Fish is one of the easiest ways to eat more protein and fewer carbs: it cooks fast, takes on flavor well, and never gets boring. Here are ten fish and seafood recipes, each with a quick method and a pro tip.
1. Almond-Crusted Cod
Tender cod fillets under a crunchy almond crust.
Quick Recipe: Spread Dijon mustard on cod, press crushed almonds on top, and bake at 400°F for 7 minutes.
Pro Tip: Add lemon zest to the almond crust for extra brightness.
2. Baked Salmon with Pesto
Juicy salmon fillets under a layer of pesto.
Quick Recipe: Spread pesto over salmon, bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Homemade pesto tastes fresher.
3. Spicy Cajun Tilapia
Tilapia fillets with a spicy Cajun kick.
Quick Recipe: Rub tilapia with Cajun seasoning, pan-fry 3 minutes per side.
Pro Tip: Squeeze fresh lime juice over it before serving.
4. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
Shrimp sautéed in a lemony garlic butter sauce.
Quick Recipe: Sauté shrimp in butter with garlic, add lemon juice, cook until pink.
Pro Tip: Serve over zucchini noodles to keep the meal low-carb.
5. Herb-Grilled Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi fillets grilled with fresh herbs.
Quick Recipe: Marinate mahi mahi in olive oil and herbs; grill 4 minutes per side.
Pro Tip: Let the fish rest 5 minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.
6. Sesame-Crusted Tuna
Seared tuna with a crispy sesame seed crust.
Quick Recipe: Coat tuna in sesame seeds, sear 2 minutes per side.
Pro Tip: Serve with soy sauce and wasabi for dipping.
7. Garlic Parmesan Crusted Halibut
Halibut fillets under a savory garlic Parmesan crust.
Quick Recipe: Mix garlic, Parmesan, and mayo; spread on halibut, bake at 400°F for 12 minutes.
Pro Tip: Broil for 2 minutes at the end for a golden crust.
8. Coconut Curry Shrimp
Shrimp simmered in a creamy coconut curry sauce.
Quick Recipe: Cook shrimp in coconut milk with curry powder until pink.
Pro Tip: Add spinach for extra nutrients.
9. Pecan-Crusted Salmon
Salmon fillets with a crunchy pecan topping.
Quick Recipe: Brush salmon with Dijon mustard, press chopped pecans on top, bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Drizzle with honey before serving for a touch of sweetness.
10. Mediterranean Baked Sea Bass
Sea bass baked with tomatoes, olives, and herbs.
Quick Recipe: Top sea bass with cherry tomatoes, olives, and herbs; bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Pro Tip: Serve with cauliflower rice to soak up the juices.
Rotate a few of these through your week and healthy eating stops feeling like a restriction. Fast to cook, high in protein, low in carbs.
More high-protein, low-carb lists:
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Top 10 vegetarian high-protein, low-carb recipes