Don’t know your mahi from your mahi-mahi? No worries. With these 31 ocean recipes, you’ll be throwing together fresh, flavorful seafood dishes like a pro. Seafood novices can easily master cooking techniques that make fish and shellfish simple and delicious. By the end of it, you’ll be confidently cooking up ocean-inspired meals that are anything but fishy—except, you know, for the fish.
Crab Cake Benedict
You don’t have to be a seafood pro to make a fantastic crab cake. Crab Cake Benedict combines that satisfying seafood flavor with a rich, egg-based sauce. It’s perfect for brunch or an indulgent meal. The crispy crab cakes offer the right balance with the smooth hollandaise, making it the ideal dish for a beginner to feel like a seasoned chef. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a seafood haven with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crab Cake Benedict
Shrimp Stock
For anyone who enjoys cooking seafood, Shrimp Stock is an essential recipe to know. This dish allows you to capture the true essence of shrimp in a rich, flavorful base. It’s perfect for those who want to add more depth to other dishes like soups and stews. Even with no prior experience, making shrimp stock is simple and will take your seafood cooking to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Stock
Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers
Even if you’re new to stuffing vegetables, you’ll find this dish easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers offers a fun and creative way to enjoy seafood. These peppers are packed with flavor and can easily become your go-to dish for any occasion. The seafood filling brings a touch of elegance, while the bell pepper adds a fresh crunch that balances it all out.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers
Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle
A dish that’s easy to make, and perfect for colder days or cozy meals. Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle offers a rich, comforting bowl of seafood that packs a bit of heat. It’s a great way for beginners to practice cooking with shrimp while getting the benefit of a creamy, satisfying base. The addition of chipotle adds just the right amount of smoky flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle
Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets
Great option if you’re trying to explore new ways to cook salmon without feeling overwhelmed. Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets are a fun and elegant way to enjoy seafood in small portions. The delicate salmon paired with soft leeks wrapped in flaky phyllo dough makes a perfect appetizer or light dinner. This dish is simple enough for beginners but looks impressive enough to serve at any dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Salmon & Leek Phyllo Tartlets
Classic Shrimp Scampi
For seafood lovers, Classic Shrimp Scampi is a must-try. This dish is a perfect introduction to cooking shrimp with garlic, butter, and a few other ingredients that elevate the flavor. It’s a simple but tasty recipe that will make you feel like a pro even if it’s your first time preparing shrimp. The ease of making shrimp scampi means you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi
Crab Spanakopita
For a savory, crispy dish, Crab Spanakopita combines flaky pastry with a rich crab filling. This recipe takes the classic spanakopita and adds a seafood twist that’s perfect for anyone looking to try something new. Whether you’re new to seafood or experienced in the kitchen, you’ll find this dish easy to make and full of flavor. It’s an ideal choice for parties or a weekend meal that feels special without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Crab Spanakopita
Smoked Shrimp
If you’ve never smoked shrimp before, this is the perfect dish to start with. Smoked Shrimp brings out a rich, savory flavor that anyone can enjoy. With just the right amount of smokiness, this recipe proves that shrimp can be much more than just a simple seafood option. Even beginners will find that mastering this method is easier than it seems, and the results are impressive every time.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shrimp
Salmon Pasta Salad
When you want a meal that’s quick, refreshing, and filling Salmon Pasta Salad is the answer. This recipe mixes tender salmon with pasta in a light, flavorful dressing. Even if you’ve never worked with salmon before, this dish is approachable for anyone new to seafood. It’s versatile enough to serve as a light lunch or a full dinner, and the balance of textures makes it satisfying without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
If you’re craving pizza with a twist, Shrimp Scampi Pizza is just the thing. It takes the classic shrimp scampi flavor and turns it into a whole new pizza experience. For those new to cooking seafood, this recipe is both simple and flavorful, allowing you to impress without overcomplicating things. The combination of crispy pizza crust and savory shrimp will quickly make this a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Cold Crab Dip
Perfect for gatherings, Cold Crab Dip is an effortless way to impress without needing a lot of preparation. It’s a great starter or appetizer that highlights the delicate flavor of crab. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a snack, this dip delivers rich flavor without being overwhelming. Even a beginner can quickly master this dip, making it a reliable go-to recipe for all occasions.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
When it comes to fresh and filling meals, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is the perfect choice. It’s a great way to incorporate shrimp into a light, healthy meal that doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. With Mediterranean flavors, this dish makes a great lunch or dinner and has plenty of room for personal tweaks. This is a solid choice for anyone trying to bring seafood into their cooking rotation.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata
For a twist on the classic, Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata adds a fresh, citrusy finish. The gremolata brightens up the rich salmon and gnocchi, creating a balanced dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. Even if you’ve never worked with gremolata before, this recipe makes it easy to try. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to bring a little more sophistication to their seafood repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata
Garlic Shrimp Scampi
The straightforward nature of this dish makes it an excellent starting point for anyone new to cooking shrimp. Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a classic that’s perfect for beginners. The garlic butter sauce complements the shrimp perfectly, creating a flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare. You can serve it over pasta or enjoy it on its own, making it versatile enough for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Salmon Gnocchi Bake
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal, Salmon Gnocchi Bake is a must-try. This dish combines the richness of salmon with the fluffiness of gnocchi, all baked together in a savory dish. It’s a satisfying meal that’s simple enough for beginners to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this recipe will make you feel like a pro in no time.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Gnocchi Bake
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Perfect for warm-weather meals or whenever you’re looking for a light, flavorful option. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp brings fresh, zesty flavors to your grill without a lot of hassle. The marinade infuses the shrimp with bold Mediterranean flavors, making this a go-to for anyone looking to grill seafood. Even if you’re not a grill master, this dish is approachable and quick.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp
Smoked Salmon Spread
Whether you’re a seafood pro or just starting out, this spread will become a staple in your kitchen. Smoked Salmon Spread takes the smoky, delicate flavor of salmon and turns it into a creamy, spreadable delight. This dish is ideal for those looking to dip their toes into seafood without diving into a full meal. It’s easy to make and can be served on crackers, bagels, or as a dip for veggies.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Spread
Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight meal but special enough for any occasion. Cajun Pasta with Shrimp is the perfect blend of spice and seafood. The Cajun seasoning gives the shrimp and pasta an extra kick, making it a flavorful dish that’s still easy for beginners to pull off. With just a few key ingredients, this dish has a bold flavor that will satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty, no-fuss dinner. Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and always satisfying. It’s a great way for beginners to dip their toes into cooking with tuna, with the creamy, cheesy sauce that brings it all together. This dish doesn’t require fancy skills, just the ability to mix ingredients for a homey, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
If you love the sweet and savory flavor of honey walnut shrimp, this Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe brings the same great taste to your kitchen. It’s a simple way to enjoy your favorite restaurant dish at home, even if you’re a beginner. The crispy shrimp and sweet glaze are easy to recreate, making this a fun, quick dish to add to your recipe collection. Try it out and see how easy it is to master.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Whether served at a party or as a light meal, these stuffed mushrooms will impress without overwhelming you in the kitchen. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms turn a simple appetizer into a showstopper. The soft mushrooms complement the rich crab filling, creating a bite-sized treat that’s both savory and satisfying. This recipe is easy enough for beginners, offering a chance to work with crab in a simple, delicious way.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
If you love shrimp alfredo, Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is a must-try. This dish offers a homemade version of a classic favorite, making it easy for anyone to enjoy rich, creamy shrimp alfredo without the restaurant price tag. Even beginners can master the creamy sauce and tender shrimp with minimal fuss. It’s a comforting dish that will quickly become a staple in your seafood cooking repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Mediterranean Salmon
If you’re looking for a lighter, healthier seafood option, Mediterranean Salmon is your answer. The Mediterranean flavors pair beautifully with the rich, tender salmon, making it an ideal meal for any skill level. This dish is easy enough for beginners but looks impressive enough for a special occasion. Whether it’s dinner for one or a gathering, this recipe brings a fresh, flavorful option to the table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon
Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters
Looking to add a fun, flavorful twist to your appetizers? Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters do just that. They offer a unique combination of shrimp, seasoning, and tangy pickling, all served in a fun, bite-sized format. Perfect for parties or as a quirky appetizer, this dish makes it easy to experiment with shrimp. Even if you’re new to seafood, these shooters are a quick way to make a big impression.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters
Seafood Stuffed Salmon
A great way to make a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Seafood Stuffed Salmon takes the classic salmon dish to a new level. Stuffing the salmon with a flavorful seafood mixture brings a richness to the fish that’s impressive without being complicated. This recipe gives beginners the chance to work with whole salmon while still keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon
Baked Shrimp and Avocado Tacos
An easy way to bring a little coastal flair to your dinner table. Baked Shrimp and Avocado Tacos offer a fresh and satisfying twist on traditional tacos. The shrimp is perfectly baked, and the avocado adds a creamy, smooth element that pairs beautifully with the shrimp. Even if you’re new to seafood, these tacos are simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Shrimp and Avocado Tacos
Cullen Skink
Cullen Skink is a traditional Scottish seafood soup that’s perfect for chilly days. It combines tender fish with a creamy base, making it a comforting choice for any occasion. Even if you’ve never made seafood soup before, this recipe is approachable and easy to master. It’s a dish that feels fancy but requires minimal effort, perfect for beginners looking to try something new.
Get the Recipe: Cullen Skink
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
Looking to try something different? Southern Style Pickled Shrimp brings tangy, briny goodness to the table with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for anyone who wants to experiment with pickling and give shrimp a whole new twist. It’s an easy, no-cook option that lets shrimp shine in a flavorful marinade. If you’ve never pickled shrimp before, this recipe is a great place to start.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
Baja Fish Tacos
If you’re looking for a fun, hands-on meal, Baja Fish Tacos are the answer. The crispy fish paired with fresh toppings makes for a light, flavorful meal that’s great for beginners. This recipe proves that tacos can be more than just a quick fix—they can be a full, satisfying dinner. Even if you’ve never made fish tacos before, this dish is simple, fun, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos
Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Shrimp & Corn Chowder is a hearty dish that’s comforting and easy to prepare. This recipe combines shrimp with sweet corn in a creamy base, creating a satisfying chowder that feels like a full meal. Whether you’re a seafood pro or a newcomer, you’ll find this dish simple yet flavorful. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a filling, flavorful bowl of seafood without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Seafood Chowder
No need to worry about getting overwhelmed—this chowder is a crowd-pleaser for everyone. Seafood Chowder takes you beyond the basic soup and into a world of creamy goodness. It’s a dish that feels hearty, filling, and rich with flavors, yet it’s easy for even a novice to master. By combining the right mix of seafood and creamy broth, it’s a comforting option that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Chowder