Given its superior nutrition profile, compared to processed meat, fish provides you with much higher benefits. Yet, it is not the most-cooked item in American households. The excuse is that – it is difficult to cook, and the various types of fish are unavailable. Keeping the difficulties aside, in this post, you will get a couple of American fish recipe ideas that are easy to make and mostly available.
A preliminary note: For those wondering how to choose the healthiest of the fishes, some of the key points to remember here are – “fatty” fish such as tilapia/mackerel/salmon/tuna/sardines are some of the most opted ones. They derive their nutrition content from the Omega-3s they are packed with. Another point to remember is – to opt for either freshwater or saltwater fare, both have their own set of benefits. Also, go for domestically farmed fish to get the best of nutrients.
Here’s how to cook the fish –
Table of Contents
American fish recipe ideas for you
Note: The spoon and cup measurements are in the US standards.
Here are the ones to try out –
1. Tilapia Tacos dished in Red Cabbage Slaw
Looking to promote Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet? Tilapia is your go-to fish! Add a dash of red cabbage to your palate that will also promote your heart and brain health! One of the best American fish recipe ideas here’s how to make it –
What do you need?
- Tilapia (1 lb) – use either frozen or fresh variety
- Medium red cabbage (1/2) or 3 cups (sliced finely)
- Roma tomato, red bell pepper, avocado, small red onion (1 each. Finely sliced)
- Lime juice (of 2 limes)
- Tajin seasoning (2 teaspoons)
- Virgin olive oil (1/4 cup)
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon)
- Whole wheat Small tortillas (6’’) – (8 pieces)
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon respectively)
- Cilantro (for garnishing)
How to make it?
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare the baking sheet with aluminum foil lining.
- Place the fish filet on the baking sheet and coat it with the tajin seasoning. Bake it for 6-8 minutes. During the cooking process, flip it and ensure that the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145 degrees F. Continue doing it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Now take another bowl, and combine the onion, cabbage, bell pepper, tomatoes, and avocado. Mix it well. To that combo, add black pepper, salt, lime juice, olive oil, and cumin, and toss it well!
- Take the tortillas and cover it with the cabbage slaw completely. Divide the prepped fish into the tortillas and top it with cilantro and avocado (leftover).
2. Miso dipped cod
Though pricier, you love them at the restaurants! So, how about we tell you how to make them at home and that too at a much cheaper rate? One of the most chosen American fish recipe ideas this cod dipped in miso paste is every fish lover’s delight. Its silky texture and buttery taste, enhance the taste!
What do you need?
- Wild Alaska cod (1 lb). As alternatives, you may also use – European sea bass or wild Alaska sablefish.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon)
- Rice vinegar and miso paste (3 tablespoons each). You can either make the miso paste or use a store-bought one.
- Mirin (2 tablespoons)
How to make it?
- Take a bowl and combine the ingredients (miso paste, mirin, vinegar, and brown sugar). Try to make a thick paste out of the combo.
- Now take a baking sheet that is lined with aluminum foil. Brush the fish filet with the paste you have created beforehand.
(If you prefer, you may marinate the fish for 30 minutes, or even overnight)
- Once the fish is marinated, set the oven to high and broil the fish for 5-6 minutes. Wait till it turns brown and looks caramelized. Serve it with a salad dish.
3. Fish cake patties
How about eating fish in patty form? Curious? Here’s another of the quirky American fish recipe ideas that you can try to increase your fish intake and that too in a fun way. These patties are additionally garnished with red curry paste, thereby heightening the unique culinary experience.
What do you need?
- Raw wild albacore tuna (1 lb)
- Thai red curry paste and oil (sesame/canola) (2 tablespoons each)
- Sliced scallions (4)
- Red bell pepper (1, diced)
- For garnishing – lime wedges, Greek yogurt (non-fat), fresh dill
How to make it?
- To create the patties you will require a food processor. Combine the curry paste, bell pepper, tuna, and scallions and put them in the food processor for 30 seconds. Create 12 patties.
- Add the sesame/canola oil and place a nonstick skillet on medium heat. Place the patties in a skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes (or until it turns golden brown). Flip it and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- While serving it, you must garnish it with fresh dill and yogurt – laced with lime wedges.
4. Oven-fried catfish (Southern style)
If you want to change your taste and are looking for something dishier, then there’s nothing better than the oven-fried catfish! Perfect for parties/get-togethers, or even for a light and early dinner – this is one of the quickest American fish recipe ideas that you will come across. Here’s bringing the details to you –
What do you need?
- Catfish filet (1 1/2 pounds) – cut it into serving sizes.
- Paprika and white sugar (1 teaspoon each)
- Cornmeal (1 cup)
- Hot pepper sauce (1 tablespoon). You may also use water as an alternative.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
- Creole seasoning (2 teaspoons)
- Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons)
- Eggs (2) – lightly beaten
How to make it?
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Then grease the 13×9 baking dish with oil. Set it aside.
- Rinse the catfish filet. Pat it dry with a paper towel and set it aside. Now take a bowl and add the sugar, paprika, cornmeal, black pepper, and creole seasoning. Combine it well.
- In another bowl, take the hot sauce/water and the eggs. Combine it well and create a thick paste.
- Take the filet, and dip it in the egg paste first. After that, coat the filet with the cornmeal mixture. Arrange it well in the baking pan.
- You have to bake it for 15 minutes or ensure that it turns golden brown. While cooking it, ensure that you turn it at least once during cooking.
- Now place the catfish on the plate lined by a paper towel. Serve it immediately with hot sauce!
5. Parchment wrapped salmon
The last of the American fish recipe ideas that you can try out for any occasion is this wild salmon wrapped in parchment. As the fish is baked, the salmon builds up the moisture creating a juicy fillet within. When you lace that fillet with herbs and veggies – the dish is nothing short of a proteinaceous delicacy.
What do you need?
- Wild salmon filet (1 lb)
- Red and black pepper flakes, kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon respectively)
- Sliced garlic cloves (3)
- Sliced lemon (1)
- Fresh oregano (4 sprigs) or dried oregano (1 tablespoon)
How to make it?
- You have to start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the salmon fillet on the parchment paper. After that top it with garlic, pepper flakes (red and black), oregano, kosher salt, and lemon slices.
- Now you must fold the edges of the paper over the filet to create a tight seal. Ensure that the edge is sealed well, not allowing the steam to escape.
- Finally, you have to bake this for 20-25 minutes. Make sure that the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Your salmon is ready!!
How to store the cooked fish?
If you have tried out any of the American fish recipe ideas mentioned above, and have some leftovers, here’s how to store them. You can pack them up and store them in airtight/freezer-safe bags. Ensure that you squeeze out the air from the zip-lock bags.
When you wish to consume it again, thaw the fish, reheat it, and it is good to go!
Parting thoughts
Though fish is not an integral part of American cuisine, you can curate some of the tastiest dishes from it. Which of the above-mentioned American fish recipe ideas do you love the most? Also, do you have any recipes up your sleeve? Then update us on the same in the space below and keep watching this space for more!
Monalisa Mukherjee is a content writer, copywriter and editor with 4 years of experience. She has written for websites like Biography Talk, The Rich Net Worth, Contour Cafe, He And She Fitness and Fiction Pad. She is currently associated with a noted Digital Marketing Agency and specialises in writing press release, guest posts, articles on travel, entertainment, food recipes, celebs, lifestyle, tech, health, and fashion.