate. After all, there are literally plenty of other fish in the sea. Let these nine mouthwatering fish recipes inspire you to get hooked on something new!

Spinach and Anchovy Pasta
Anchovies get a bad rap as a fish that ruins pizza, but these flavorful and nutrient-packed little fish can be a great addition to pasta adding a delightful salty taste and heart-healthy omega-3 fats at the same time, notes the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Spinach adds a healthy dose of plant-based iron to make this dish even more nutritionally well-rounded.
PREP TIME
5 minCOOK TIME
25 minTOTAL TIME
30 minIngredients
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain.
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil and panko and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Remove the panko mixture to a plate and set aside. Wipe skillet out.
To the same skillet, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil, spinach, and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in anchovies and heat through. Add pasta and toss to evenly coat noodles. To serve, top with panko mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
calories
349total fat
17gsaturated fat
2.6gprotein
15gcarbohydrates
38gfiber
6.4gsugar
2.1gadded sugar
0.4gsodium
332mgTips
If you don’t love the look of whole anchovies, you can use anchovy paste instead.
TAGS:
Wheat, Fin fish, Diabetes-Friendly, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, High-Fiber, Cholesterol-Conscious, Quick & Easy, Dinner, Cancer PreventionRate recipe
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Blackened Mahi Mahi with Fresh Salsa
The combination of Cajun spices and bright flavors of fresh fruit and vegetable salsa meld together with the aid of fresh lime juice. Mahi mahi may be a lesser known fish variety, but it is packed with essential nutrients that help keep your body functioning at its best, according to Global Seafoods International.
PREP TIME
15 minCOOK TIME
6 minTOTAL TIME
21 minIngredients
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumber, tomato, mango, avocado, onion, cilantro, lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and salt.
Place mahi mahi on a plate and season with Cajun seasoning.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil and fish. Cook, undisturbed, until browned, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until fish reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, about 2 to 3 minutes more. To serve, top with fresh salsa and with a whole grain and vegetable for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size3 ½ oz fish plus salsa
calories
306total fat
15gsaturated fat
2.3gprotein
24gcarbohydrates
21gfiber
4.9gsugar
13.7gadded sugar
0gsodium
386mgTips
To make your own Cajun seasoning, simply mix together 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried basil, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp ground black pepper, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.
TAGS:
Fin fish, Diabetes-Friendly, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Family-Friendly, Cholesterol-Conscious, Quick & Easy, Dinner, Eczema-Friendly, Cancer Prevention, ADHD-Friendly, Depression-Friendly, Anxiety-FriendlyRate recipe
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Easy Baked Mediterranean Haddock
This impressive dish comes together in just a few minutes and with only 4 main ingredients! Baking tomatoes in the oven is one of the easiest ways to cook them and it increases the bioavailability (aka your body’s ability to absorb) of lycopene which may help decrease the risk of developing certain cancers, notes World Cancer Research Fund International.
PREP TIME
10 minCOOK TIME
12 minTOTAL TIME
22 minIngredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
Place haddock on prepared baking sheet and top with tomatoes and oil. Cook until fish is opaque and flakes easily, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and stir in olives, capers, and pepper. Serve with a whole grain or roasted potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size1 swordfish steak plus about 1 cup vegetables
calories
217total fat
13gsaturated fat
1.1gprotein
19gcarbohydrates
7gfiber
2gsugar
3.9gadded sugar
0gsodium
639mgTAGS:
Fin fish, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, Low-Carbohydrate, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Dinner, Eczema-Friendly, ADHD-Friendly, Depression-Friendly, Anxiety-Friendly, Cancer Prevention, Ulcerative Colitis-Friendly, Crohn’s Disease-FriendlyRate recipe
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Tilapia Tacos With Red Cabbage Slaw
Red cabbage is a top source of plant-based pigments called anthocyanins, which are believed to have anti-cancer properties and to promote brain and heart health, research shows. Tilapia, a mild white fish, is a great way to get more health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, and, according to the FDA, it’s a low-mercury choice, too.
PREP TIME
10 minCOOK TIME
10 minTOTAL TIME
20 minIngredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Place tilapia on prepared baking sheet and sprinkle Tajín on fish to coat. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Flip and cook until fish reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cabbage, bell pepper, tomato, onion, and avocado. Add olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper, and toss until well mixed.
Divide fish among 8 tortillas. Top each taco with slaw, cilantro, and avocado, if using.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size2 tacos
calories
542total fat
25gsaturated fat
4.8gprotein
31gcarbohydrates
52gfiber
5.2gsugar
10gadded sugar
0gsodium
756mgTAGS:
Fin fish, Wheat, Mediterranean, High-Fiber, High-Protein, Quick & Easy, DinnerRate recipe
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Miso Cod
Miso cod is one of the trendiest umami rich dishes at restaurants, but easy to make at home, and much less expensive. The reason: Many chefs aren’t actually using cod but sablefish, also known as black cod, a lesser-known fish that tastes rich, buttery and has a silky texture. It’s also low in mercury and higher in omega-3 fats than even wild salmon per Alaska Seafood. If you can’t find sablefish, you can use European sea bass (branzino) or wild Alaska cod, two safe mild tasting fish.
PREP TIME
5 minCOOK TIME
5 minTOTAL TIME
10 minIngredients
Directions
In a small bowl, mix together miso, vinegar, mirin, and brown sugar. Place fish on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Brush miso mixture over fish (you can marinate the fish marinate for 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator if desired).
Set oven to broil on high and cook fish for 5 to 6 minutes, until fish looks caramelized and brown.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size3.5 ounces
calories
285total fat
18gsaturated fat
3.7gprotein
17gcarbohydrates
14gfiber
0.2gsugar
8.5gadded sugar
3gsodium
626mgTAGS:
Soy, Fin fish, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Low-Carbohydrate, Quick & Easy, DinnerRate recipe
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Homemade Fish Cake Sliders
Kids, like adults, aren’t eating enough fish, but they may be more enthusiastic about it if it’s in burger or patty form. These patties use wild fresh albacore tuna, which contains higher amounts of omega-3s than canned, and is considered safe by the EPA for kids to consume once per week. The patties are seasoned with red curry paste for a touch of red chili, garlic, and lemongrass flavor that's not too spicy.
PREP TIME
10 minCOOK TIME
7 minTOTAL TIME
17 minIngredients
Directions
Place tuna, bell pepper, scallions, and curry paste in a food processor and pulse until mixed, about 30 seconds. Form into 12 equal patties.
Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add sesame oil. Place patties in a skillet and cook until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes. Flip patties and cook until golden on the other side, about 3–4 minutes. Garnish with yogurt and fresh dill, if using, and serve with lime wedges, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size2 patties
calories
158total fat
6gsaturated fat
1.2gprotein
21gcarbohydrates
3gfiber
0.7gsugar
1.5gadded sugar
0gsodium
396mgTAGS:
Sesame, Fin fish, Diabetes-Friendly, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Low-Carbohydrate, Family-Friendly, Quick & Easy, DinnerRate recipe
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Teriyaki Saba (Mackerel)
This popular Japanese dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. Better yet, it’s incredibly nutritious and calls for only 4 ingredients! The Cleveland Clinic lists mackerel as one of the three most nutritious types of fish (even beating out salmon). That’s because it’s high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids with some types being low in mercury.
PREP TIME
5 minCOOK TIME
11 minTOTAL TIME
16 minIngredients
Directions
Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Place the fish in the pan skin side down and cook until it is seared, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes more.
Add the maple syrup, mirin, and soy sauce, and turn the fish to coat in the sauce. Cook until the fish is cooked through and the internal temperature of the fish registers at 145 degrees F and the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove from the stove and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving sizeAbout 4.5 oz
calories
378total fat
24gsaturated fat
5.5gprotein
32gcarbohydrates
8gfiber
0gsugar
5.2gadded sugar
2.2gsodium
539mgTips
Avoid washing the fish before cooking. It’s not necessary, and doing so may spread contaminants to your kitchen surfaces.
TAGS:
Fin fish, Wheat, Soy, Mediterranean, High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, DinnerRate recipe
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Sweet Chili-Lime Baked Trout
Trout is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids with 0.78 grams per 3-ounce serving, notes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). That’s about half of the daily adequate intake for adults, according to the National Institutes of Health. Plus, trout adds a healthy dose of vitamin D to your plate, according to USDA data.
PREP TIME
5 minCOOK TIME
20 minTOTAL TIME
25 minIngredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Lay the trout, skin side down, on the prepared baking sheet, making sure there is space between each filet.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Brush the trout filets with the seasoning mixture and bake in the preheated oven until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, about 18 to 20 minutes. To complete your meal, serve with a side salad and whole grain, such as brown rice, quinoa, or farro.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving sizeAbout 4.5 oz
calories
293total fat
14gsaturated fat
2.3gprotein
36gcarbohydrates
6gfiber
0.4gsugar
4.6gadded sugar
4.3gsodium
249mgTips
Avoid washing the fish before cooking. It’s not necessary, and doing so may spread contaminants to your kitchen surfaces.
TAGS:
Fin fish, Diabetes-Friendly, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate, Low-Calorie, Anti-Inflammatory, Cholesterol-Conscious, Quick & Easy, Dinner, Paleo DietRate recipe
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Sicilian Pasta With Sardines
Sardines are an excellent source of protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and calcium and a good source of iron, according to the USDA. While fresh sardines tend to have better flavor and texture and be lower in sodium, according to Global Seafoods, canned sardines can be a great stand-in when the fresh variety is not available.
PREP TIME
10 minCOOK TIME
25 minTOTAL TIME
35 minIngredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spread the sardines evenly on the baking sheet. Season the inside of each sardine with the minced garlic, juice of 1 lemon, and paprika. Bake in the preheated oven until the fish flakes easily, 15–17 minutes — if using canned sardines, skip this step.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, 8–10 minutes.
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, remaining 5 cloves of garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, 3–5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and pasta, turning to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce. If using canned sardines, stir them in now as well.
Evenly divide the pasta between 2 serving dishes and top each with half the sardines.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size1 ½ cups
calories
643total fat
34gsaturated fat
6.6gprotein
35gcarbohydrates
58gfiber
7.7gsugar
5.1gadded sugar
0gsodium
394mgTAGS:
Wheat, Fin fish, Mediterranean, High-Fiber, High-Protein, DinnerRate recipe
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Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN
Medical Reviewer
Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN, is the director of health promotion for Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois. She is also licensed as an exercise physiologist and certified in lifestyle medicine by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Her experience includes corporate wellness, teaching for the American College of Sports Medicine, sports nutrition, weight management, integrative medicine, oncology support, and dialysis.
She earned her master's in exercise and nutrition science at Lipscomb University.
Andrew has served as a president and board member of the Nashville Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She was recently elected a co-chair of the fitness and medicine group in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Kelly Kennedy, RDN, LDN
Author
Kelly Kennedy is a licensed dietitian-nutritionist with over 14 years of experience in digital media. She previously managed and oversaw nutrition content, recipe development, meal planning, and diet and nutrition coaching at Everyday Health. She developed and reviewed various meal plans, books, slideshows, and online tools, and oversaw the creation of more than 500 unique recipes. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a master's degree from the State University of New York College at Oneonta.
Kennedy enjoys anything that takes her outside, from gardening and playing in the yard with her kids to hiking and even feeding her pet chickens.
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- Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. American Heart Association. November 1, 2021.
- Mozaffarian D et al. Fish Intake, Contaminants, and Human Health: Evaluating the Risks and the Benefits. JAMA. October 18, 2006.
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025. U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.
- Intake of Seafood in the U.S. Varies by Age, Income, and Education Level but Not by Race-Ethnicity. National Library of Medicine. December 22, 2014.
- Washington State Department of Health. American Heart Association. March 28, 2025.
- Advice About Eating Fish. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- Seafood Watch. Monterey Bay Aquarium.