Those participating in Lent forgo eating meat on Fridays from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday. However, what is allowed and celebrated on Fridays is fish and seafood.
A common way to eat fish, especially in group settings, is to do a fish fry. However, there are much healthier and more delicious ways to eat enjoy fish.
Looking for a change-up of light fish recipes during Lent? Discover ways to enjoy fish Fridays that do not include a fish fry, including healthy and delicious fish dishes delivered straight to you!
Healthy Fish Dishes for Lent
There are many health reasons to eat fish besides choosing fish for Fridays during Lent. These healthy fish recipes can be utilized any time of year but can especially offer a quick and delicious alternative to fried fish during Lent.
Fish Tacos for Lent
A fish dish for Lent that can have almost unlimited variations and please any palate is fish tacos. Healthy fish tacos can easily be made with grilled or baked cod, tilapia, or any other white fish.
Simply season fish on both sides with favorite seasonings like celery salt, dill, and celery salt. In a lightly oiled hot pan, cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until the fish is cooked through and flaky. Serve with desired toppings with flour or corn tortillas and pair with cabbage slaw.
Salmon Lent Dishes
Blackened salmon filets prove a delicious salmon meal can be made in less than 20 minutes. All that is needed is olive oil, salmon, and desired seasonings. "Blackening" is a cooking process best described as dipping protein, especially fish, then sprinkling with a blend of seasoning. Blackened salmon can be made on the stovetop or baked in the oven, and it pairs wonderfully with tomato okra stew.
Baked salmon cakes are a light and zesty way to enjoy fish Fridays. They are prepared with fresh salmon, sauteed veggies, and various herbs. The combination of these ingredients not only leads to immense flavor but heart-healthy nutrients. They can also be made with canned salmon which can take even less time to prepare.
Rather skip the cooking? Let bistroMD deliver light fish recipes to you not only for Lent but throughout the year! Great fish dishes with flavor as deep as the sea include grilled salmon with lemon dijon dressing, oven-fried catfish with spicy tomato leek sauce, and so much more!
Tuna Lent Dishes
If cooking with fresh fish does not appeal to you, there are many healthy Lent fish recipes using canned tuna. One example is making tuna burgers that are mayonnaise free and can be made in 15 minutes. Pair with a salad and homemade sweet potato fries for a delicious and balanced meal!
Tuna noodle casserole has a reputation for being creamy, rich, and comforting while also being high in fat and sodium. However, BistroMD’s tuna noodle casserole is lightened up, packed with flavor, and can serve as a delicious, comforting fish dish for Lent.
Canned tuna can also be used for a healthy but filling tuna Nicoise salad. A Nicoise salad pairs leafy greens with canned tuna, cooked potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, olives, and green beans all with a vinaigrette dressing. This will satisfy those looking for a healthy - but also filling - Friday meal.
Shrimp Dishes for Lent
Whether for weeknight dinner or Lenten season, shrimp is a nutritious seafood to put into your protein rotation. Shrimp can also be enjoyed in so many divine ways!
For instance, this garlic shrimp scamp recipe combines garlic, white wine, red pepper flakes, and other fresh flavorful ingredients to create one dynamic seafood dish. If fishing for a lower carb option, simply swap the whole wheat linguini noodles for spiralized zucchini and spaghetti squash.
If looking for an Italian favorite lower in calories but packed with flavor, this parmesan risotto with shrimp is it! The dish is so luscious and decadent, your tastebuds will be transported to a swank Italian restaurant!
Want to take a trip to the bayou without the travel? Give this seafood gumbo recipe a try and omit the chicken and sausage for Lent - but consider adding in for another weeknight dinner!
Healthy Fish Lent Dishes Recap
Every Friday during Lent does not have to equal frying fish. If you are looking for healthier and more delicious ways to enjoy fish, consider making fish tacos from any type of white fish.
Salmon or tuna can be made into cakes that are baked or seared on the stovetop. Blackened salmon can also be made either in the oven or on the stovetop.
Canned tuna can be used for many quick, healthy, and easy Friday Lent dishes. Try in a tuna noodle casserole or use as a base for a filling Nicoise salad.
