Fall is here! And I’m so excited for not just the change in the season but for all-new recipes!
As the crisp air of autumn rolls in and we swap out summer salads for heartier dishes, it’s the perfect time to embrace the flavors of fall with fresh fish and seafood dishes.
Autumn is all about bold, cozy flavors, and what better way to enjoy them than with a fresh and delicious seafood dish?
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, fall fish recipes are an easy way to get your taste buds excited for the season.
Let’s dive into some great ideas for fish dishes that are perfect for this time of year, using ingredients that bring together the health benefits of fish with the delicious flavors of fall.
Plus, I have two easy recipes to help you start your fall recipe journey!
Why Fish is a Great Option for Fall Meals
Fish and seafood are not only delicious, but they’re also packed with important nutrients, like fatty acids and vitamin D, which can help boost our immune systems as we prepare for the colder months.
Fish is a great source of protein, and oily fish like salmon, tuna, and arctic char are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are amazing for heart health.
When paired with fall vegetables like butternut squash, brussels sprouts, and pumpkin seeds, seafood dishes are a great way to bring seasonal ingredients together in one perfect dish.
Choosing the Right Fish for Fall
When it comes to selecting the best fish for your fall recipes, opt for those with rich, robust flavors that can stand up to heartier fall ingredients.
Salmon, arctic char, tuna steaks, and chilean sea bass are all great options due to their natural flavor and texture.
For those who enjoy lighter fish, white fish fillets like red snapper or cod pair wonderfully with creamy sauces and roasted vegetables.
Don’t forget to check out your local fish market for the freshest catch of the season—it makes all the difference in creating a truly delicious meal.
Health Benefits of Fish
Fish is one of the best ways to incorporate lean, healthy protein into your diet.
It’s high in B vitamins, which support energy levels, and omega-3s, which are fantastic for brain and heart health.
Plus, cooking fish is quick, which is perfect when you’re juggling busy schedules during the fall season.
Fall Flavors to Complement Fish
One of the best things about fall is the abundance of seasonal ingredients that pair perfectly with fish. The earthy sweetness of butternut squash, the slight bitterness of brussels sprouts, and the rich, nutty flavor of pumpkin seeds can transform a simple fish dish into a comforting fall meal.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with these ingredients as sides or mix-ins to your favorite seafood dishes. A roasted vegetable medley served alongside a crispy skin salmon or a hearty pumpkin risotto with grilled shrimp can elevate any fall seafood dinner to a new level of comfort.
Fall Ingredients, Spices, and Herbs That Pair Well with Fish:
Fall Vegetables:
- Butternut Squash: Roasted or pureed, it adds a sweet, earthy element to fish dishes.
- Brussels Sprouts: Pan-seared or roasted, they add a slight bitterness that balances rich fish.
- Pumpkin: Great in risotto or as a side with grilled or baked fish.
- Sweet Potatoes: Roasted or mashed, they complement the savory flavors of fish.
- Carrots: Roasted with a glaze or cooked into a fall stew with seafood.
- Parsnips: Adds a subtle sweetness when roasted or mashed.
Spices:
- Cinnamon: Works in small doses for a warm, spiced finish.
- Nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth to fish dishes, especially when paired with creamy sauces.
- Allspice: Pairs well with robust fish like salmon in fall-inspired rubs.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of roasted fall vegetables.
- Mustard Seed: Perfect for making a glaze or crust for baked or grilled fish.
Herbs:
- Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, great for roasted fish or in creamy seafood sauces.
- Sage: A robust herb that pairs beautifully with richer fish like salmon or sea bass.
- Rosemary: Adds a fragrant, piney note that works well with grilled or baked fish.
- Parsley: A fresh, bright herb that complements the rich, savory flavors of fall fish dishes.
- Tarragon: Its subtle licorice flavor works well with creamy sauces and seafood.
Now, let’s get to the recipes! I can’t wait to hear which one you like better. Don’t forget to drop a comment with your feedback!
Crispy Skin Salmon with Lemon Rice
If you’re looking for an easy yet flavorful fall fish recipe, this Crispy Skin Salmon with Lemon Rice is the way to go. It combines the rich, savory flavor of salmon with the zesty brightness of lemon rice. It’s light enough to keep things healthy but packed with fall flavors that feel cozy and warm.
Plus, it’s one of those meals that looks fancy, but takes very little effort to prepare!
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (with skin)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup lemon rice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the fish to get that perfect crispy skin.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the fillets skin-side down in the hot oil.
- Cook the Salmon: Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy. Then, flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through but still tender.
- Prepare the Lemon Rice: While the salmon cooks, prepare your lemon rice. You can either use pre-cooked rice and toss it with lemon juice and fresh herbs, or make it from scratch. This is a great way to add brightness to your dish.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the salmon fillets over the lemon rice and garnish with additional fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Salmon
- Get Crispy Skin: The key to crispy salmon skin is ensuring the fish is dry and the pan is hot. Don’t move the salmon too early; let the skin crisp up before flipping.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Salmon can go from perfectly cooked to overcooked very quickly. Keep an eye on the cooking time and pull it off the heat once it’s opaque on the outside but slightly pink in the center.
Creamy Shrimp and Butternut Squash Risotto
This Creamy Shrimp and Butternut Squash Risotto is the ultimate fall comfort food, blending tender shrimp with sweet, roasted butternut squash for a rich and hearty dish.
It’s a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly nights or a cozy dinner with friends. The combination of creamy risotto and juicy shrimp makes this dish a fall favorite that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shrimp
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup arborio rice (for risotto)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried sage)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions:
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized. Set aside.
- Prepare the Risotto Base: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 2-3 minutes). Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice lightly.
- Add the Wine: Pour in the white wine (optional) and cook until absorbed. Slowly add the broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and letting each addition absorb before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and fully cooked, about 18-20 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp: While the risotto is cooking, sauté the garlic shrimp in a separate pan for 2-3 minutes until pink and tender.
- Combine and Finish: Once the risotto is done, stir in the roasted butternut squash, sautéed shrimp, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and sage. Stir until everything is well combined and the risotto is creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot, alongside a fall salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Best Shrimp and Butternut Squash Risotto:
- Roast the Squash: Roasting the butternut squash adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the dish that complements the creamy risotto.
- Stir Constantly: Risotto requires patience! Stirring consistently ensures the rice absorbs the broth and becomes creamy.
- Customize It: You can substitute the shrimp with scallops, or even add mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and flavor.
FAQs About Fall Fish Recipes
Q: Can I use other types of fish or seafood for these recipes?
A: Absolutely! If salmon isn’t your thing, this recipe works great with other fatty fish like arctic char or red snapper. For the risotto, you can substitute shrimp with scallops or add more vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
Q: What sides go well with these dishes?
A: Lemon rice is a great complement to salmon, but you can also serve these dishes with other fall vegetables like roasted butternut squash or brussels sprouts. A side of fresh bread, or a fall salad with pumpkin seeds, would also be delicious.
Q: How can I make these recipes feel more festive for the fall season?
A: You can add fall flavors by tossing some roasted cherry tomatoes or butternut squash alongside the Creamy Shrimp and Butternut Squash Risotto. Another option is to drizzle the salmon with a simple mustard seed and maple glaze for a sweet and savory fall twist.
Q: How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?
A: The general rule for cooking fish is about 10 minutes per inch of thickness. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. A food thermometer can be helpful too—fish is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Cooked fish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm it in a low-temperature oven or microwave to prevent overcooking. Fish leftovers can also be used in salads or mixed with fall vegetables for a quick, healthy lunch.
The Perfect Way to Enjoy Fall Fish Recipes
Fish dishes like Crispy Skin Salmon and Creamy Shrimp and Butternut Squash Risotto are the perfect way to embrace the fall season. They’re simple to prepare, packed with healthy ingredients, and pair beautifully with the bold flavors of autumn.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, these dishes are sure to be a hit.
The best part? With such simple ingredients and little effort, you can whip these up for a weeknight dinner, or even serve them at a special fall gathering.
So next time you’re looking for a healthy fall dinner that’s quick, delicious, and full of flavor, give these recipes a try.
