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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    November 24, 2021 Last Modified: November 24, 2021 By Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com Leave a Comment

    Feast Of The Seven Fishes

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    Feast of the Seven Fishes collage pin with text overlay.

    Start your Feast of the Seven Fishes right with all of these amazingly flavorful dishes that range from traditional to just plain, simple, and tasty! There's something for everyone to enjoy with simple pan-seared fish, seafood pasta, and more!

    Feast of the Seven Fishes collage for holiday meals.

    This tasty assortment of seafood-centered dishes will make any feast special!

    If you’re a seafood-lover, The Feast of the Seven Fishes is bound to be one of your favorite food holidays of the year! For many Italian-Americans, Christmas Eve is about celebrating the wait for the birth of Jesus while abstaining from eating meat.

    It’s a practice that stems from Roman Catholic beliefs and is a tradition that came over from Southern Italy with immigrants making their way to New York City in the late 1800s.

    Jump to:
    • Feast of the Seven Fishes Dishes
    • 1. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
    • 2. Calamari
    • 3. Pan-Seared Swordfish
    • 4. Pan-Seared Sea Bass
    • 5. Baked Flounder
    • 6. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
    • 7. Boiled Lobster
    • 8. Air Fryer Tilapia
    • 9. Pan-Seared Salmon
    • 10. Pan-Seared Scallops
    • 11. Cod en Papillote
    • 12. Air Fryer Shrimp
    • 13. Steamed Clams
    • 14. Frutti di Mare
    • 15. Blackened Cod
    • 16. Spanish Mussels
    • 📋 Recipe

    Feast of the Seven Fishes Dishes

    The main courses are full of flavorful seafood without any type of animal fats, as prescribed by the holiday. That means no butter, but that’s no problem! 

    Just swap it out for olive oil to make a Feast Of The Seven Fishes-friendly dish. Cheese is another common ingredient that can easily be left out for the event. So find your nearest seafood shop and see what's fresh!

    Any of the dishes below would be perfect for the big day. Most of these only take 10 minutes to make, so you’ll be able to cook everything and still have plenty of time to spend with family.

    1. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

    This Mexican-style appetizer is a light and refreshing start to the feast. It combines the fresh taste of onions, jalapeños, cucumber, and avocado in a spicy tomato and clam sauce with a twist of lime.

    Serve in a margarita glass hung with shrimp for an extra festive party dish! It’s perfect for the Feast or a random taco night. Either way, your guests will be thrilled.

    Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail)
    This flavorful Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail) is a delightfully fresh and tasty combination of shrimp, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno in a clam and tomato sauce! Serve as the perfect appetizer for your taco night, or as a light meal of it's own!
    Check out this recipe
    Coctel de Camarones Mexican shrimp cocktail served in margarita glasses.

    2. Calamari

    Squid isn’t usually on the menu at my house, so it makes an extra special holiday dish. The golden breading gives this typically chewy seafood an appetizing crunch.

    Add a few spices to ramp up the flavor, and you’ll be wondering why you don’t eat this more often! It’s an easy–and enticing–way to add some variation to the Feast of Seven Fishes.

    Calamari
    Quick, crispy deep fried calamari is the perfect appetizer to enjoy with any dinner but especially alongside some more wonderful seafood! The squid is made extra tender with a soak in rich buttermilk before being fried to perfection!
    Check out this recipe
    Overhead closeup on deep fried calamari served on sheet pan.

    3. Pan-Seared Swordfish

    Keep up the citrus theme with some pan-seared swordfish. Cooked to perfection, the lemon pepper sauce takes things to another level! It’s quick, light, and oh-so-delicious.

    Swordfish is a hearty fish that I find can easily take the place of meat in a meal. If you’re worried about guests leaving the table unsatisfied, don’t be. It truly is the steak of the sea!

    Pan Seared Swordfish
    My quick and easy pan-seared swordfish is exactly what you need for a simple but delightfully tasty weeknight seafood dinner! It’s lightly seasoned with a buttery lemon pepper sauce and it’s on the table in no time at all!
    Check out this recipe
    Closeup of the pan seared swordfish.

    4. Pan-Seared Sea Bass

    Sea bass has a delicate flavor that is enhanced by the simple flavors of extra virgin olive oil and salt. It’s an simple main that will go well with anything else on the menu.

    Anyone who shies away from stronger fish flavors, this is the one for you. And as an added bonus, at 13 minutes, it’s quick to put together at the last minute! Pull out your skillet and get ready to show off your skills!

    Pan Seared Sea Bass
    Perfectly pan seared sea bass is literally just minutes away and you can enjoy a fabulous seafood dinner of flaky white fish. The simple seasoning allows the sea bass to really shine as the star of the show!
    Check out this recipe
    Perfectly pan seared sea bass on platter.

    5. Baked Flounder

    Flounder is another mild-tasting fish that is great for kids and the less seafood-inclined.  While the delicious Parmesan panko crust usually contains cheese, it can easily be removed for the Feast!

    Try adding your favorite spice blend for extra flavor. It’s incredibly versatile; the secret to this dish is the golden panko crust. However you decide to spice it up, the crunch will leave a lasting impression.

    Baked Flounder
    My easy and light baked flounder is a fantastic combination of tender flounder fillets and a crispy Panko and Parmesan breadcrumb topping! It's a delicious dinner that you can have in the oven, baked to perfection, and served in 20 minutes!
    Check out this recipe
    Closeup of the baked flounder with crispy topping.

    6. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

    Seafood pasta dishes are some of my favorites, including this one. Shrimp goes with lemon and garlic like salt goes with pepper; they’re made for each other. Combine shrimp with some spaghetti and red pepper flakes, and you’ve got a real winner.

    Just remember to eliminate the Parmesan and replace the butter with olive oil! If you want to turn it into a fun family activity, you can even make your own noodles for an extra special touch.

    Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
    This easy-to-make lemon garlic shrimp pasta combines al dente pasta with succulent, tender shrimp and a deceptively rich sauce! Toss it all together in just 20 minutes for a tasty family meal that is sure to be a new favorite!
    Check out this recipe
    Closeup on the lemon garlic shrimp pasta.

    7. Boiled Lobster

    Lobster is the king of special occasion foods. Not many people can say they work this into their weeknight rotation, so if you’re trying to impress your guests, look no further.

    Boiling these shellfish in water flavored with bay leaves, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice results in a delectable meat! It's perfectly suited to tossing with some pasta as well, or adding into your favorite dishes.

    If you are craving a dipping sauce, hunt down a high-end olive oil. Either plain or an infused olive oil would be excellent with your Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner!

    Boiled Lobster
    This amazingly tasty boiled lobster is an easy way to make the perfect lobster dinner at home whether it's a special night for two or a huge lobster-fest! Serve your lobster with my simple drawn butter and dip every bite into the rich deliciousness!
    Check out this recipe
    Fresh boiled lobster on wooden cutting board with drawn butter and lemon.

    8. Air Fryer Tilapia

    I love using my air fryer for quick meats and sides, and this is no exception. When you’re pulling together several dishes at one time, you’ll need to spread out the cooking to different devices. Using stoves, ovens, and air fryers can make scheduling easier.

    This Cajun-seasoned tilapia can be ready to serve in 10 minutes. It comes out perfectly flaky and full of powerful spice! Many of these recipes are seasoned to highlight the flavor of the fish. Air fryer tilapia does exactly that, and it’s really good!

    Air Fryer Tilapia
    This fast and delicious Air Fryer Tilapia cooks up plain tilapia fillets into tender, flaky portions that are an absolute delight! The best part is that this flavorful seafood dish comes together in just 10 minutes for a super convenient weeknight meal!
    Check out this recipe
    Air fryer tilapia served over asparagis with lemon wedge on white plate.

    9. Pan-Seared Salmon

    If I had to choose, salmon would be on my list of must-haves when it comes to seafood. It’s rich and buttery without any type of seasoning, and it goes well with any basic side or even on a salad.

    Just add salt, pepper, and dill, and cook it in some coconut oil for a slightly sweet taste.

    Throw some lemon on top to balance out the flavors, and you’re ready to go. This is another option that will only cost you 10 minutes of your time. Trust me; it’s worth it!

    Pan Seared Salmon
    Delicious and easy-to-make Pan Seared Salmon turns out perfectly every time in just minutes! Season with salt, pepper, and some dill weed then serve with lemon slices or wedges for the perfect salmon dinner any night of the week!
    Check out this recipe
    Pan seared salmon served with wilted greens and lemon slices.

    10. Pan-Seared Scallops

    The key to mouth-watering scallops is pan-searing. There’s nothing more appetizing than seeing that crusty sear on both sides. Salt, pepper, oil, and lemon are all you need to make these outstanding bites of bliss.

    From start to finish, this too only takes 10 minutes. Cooking a feast doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Don’t forget to swap out the butter for oil!

    Pan Seared Scallops
    These Pan Seared Scallops are super easy to make at home with a delightfully golden crust on absolutely tender, tasty, restaurant-quality scallops! Cooking your sea scallops to perfection is much easier than you think and a real treat to enjoy on special occasions, date night, or when entertaining guests!
    Check out this recipe
    Large closeup of the pan seared scallops.

    11. Cod en Papillote

    If you haven’t heard of Cod en Papillote, you’re not alone. While it may not be a household name, it’s a fantastic cod dish cooked in a parchment envelope with carrots and leeks.

    Fennel, thyme, and lemon add a burst of flavor as they steam in the parchment package with it.

    Not only does it taste amazing, but it looks beautiful on a plate! The colorful herbs and vegetables definitely make this Insta-worthy. So if you’re looking to try something new, channel your inner chef and try this out!

    Cod En Papillote
    The most perfectly moist and flaky fish is cooked quite simply in a folded parchment paper envelope. This cod is so amazing!
    Check out this recipe
    Cod En Papillote

    12. Air Fryer Shrimp

    This should come as no surprise, but shrimp does really well in the air fryer. In 10 minutes, you can turn raw, frozen shellfish into pink, seasoned appetizers, ready to be dunked in cocktail sauce.

    And better yet, you can flavor them however you want! Plain is good, but try Cajun! Or lemon pepper! Brush your air fryer basket with coconut oil for an exotic tropical taste.

    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
    Deliciously plump and tender Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp is easy to serve up straight out of the freezer then onto your table in 10 minutes! Cooking times are also noted for fresh shrimp, cooked frozen shrimp, and breaded frozen shrimp so you can have your fave cooked up in no time!
    Check out this recipe
    Air fryer shrimp served with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.

    13. Steamed Clams

    If you’re lucky enough to have access to some fresh clams, I can’t recommend this enough! This is my husband’s favorite seafood dish, and with good reason. It’s bursting with rich flavor.

    Clams are steamed in wine, water, and onions. Top it all off with a squeeze of lemon. This truly is simplicity at its best!

    White Wine Steamed Clams (Tasty Littleneck Clams!)
    These delicious wine steamed clams are super quick and easy to make, but incredibly flavorful and a perfect way to enjoy your clams! Grab a good bottle of wine, some crusty bread to pull apart, and get ready to nosh on tender, fresh clams in no time!
    Check out this recipe
    Steamed Clams

    14. Frutti di Mare

    Frutti di Mare is a popular Italian dish that translates to “fruit of the sea.” It’s a tomato-based pasta dish full of whatever fresh shellfish you can muster up–shrimp, clams, mussels, squid, scallops.

    You name it, it can be added. The sauce is typically spiced with things like garlic and red pepper flakes. A generous splash of white wine adds complexity and elevates the dish.

    This is another option you can’t go wrong with. For anyone who likes shellfish as much as me, it doesn’t get much better. The smell alone is enough to bring everyone to the kitchen.

    Frutti di Mare
    Frutti di mare is a flavorful, decadent pasta dish that’s full of mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, and squid to make this incredibly delicious seafood pasta! The seafood is cooked in layers to add flavor as it cooks and to keep the different seafood varieties from overcooking in this tasty Italian dinner!
    Check out this recipe
    Image of frutti di mare plated on a white dish.

    15. Blackened Cod

    Try this Southern-style blackened cod for a flavorful seafood entree. Tender pieces of cod will end up crisp on the outside, flaky, and moist on the inside.

    A perfect main dish for family meals any night of the week, it's also perfectly suited for serving on your Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes menu!

    Blackened Cod
    This easy blackened cod is a flavorful seafood dinner that combines tender cod fillets with blackened seasoning for a true delight! It is uniquely appealing to everyone, from seafood lovers to picky eaters that may not be enthused about eating fish at all!
    Check out this recipe
    Easy blackened cod served on black plate.

    16. Spanish Mussels

    An interesting take on classic mussels that will be a new favorite! Perfectly cooked mussels are served in 'sailor's sauce' making them rich, flavorful, and aromatic!

    Spanish Mussels
    Easy to make, intensely flavorful Spanish Mussels are a must-make dish that combines sweet, tender mussels and infuse them with rich Spanish flavors! You’ll adore just love how delicious these mussels are with flavorful smoked paprika, saffron, garlic, and wine!
    Check out this recipe
    Square image of Spanish mussels in a white sauce pan with lemon slices.

    You simply can't go wrong with all of these easy-to-make Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner recipes! Let me know what your favorites are and I'll add them too!

    Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📋 Recipe

    Feast of the Seven Fishes collage for holiday meals.
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    4.92 from 12 reviews

    Best Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner: Green Salad + More!

    Start your Feast of the Seven Fishes right with all of these amazingly flavorful dishes that range from traditional to just plain, simple, and tasty! There's something for everyone to enjoy with simple pan-seared fish, seafood pasta, and more!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 175kcal
    Prep 5 minutes
    Cooking 0 minutes
    0 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon shallot (finely minced)
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • ⅓ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
    • each, salt & pepper (to taste)
    • 1 head butter lettuce (aka Boston or bibb lettuce)
    • 1 heart romaine lettuce

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, mix the shallot, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Whisk in the olive oil.
      1 tablespoon shallot, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, ⅓ cup olive oil, each, salt & pepper
    • Toss with hand torn butter lettuce and romaine heart, then serve.
      1 head butter lettuce, 1 heart romaine lettuce

    Nutrition

    Calories: 175kcal (9%) | Carbohydrates: 3g (1%) | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 18g (28%) | Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 45mg (2%) | Potassium: 116mg (3%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 2g (2%) | Vitamin A: 1374IU (27%) | Vitamin C: 3mg (4%) | Calcium: 18mg (2%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/
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    Hi there, I'm Angela! I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, recipe creator, animal lover, and total foodie. I love sharing recipes that are new, fun, and creative as well as great classic recipes just like my Grandma used to make!

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