Back to Blog

Fish Recipes for Non Fish Lovers

We all know someone (heck it could be us) who says they don’t like fish.  Most likely it’s because they say it smells, well… fishy.  These dishes will convert even the staunchest non-fish eaters with these mild and delicious recipes.

 

Tilapia is a great intro fish because not only does it not smell like anything, it has a very mild taste and texture.  It’s readily available, the texture is very similar to chicken, and the best part?  Tilapia cooks very quickly, so you’ll have dinner ready in NO time! Also, while we don’t normally love frozen fish, tilapia is fine to buy frozen.  It defrosts in a few minutes in a bowl of warm water.

Haddock, scrod or cod are your next best bet, still very mild but a little thicker in texture.  Any of these recipes can be made with any of these fishes.

Thai Coconut Tilapia

4 servings

Coconut milk lends creaminess to this spicy fish dish. Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red curry paste and sriracha.

This dish is non-dairy (pareve) and fish.

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbs. coconut oil (or any cooking oil)
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1 bunch of green beans
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 red pepper, cut into thin strips
  • 1 can light coconut milk
  • 3 Tbs. Thai red curry paste
  • 4 tilapia fillets- 4 oz. each
  • ½ C. diced cilantro
  • ¼ C. thinly sliced scallions
  • 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges
  • Kosher salt
  • Sriracha (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pan to medium heat. Melt coconut oil in the pan, and sauté onion until it begins to soften, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add carrots and cook for about 5 minutes. Add green beans and red pepper.
  3. Add curry paste and coconut milk to the pan. Stir until the curry paste is fully dissolved into the coconut milk, cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Add fish and cook on medium high heat for 5 to 6 minutes.
  5. Season to taste with salt and garnish with cilantro, green onion, and a wedge of lime before serving.
Mediterranean Tilapia Saute

4 servings

This easy one-pan dish sings with the basic flavors of the Mediterranean.

Serve over any whole grain and your meal is complete.

This recipe is non-dairy (pareve) and fish.

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp. olive oil, divided
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • ½ C. white wine
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 4 (4-ounce) tilapia fillets
  • 1 C. canned petit Italian seasoned diced tomatoes, with juice
  • ½ C. chopped pitted green or black Greek olives
  • 2 Tbs. capers
  • 1/4 Tsp. dried crushed red pepper, optional
  • 2 C. packed fresh baby spinach leaves
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large nonstick skillet heat 2 teaspoons of oil over a medium-high heat.
  2. Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes.
  3. Add the wine, garlic, fish, tomatoes, olives and capers and crushed red pepper.
  4. Cover and cook until fish is opaque in the center, about 2½ minutes per side.
  5. Remove lid, add spinach and continue cooking for 3 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
Coconut Panko Crusted Tilapia

4 servings

For anyone who loves their fish with a crispy coating, here’s a great solution without frying in an abundance of oil.

This recipe is non-dairy (pareve) and fish.

Ingredients

  • 1 C. flour
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ C. unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 Tbs. chili powder
  • 1 C. Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp. Kosher salt
  • 4 tilapia fillets
  • 2 Tbs. vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Place flour in a shallow bowl or dish. In a small mixing bowl, whisk eggs until combined.
  2. On a plate, mix coconut, Panko, chili powder, and salt with a fork.
  3. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over low heat.
  4. Dip tilapia first into flour, then into egg and lastly into coconut-Panko mixture.
  5. Place breaded fish in pan, increase heat to medium and cook on first side for 1½-2 minutes.
  6. Flip fillets and cook on other side until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, about 3 more minutes.