The switch to fish recipes for Lent can bring some tasty results. Here are our favorite ones to try if you're cutting meat from your diet for the Lenten season.
30 Delicious Fish Recipes for Lent
Updated on Jan. 08, 2025
1/30
Sweet & Tangy Salmon with Green Beans
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always up for new ways to cook salmon. In this dish, a sweet sauce gives the fish and green beans some down-home barbecue tang. Even our kids love it. —Aliesha Caldwell, Robersonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup green beans: 394 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
2/30
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
3/30
Feta Tomato-Basil Fish
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I rely on my husband for the main ingredient in this fuss-free dish. He fills our freezer after his summer fishing trip. —Alicia Szeszol, Lindenhurst, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 241 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 660mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
4/30
Easy Fish Tacos
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 350 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 632mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
5/30
Fried Lemon Fish
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fishing is a popular recreational activity where we live, so folks are always looking for ways to prepare their catches. My husband ranks this as one of his favorite fish fry batters. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked fish: 384 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 167mg cholesterol, 481mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
6/30
Peppered Sole
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter loves this recipe—it's the only way she'll eat fish. To top it off, it's good for her! —Jeannette Baye, Agassiz, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 174 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
7/30
Salmon with Root Vegetables
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cozy hash is loaded with protein and healthy fats that keep you going on busy days. We've been known to devour it at breakfast, lunch and dinner! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
8/30
Fried Fish
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (1-1/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to eat fish and I think this is a great way to make it. The coating adheres nicely and cooks to a lovely golden brown. With the homemade tartar sauce this meal is as good as when you eat out.—Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked fish with 3 tablespoons sauce: 754 calories, 55g fat (6g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
Easily turn this fried fish dish into a full plate of fish and chips by serving it with French fry recipes!
9/30
Honey Walleye
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so fishing is a favorite recreational activity here. This recipe is a quick way to prepare all the fresh walleye hooked by the anglers in my family. —Kitty McCue, St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked fish: 389 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
10/30
Tuna Mushroom Casserole
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this dressed-up version of a tuna casserole. The green beans add nice texture, color and flavor. The first time I made this dish, my uncle asked for seconds even though tuna casseroles are not usually his favorite.
—Jone Furlong, Santa Rosa, California
—Jone Furlong, Santa Rosa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 343 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
11/30
Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings (2 cups salsa)
From the Recipe Creator:
A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup salsa: 376 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/30
Grilled Tilapia Piccata
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 206 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
13/30
Crumb-Topped Sole
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a low-carb supper that’s ready in a pinch? These buttery sole fillets have just a dab of rich sauce topped with toasty bread crumbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 267 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
14/30
Tuna Melt
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our children were young, I often fixed these warm, crunchy sandwiches. They go well with chips and a salad for a quick lunch. —Carole Anhalt, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 363 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
15/30
Parmesan Fish Sticks
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 281 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
16/30
Tomato-Poached Halibut
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My halibut with a burst of lemon comes together in one pan and stays super moist. Try it with polenta, angel hair pasta or crusty bread. —Danna Rogers, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1 cup sauce: 224 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/30
Tuna Burger
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family members were so accustomed to typical beef burgers that they were hesitant to try these when I first made them. Any skepticism disappeared after just one bite. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 417 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
18/30
Salmon with Spinach & White Beans
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup spinach mixture : 317 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
19/30
Summer Garden Fish Tacos
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’ve got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 278 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
20/30
Baja Fish Tacos
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crisp mahi mahi pans out beautifully when dressed up with fresh lime, cilantro and smoky adobo. One bite and you’ll be hooked on these baja fish tacos! —Brooke Keller, Lexington, Kentucky
21/30
Walnut-Crusted Salmon
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I can get salmon for a good price, I always turn to this simple and delicious recipe. It’s good served with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans, too. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 295 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
22/30
Mahi Mahi & Veggie Skillet
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cooking mahi mahi with a mix of vegetables may seem complex, but I developed this skillet recipe to bring out the wow factor without the hassle and fuss. —Solomon Wang, Arlington, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 307 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 3 vegetable, 2 fat.
23/30
Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings (2 cups salsa)
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago I found a grilled tilapia recipe in a seafood cookbook. The pineapple salsa with cilantro has a touch of spice and goes so well with the flaky, tender fish. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup salsa : 131 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fruit.
24/30
Spicy Tilapia Rice Bowl
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love healthy living and tilapia is a staple in my kitchen. Fresh vegetables are always good but take more prep time, so I use boil-in-bag rice for a shortcut. —Rosalin Johnson, Tupelo, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 538 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1365mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 10g fiber), 33g protein.
25/30
Pretzel-Crusted Catfish Bites
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my book. This combination of flavors just works for me. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with honey! —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 637 calories, 34g fat (5g saturated fat), 160mg cholesterol, 1503mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
26/30
Peppered Tuna Kabobs
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we barbecue, we like to wow our guests, so dogs and burgers are out! We make tuna skewers topped with salsa—the perfect easy recipe. My five kids like to help me put them together. —Jennifer Ingersoll, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 205 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
27/30
Salmon Veggie Packets
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I feel the spirit of Julia Child when I make lemon-pepper salmon en papillote (in parchment). It’s the first French recipe I learned, and the delightful little packages are family-friendly. —Renee Greene, New York, NY
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 400 calories, 23g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
28/30
Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are trying to add more fish and healthy entrees to our diet and this one makes it easy. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it's perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 216 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
29/30
Dill Sauce for Salmon
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. Plus, the sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked salmon with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 418 calories, 33g fat (11g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
30/30
Dijon-Crusted Fish
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dijon, Parmesan and a hint of horseradish give this toasty fish lots of flavor. The preparation is so easy, it takes just 5 to 7 minutes to get four servings ready for the oven. —Scott Schmidtke, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 214 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
Fish Recipes for Lent FAQ
What are some traditional Lenten fish recipes?
During the season of Lent, it’s common to come across Friday fish fries, where Catholics gather together to enjoy fried fish dinners while abstaining from meat. Make our fried fish recipe (slide 9) using walleye, cod, tilapia, perch or haddock. Round out the dinner with some of our other fish fry recipes like macaroni coleslaw and potato pancakes.
What sides go well with fish recipes for Lent?
There are plenty of delicious sides for fish that would pair with these fish recipes for Lent. Get your greens in with sauteed zucchini or dill and chive peas. Baked sweet potatoes and southwest corn pile in more veggies, and brown sugar baked beans add sustenance. Bring some carbs into the mix with a tray of gorgeous dinner rolls.
Can I use frozen fish to make Lenten recipes?
Yes, you can use frozen fish to make fish recipes for Lent. Just be sure to safely defrost the fish before cooking it.
