8 Quick Fish Dinners That Make Lent So Much Easier
They're all ready in 30 minutes—or less.
I have a confession: Until I started working in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen 15 years ago, I'd probably eaten fish fewer than five times in my life. It wasn't a part of my family's weeknight rotation, and after an iffy restaurant experience, I hesitated to order seafood—let alone cook it at home.
But one of the best parts of being a food editor in a Test Kitchen is being surrounded by incredibly talented recipe developers and culinary pros who are constantly cooking up delicious dishes. I have no choice but to try everything (it's part of the job!). Thanks to that, I have had the opportunity to discover plenty of fish dishes I genuinely love—and now cook for myself on the regular. These are my favorites.
Classic Tuna Melt
Tuna melts feel like the ultimate "intro" to fish. You're combining universally loved elements—buttery bread and melty cheese—with a creamy, satisfying filling. It's comfort food with a seafood spin.
Get the Classic Tuna Melt recipe.
Air Fryer Fish and Chips
Instead of serving fried fish with a side of fries, this version crushes salt-and-vinegar chips to coat cod fillets before air-frying. Who wouldn't want chips for dinner? Even better, it comes together with just five ingredients.
Get the Air Fryer Fish and Chips recipe.
Shrimp Scampi
Whether you pile onto pasta or serve it with crusty bread, this iconic, garlicky dish is a classic for a reason.
Get the Shrimp Scampi recipe.
Air Fryer Fish Taco Bowls
Grain bowls are endlessly customizable, but I often default to chicken. Turns out fish—seasoned with a medley of taco spices and air-fried to flaky perfection—makes an equally satisfying (if not more exciting) swap.
Get the Air Fryer Fish Taco Bowls recipe.
Air Fryer Salmon and Swiss Chard
This is the dish I make when I want to feel sophisticated—and maybe even open up a good bottle of white wine. Everything cooks in the air fryer, including the side, so you can actually relax and enjoy dinner (and not stress about a sink full of dishes waiting for when you're done).
"No One Will Know It's Canned" Linguine with Clam Sauce
Tinned fish is having a moment—and for good reason. Keeping a few cans in your pantry means you're never far from adding protein to dinner. This linguine comes together quickly, without the stress of having to figure out the timing for fresh fish. And, it's guaranteed to satisfy a pasta craving.
Get the "No One Will Know It's Canned" Linguine with Clam Sauce recipe.
Tomato-Roasted Cod with Spiced Almonds
One of my main reasons for eating more fish? It's a healthy choice. This 30-minute recipe fits nicely into a Mediterranean Diet and is packed with fun flavors and texture, so dinner doesn't feel like a compromise.
Salmon Salad Tartines
Open-faced sandwiches are often overrated, but this one proves how fun—and easy!—they can be. These loaded toasts feature a bright and briny fennel onion salad mixed with rich canned salmon. The whole situation takes 15 minutes max, start to finish. It's the definition of low-effort, high-reward.
Get the Salmon Salad Tartines recipe.
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