January is a popular time to turn over a new leaf, and committing to a healthier diet is a great way to start. Eating more U.S. seafood is not only good for your health, it also supports American producers. They adhere to some of the most rigorous environmental standards in the world.
We know that “what’s for dinner?” can feel like the hardest question of the day—especially after the holidays. To help you power through, we’re resharing our top recipes from 2024. Whether you’re craving comfort food, quick and easy meals, or something new to spice things up, we’ve got you covered!
Honorable Mention: Hog Island Oyster Company's BBQ Bourbon Grilled Oysters
We couldn’t possibly compile a list of seafood recipes without some shellfish! Hog Island Oyster Company's BBQ Bourbon Chipotle Butter Grilled Oyster captured our attention (and tastebuds) this year, earning its place as an honorable mention. Sweet, salty, buttery—oysters are a versatile shellfish with flavors that reflect the conditions where they’re grown. Regardless of their region, all oysters are low in calories and loaded with protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients.
Available year-round, Eastern and Pacific oysters are sustainably grown and harvested in tidal areas. They can be grown on the beach bottom or in mesh bags, trays, or cages that are either anchored in the water column or floated on rafts.
#5 Tommy the Fishmonger's Opah Chili
Cozy up with a bowl of delicious opah chili! Opah—aka moonfish—is the star of this hearty, flavor-packed chili recipe from Tommy the Fishmonger. One of few warm-blooded fish in the ocean, opah is a unique catch with a rich, creamy flavor. It is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins B6 and B12, and selenium, while keeping things light on sodium. Opah is harvested year-round off the coasts of Hawaii and California and in the Pacific high seas.
Not in a chili mood? With seven different cut options, ranging from tender to steak-like, you can also try swapping opah into your favorite tuna or swordfish recipe.
More Sustainable seafood recipes
#4 Chef Tyler Hadfield’s Curried Skate Wings with Tomato-Masala Chutney
Make a splash with this stand-out skate wings recipe from Chef Tyler Hadfield of The Barley Neck, in collaboration with Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. Skate meat comes from a skate’s large pectoral fins, referred to as “wings.” It is firm and mild, similar in taste to scallops, and suitable for a range of flavors.
Winter skate, the go-to seafood species, is sustainably harvested in southern New England and Geroge’s Bank. It’s often caught as a bonus catch by fishermen targeting groundfish or scallops.
Meet the Fleet Recipe Cards from Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance
Meet the Fleet Recipe Cards are supported in part by a NOAA Fisheries’ Saltonstall Kennedy Grant Project
#3 North Carolina Sea Grant’s Triggerfish Cream Soup
Dive into a bowl of creamy comfort with this triggerfish soup recipe from North Carolina Sea Grant’s Mariner’s Menu. Gray triggerfish are reef dwellers found from North Carolina to Texas. They are sustainably harvested year-round by recreational and commercial fishermen using hand lines or electric reels.
Triggerfish meat offers a sweet flavor similar to crab. Their versatile filets are also great for grilling and smoking.
North Carolina Sea Grant Mariner’s Menu
#2 North Carolina Sea Grant’s Easy Oven-Fried Fish Sticks
These quick-and-easy oven-fried fish sticks are a guaranteed hit with kids (or kids at heart). Made with any locally sourced white fish, this recipe is the ultimate last-minute solution for a nutritious, delicious meal.
Introducing your kids to healthy eating when they’re young can influence their eating in the future. Start promoting heart health early on by incorporating sustainable seafood options into your family’s menu. Looking for even more kid-friendly ideas? Check out Seafood Nutrition Partnership’s Little Seafoodies resources for tips and inspiration.
Discover more recipes from Seafood Nutrition Partnership
#1 Washington Sea Grant’s Masala Sablefish
This masala sablefish from Washington Sea Grant is a must-try! Sablefish, often called “black cod” or “butterfish,” is known for its rich, velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It is exceptionally flavorful and versatile, pairing well with bold spices. Making it perfect for this pan-fried masterpiece featuring a bouquet of flavors. Fortunately, this delicious option freezes well, so it’s available year-round.
Sablefish isn’t just delicious. It’s also on the cutting edge of sustainability. In partnership with the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and the University of Washington, scientists at NOAA Fisheries’ Northwest Fisheries Science Center are collaborating to explore commercial sablefish aquaculture.
Washington Sea Grant's Discover West Coast Seafood: A Recipe Series
These were the fan favorites of 2024—we’ve got even more great seafood recipes to share in 2025! Be sure to follow along our #WhatsForDinnerWednesday posts on social media. And if you can’t wait until then to start your meal planning, check out our full slate of recipes to find inspiration for main dishes, sides, soups, and more!
