Best Fish Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner: 7 Festive Seafood Ideas

Introduction Fish Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is traditionally associated with turkey, but why not shake things up this year with delicious fish recipes? Whether you’re looking for a lighter alternative, catering to pescatarians, or just want to add more variety to your holiday table, fish dishes bring rich flavors and elegance to Thanksgiving dinner.

Seafood has long been a part of many Thanksgiving celebrations, particularly in coastal regions where fresh fish is a staple. From crispy, herb-crusted fillets to rich, buttery seafood stews, there’s no shortage of ways to incorporate fish into your holiday meal. Plus, fish cooks faster than turkey, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

If you’ve ever wondered how to introduce seafood into a Thanksgiving feast, this list of 7 festive fish recipes will inspire you. Ready to make this Thanksgiving unforgettable? Let’s dive into these flavorful, easy-to-make fish dishes!

1. Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Why You’ll Love It:

• Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
• Bursting with citrusy, herby flavors that complement traditional Thanksgiving sides.
• Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.

Ingredients: Fish Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• 1 tbsp chopped thyme
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, parsley, dill, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat salmon fillets with the herb mixture and place on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until flaky.
5. Drizzle with melted butter and lemon juice before serving.

2. Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

• Mild, flaky, and infused with a rich garlic butter sauce.
• Easy to make with minimal ingredients.
• Perfect for pairing with stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place cod fillets in a baking dish.
3. Mix melted butter, garlic, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the butter mixture over the cod fillets.
5. Bake for 15 minutes until flaky. Garnish with parsley.

3. Pan-Seared Halibut with Cranberry Glaze

Why You’ll Love It:

• A perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
• The tart cranberry glaze complements Thanksgiving dishes beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 4 halibut fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Season halibut fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Sear each fillet for 4-5 minutes per side until golden.
4. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Heat until smooth.
5. Drizzle cranberry glaze over halibut before serving.

4. Maple-Glazed Trout

Why You’ll Love It:

• Sweet, caramelized maple glaze enhances the delicate trout flavor.
• A great alternative to traditional Thanksgiving meats.

Ingredients:

• 4 trout fillets
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place trout fillets on a baking sheet.
3. Mix maple syrup, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, then brush over trout.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until flaky.

5. Seafood Chowder

Why You’ll Love It:

• Hearty, creamy, and packed with flavors.
• A warm, comforting dish to serve as a starter.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 2 cups fish stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, white fish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and garlic in butter.
2. Add potatoes and fish stock, simmer until tender.
3. Stir in seafood and heavy cream.
4. Cook until seafood is opaque and soup is creamy.

6. Lemon Garlic Grilled Swordfish

Why You’ll Love It:

• Smoky, charred flavors make it stand out on the holiday table.
• Firm, meaty texture holds up well against hearty sides.

Ingredients:

• 4 swordfish steaks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush marinade over swordfish steaks.
4. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side.

7. Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Crostini

Why You’ll Love It:

• A light, elegant appetizer that adds a gourmet touch.
• Perfect for Thanksgiving brunch or a starter.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 4 oz smoked salmon
• 1 tbsp capers
• 1 tbsp chopped chives

Instructions:

1. Spread cream cheese over toasted baguette slices.
2. Top with smoked salmon, capers, and chives.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be all about turkey. These fish recipes for Thanksgiving dinner bring elegance, variety, and rich flavors to your holiday feast. Whether you’re serving a seafood lover or just want to try something new, these seven festive dishes will impress your guests. Give them a try and make this Thanksgiving unforgettable!