Want dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? Want to cook more fish but need a bit of inspiration? We teamed up with Eat More Fish, the online fish retailer that delivers nationwide, to bring you 7 quick fish recipes that are ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for family dinners.
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Eat More Fish is the brainchild of Stefan Griesbach from Gannet Fish, who started out with a fish stall at Galway Market and now delivers fresh fish across Ireland. The aim is to help people bring more fish into their diet while promoting sustainable species and fishing methods.
Stefan explains it well: the idea behind eatmorefish.ie is to make it easy to shop online and add more fish and seafood to your weekly meals, whether that’s delivered to your door or picked up through click-and-collect from a growing number of locations. With a wide, fresh selection available regularly, everyone can enjoy more fish, more often.
Eat More Fish shared these quick and easy recipes to get you started, and you’ll find more inspiration on their site.
#1. Cooking a Whole Fish
Cooking a whole fish is surprisingly simple, and encouraging children to tackle the bones from an early age can help them grow up comfortable eating fish in all its forms.
This whole fish recipe is ready in just 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the fish you choose, and pairs well with baby new potatoes and vegetables or a fresh salad.
#2. Homemade Calamari
You don’t need to wait for a holiday to treat the family to tasty calamari. Let your fishmonger do the hard work of preparing the squid, and you’ll have a tasty family dinner in no time.
Serve your calamari with a slice of lemon and some garlic mayo or homemade tartare sauce, alongside skinny chips and a side salad, and you’ll have the whole family asking for more.
#3. Clam Chowder
This tasty tomato-based clam chowder combines smoky bacon with fresh clams, or a mix of shelled seafood, for a filling family dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
You may also enjoy: 9 Easy to Cook Fish Recipes
#4. Indoor Fish BBQ
This weather-independent indoor BBQ fish recipe lets you eat like it’s summer all year round. Skewer onions, peppers and tomatoes alongside your favourite firm white fish, and they’ll cook in just 5 to 10 minutes.
For a truly indulgent treat, add scallops, crevettes or gambas — all available from Eat More Fish — and serve with a couscous salad or a baked potato. For an extra healthy twist, add courgette, aubergine or even pineapple.
You may also enjoy: 10 of the Most Delicious Salads for BBQs
#5. Homemade Fish Fingers / Fish Goujons
Try this quick recipe for homemade fish fingers or goujons, using ling, cod, haddock or another firm white fish that’s in season.
You’ll be amazed how quick and easy it is to make your own delicious fish fingers or goujons, which kids (and adults) will happily gobble up.
Serve on toast, in a wrap or pitta pocket with a homemade salsa dip for a quick lunch, or with mashed potatoes and beans or peas for a tasty dinner.
#6. Real Fast Food Mussels
Nothing tastes more of the sea than a bowl of fresh mussels, steamed with garlic, vegetables and white wine, and served with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
This quick recipe for real fast food mussels is ready in no time and works well with a side of skinny chips — a dish that’s guaranteed to please even fussy diners. Kids especially love this one, as they get to dunk their bread in the sauce and get a little messy. It can be a great starter recipe for introducing fussy eaters to fish.
You may also enjoy: 7 Mouthwatering Family Recipes Using a Healthy Ingredient
#7. Classic Breaded Fish
Breading fish is a quick, simple process that seals in the flavour and leaves the fish juicy and tasty beneath a crispy crumb.
Try this quick breaded fish recipe from Eat More Fish for a speedy midweek dinner or a Friday night classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the quickest way to cook fish for a family dinner?
Firm white fish fillets, fish fingers or goujons are among the fastest options — most are ready in 10 to 15 minutes. Whole fish and skewered fish also cook quickly, usually in under 20 minutes.
Can I use frozen fish for these recipes?
Yes, frozen fish works well for most of these dishes as long as it’s fully thawed first. Pat it dry before cooking so it browns nicely rather than steaming.
How can I help my child feel confident eating whole fish?
Start with smaller fish and show them how to check for bones as they eat, staying nearby to help. Doing this from an early age often makes children more relaxed about eating fish in different forms as they grow.
What sides go well with quick fish recipes?
Simple options work best: new potatoes, a side salad, couscous, mashed potatoes with peas, or skinny chips are all quick to prepare and pair well with any of the recipes above.
More Family Food Ideas
If you enjoyed these quick fish recipes, you might also like:
- 9 Easy to Cook Fish Recipes
- 10 of the Most Delicious Salads for BBQs
- 7 Mouthwatering Family Recipes Using a Healthy Ingredient
Browse More Family Food Ideas
Looking for more quick, family-friendly meal inspiration? Save this article for your next weekly shop, and browse our Family Food section for more easy recipes the whole family will enjoy.
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Have you tried any of these quick fish recipes? Let us know in the comments below.
