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26 Seafood Recipes That Are Not Your Ordinary Fish Sticks

If you’re looking for seafood recipes that lean into grilling, air frying, and smoking, this roundup brings the flavor without the fuss. These dishes are built for variety—some are ready in 20 minutes, others are slow-smoked and packed with depth. Either way, the goal is the same: great taste with straightforward steps.

You’ll find bold flavors like blackened fish, miso-glazed cod, and honey walnut shrimp, along with more laid-back meals like sesame shrimp bowls or coconut shrimp made crisp in the air fryer. There’s even a few solid breakfast options, perfect for when you’re feeling a little fancy in the morning.

Scroll through and find what fits your vibe—whether that’s weekend hosting, quick dinners, or something a bit more hands-off with your pellet grill. This is your lineup of seafood recipes that work hard without making you work hard.

Subway Tuna Salad

Subway Tuna Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This easy copycat version brings that familiar tuna salad flavor home. Great for sandwiches, wraps, or scooped onto greens, it’s quick to make and keeps well in the fridge—perfect for fast lunches or a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Subway Tuna Salad

Whole Grilled Salmon Recipe

Whole Grilled Salmon Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A whole salmon on the grill looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to cook. With just a few seasonings, it turns into a tender, flavorful main that feeds a group with minimal prep and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Whole Grilled Salmon Recipe

Grilled Lemon Pepper Lingcod

Grilled Lemon Pepper Lingcod. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Light and flavorful, this grilled lingcod is seasoned with lemon and pepper for a fresh, simple dish. It cooks quickly and makes a great option for an easy dinner that still feels bright and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon Pepper Lingcod

Miso Marinated Black Cod

Miso Marinated Black Cod. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe uses a miso marinade to bring out the natural richness of black cod. After a short cook time, the fish is flaky and full of savory-sweet flavor. It’s a great pick for a special night in.
Get the Recipe: Miso Marinated Black Cod

Halibut En Papillote

Halibut En Papillote. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Halibut is wrapped in parchment with lemon, herbs, and butter, then baked to trap in moisture and flavor. This method keeps the fish tender and makes cleanup a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Halibut En Papillote

Cedar Plank Salmon on the pellet grill

Cedar Plank Salmon on the pellet grill. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Cooking salmon on a cedar plank gives it a gentle smoky flavor and keeps it from drying out. Done on a pellet grill, this recipe is reliable and tasty, with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cedar Plank Salmon on the pellet grill

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet sauce with candied walnuts—this dish is fast to make and full of flavor. A great option when you’re craving takeout but want to keep it homemade.
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

How to Steam Fresh Blue Crabs

How to Steam Fresh Blue Crabs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Learn a foolproof way to steam crabs so they turn out perfectly every time. No fancy equipment required—just a simple setup and a few timing tips for a seafood feast at home.
Get the Recipe: How to Steam Fresh Blue Crabs

Air Fryer Salmon With Lemon And Dill

Air Fryer Salmon With Lemon And Dill. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This air fryer salmon comes together fast and stays juicy inside with a crisp outer edge. Lemon and dill add a fresh kick, making it ideal for a healthy meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon With Lemon And Dill

Pan Seared Sablefish (Black Cod) with White Wine Tomatoes

Pan Seared Sablefish (Black Cod) with White Wine Tomatoes. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Black cod gets pan-seared and topped with a quick tomato and white wine sauce, all in one skillet. Rich and full of flavor, this is a great weeknight meal when you want something a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Sablefish (Black Cod) with White Wine Tomatoes

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

These shrimp skewers come out juicy and flavorful every time thanks to a simple timing trick. They’re perfect for grilling season or anytime you need a fast, crowd-pleasing dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Blackstone Blackened Fish Sandwich

Blackstone Blackened Fish Sandwich. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This sandwich packs bold flavor with spicy blackened fish cooked on a griddle for a crisp finish. Pile it into a bun with your favorite toppings for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Blackened Fish Sandwich

Cioppino with Clams and Mussels

Cioppino with Clams and Mussels. Photo credit: Food Fun and Faraway Places.

This tomato-based seafood stew features clams, mussels, and plenty of rich flavor. It’s a one-pot meal that’s hearty and warming—great for cooler evenings or weekend cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cioppino with Clams and Mussels

Sesame Shrimp Bowls

Sesame Shrimp Bowls. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Shrimp cooked in a sesame sauce and served over rice with fresh toppings makes for an easy, balanced meal. It’s a smart choice for lunch or dinner when you want something flavorful but simple.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Shrimp Bowls

Pellet Grill Lingcod with Wine and Garlic

Pellet Grill Lingcod with Wine and Garlic. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This recipe combines smoky grilled lingcod with a light garlic and wine sauce. It’s a flavorful dish that looks and tastes refined, but comes together without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Pellet Grill Lingcod with Wine and Garlic

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Coconut shrimp made in the air fryer means less oil but all the crunch. These golden bites are quick to cook and make a fun meal or appetizer, especially with a sweet dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Halibut

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Halibut. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Halibut gets a crispy Parmesan crust thanks to the air fryer, giving you a crunchy outside with tender fish inside. It’s a solid pick when you want something satisfying but a little lighter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Halibut

Smoked Black Cod Dip

Smoked Black Cod Dip. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This smoky dip made from black cod has a rich, creamy texture and deep flavor. Great for gatherings or snacks, it pairs well with crackers, crostini, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Black Cod Dip

Smoked Black Cod

Smoked Black Cod. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Black cod is slow-smoked to bring out its buttery texture and subtle flavor. It’s delicious on its own or flaked into pasta, salads, or grain bowls.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Black Cod

Traeger Cioppino

Traeger Cioppino. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This version of cioppino uses the Traeger grill to add depth to the classic seafood stew. Full of shrimp, clams, and a tomato-rich broth, it’s a cozy, smoky dish that’s perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Cioppino

Traeger Honey Garlic Salmon

Traeger Honey Garlic Salmon. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Salmon is grilled on the Traeger with a honey garlic glaze that balances sweet and savory flavors. It’s quick to cook and works well with a range of sides.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Honey Garlic Salmon

Cobia Recipe with Mango Salsa

Cobia Recipe with Mango Salsa. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This tropical-style dish pairs mild cobia with a bright mango salsa. It’s easy to make and brings a fresh, citrusy twist that’s great for warm-weather meals.
Get the Recipe: Cobia Recipe with Mango Salsa

Crab-Stuffed Lingcod

Crab-Stuffed Lingcod. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Lingcod is filled with a creamy crab mixture and baked until flaky. It feels fancy but comes together without too much prep, making it a great option for date night or guests.
Get the Recipe: Crab-Stuffed Lingcod

Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs

Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Soft scrambled eggs mixed with smoked salmon make a rich, flavorful breakfast that comes together fast. Great for a weekend brunch or a protein-packed start to the day.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This take on Eggs Benedict uses smoked salmon instead of ham for a smoother, more luxurious flavor. Serve it over toasted English muffins with poached eggs and hollandaise.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict

Teriyaki Smoked Salmon

Teriyaki Smoked Salmon. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Salmon is marinated in a sweet teriyaki sauce and then smoked to lock in flavor. It’s great hot, cold, or flaked into bowls or salads—super versatile and easy to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Smoked Salmon