14 Easy Fish Recipes for Lent

All year long, my family looks forward to the jovial fish fries that a few local churches host every Friday in Lent. It's the only time we eat fried fish, since nothing else measures up.

If you don't have a good Friday night fish fry nearby (or just want to eat a little lighter) and you're lacking in go-to fish recipes, Lent can present a challenge. Here are easy dinner recipes that call for for fish that's easy to find and won't cost an arm and a leg. These recipes are all proven winners with our readers, and I know they'll be at your house, too.

Cod Fish Cakes

Founder Elise Bauer says, "If you don't have cod, any white fish like sole or pollock will do."

Easy Fish Tacos

You can use many types of fish in these tacos, from tilapia to catfish. If the fish breaks up in the pan, no worries—since once it's in the tortillas, you can barely tell.

Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze

Contributor Emily Weinberger says, "Whether you like to eat it or not, I recommend buying and baking salmon with the skin on. It provides a barrier between the fish and the hot pan, protecting the fish."

Tuna Patties

For those who don't care for salmon, we present tuna patties, also made with canned fish for ease.

Quick Easy Fish Stew

Ready in about 20 minutes with minimal prep, this fish stew is a perennial favorite with cooks and families alike.

Sole Piccata

Founder Elise Bauer says, "The flour adds gluten to this recipe. Some people use no flour at all to make it gluten-free, but the use of tapioca flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour also works."

Easy Baked Salmon

Baste a big fillet of salmon in honey butter and sprinkle with herbs, then bake. An elegant result with minimal effort.

Baked Fish With Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Author Sally Vargas suggests serving this easy-peasy baked fish straight from the dish for a family-style feast.

Salmon Patties

Canned salmon makes these patties a winning pantry meal for nights when your fridge is sparse.

Crispy Panko Fish Sticks

Contributor Nick Evans says, "The trick to making this recipe in 30 minutes is to master the shallow fry. Fish cook quickly and there’s no reason to heat up a big pot of oil for deep frying unless you are making a boatload of these."

Moqueca (Brazilian Fish Stew)

This Brazilian dish has won over thousands of our readers for its simplicity of preparation but complexity of flavor. Layer aromatic vegetables and fish in a pot, add coconut milk, then gently simmer for 15 minutes.

Pan-Fried Catfish

Here's cornmeal-crusted catfish sizzled quickly in a pan, plain and simple. If you have catfish and are at a loss for how to cook it, here's your answer.

Baked Cod With Ritz Cracker Topping

Buttery Ritz crackers make an irresistible topping for flaky white fish.

Tilapia with Olives, Mushrooms, and Tomatoes

Founder Elise Bauer says, "Feel free to use any tender white fish fillet with this recipe, for example cod or red snapper."