Seafood often carries a reputation for being finicky or complex, but these easy recipes prove otherwise.
From quick-fix weeknight dinners like noodles marinara to comforting seafood chowder and impressive yet effortless entertaining options like a seafood boil, these dishes draw inspiration from cuisines around the world and showcase how minimal preparation can still yield maximum flavour.
Kedgeree
This speedy one-pan wonder from chef Matt Moran, inspired by comedian Ross Noble's memory bites, brings together freshly cooked saffron rice with flakes of smoked fish, jammy boiled eggs, and a crowning of flavour jewels — jammy eggs, fried curry leaves, sliced celery, coriander leaves and crispy shallots. Famously light yet satisfying, it’s perfect for brunch or a quick midweek dinner.
Prawn cocktail
A retro classic with timeless appeal, prawn cocktail remains a party favourite for its creamy, tangy sauce, crisp lettuce and sweet prawns. Let the glassware decide your aesthetic direction.
Scampi chowder
Tender scampi with potatoes and corn in a velvety broth — it’s a simple one-pot wonder that brings a touch of English seaside charm to the table. This version comes from chef Matt Moran, inspired by actress Danielle Cormack's memory bites.
Fish skewers with yoghurt and dill
Marinate, grill and serve — these fish skewers require minimal effort and deliver a sophisticated flavour. Serve these as part of a barbecue, as a party snack, or with salad and rice for a complete meal.
Noodles marinara
Transform a marinara mix and bag of Hokkien noodles into a comforting hawker stall-style stir-fry. The key is a DIY sweet soy sauce that cooks in minutes and lends a rich sweet-savoury note.
Baked fish fillets with sauce financière
This simple seafood recipe proves that just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes can deliver a restaurant-grade French dish.
Rosé prawn spaghetti
Butter, garlic and passata are reduced by half and combined with plump prawns that have been pan-fried in butter and brandy. The result is a tangy, cream pasta that is deceiveingly simple to prepare.
Tuna crudo
For an impressive — and deceptively simple — appetiser, try mixing fresh tuna and avocado with a soy sauce dressing and serving it with fried wonton skins.
Salmon foil-yaki
Steamed to perfection in foil packets, this Japanese dishes ensures that salmon stays moist and flavourful. The addition of mushrooms and bok choy, and seasonings of butter, soy sauce, sake with minimal clean-up makes this ideal for a weekday meal.
Seafood boil
Boiling a bunch of your favourite different seafood together creates its own flavourful stock — add to this some white whine, butter, saffron and herbs and you have a centrepiece feast fit for a crowd. Serve with lemons wedges, toasted sourdough and aioli.
Tuna and chive parcels
Cook together staple ingredients — onion, cheese, canned tuna, Dijon mustard — as the filling for puff pastry in this simple Italian aperitivo.
Crab, celeriac and apple lettuce cups
Light, crunchy and utterly refreshing, these lettuce cups combine sweet crab meat with sweet apple and crunchy celeriac. A quick toss in a tangy-creamy dressing, and you have an elegant appetiser or light lunch.
Simple Thai fish cakes
While many Thai fish cakes come with long lists of ingredients and preparation times, this recipe uses ginger, chilli jam and coriander to bring the flavour. Shallow-frying keeps the fish cakes tender, and a salad of cucumber, herb and lime add extra zing.
Sheet pan roasted fish and vegetables
Sheet pan — or tray baking — is a hassle-free method for a satisfying meal. For this version, cod fillets are combined with vegetables, crumbled with feta and roasted. A drizzle of olive oil and squeeze of roasted lemon are the finishing touches.
Fried squid with basil
Recreate this Aussie pub meal and restaurant favourite with a quick dusting in flour and toss in the wok. The addition of wok-fried chillies, eschalots and basil create a quick and aromatic plate.
British fish cakes
These fish cakes use a simple technique to boost the flavour — poaching the fish in milk and bay leaf seasoned with salt and pepper. Then, a little of the poaching milk is added with the mashed potato, fish and herb mixture.
Danish prawn sandwich
For a Scandinavian-style lunch, toss fresh prawns in a dressing of mayonnaise, lemon juice and zest, Tabasco sauce and dill then serve on toasted rye with a grind of pepper. Mini versions would work well for a party appetiser.
Vietnamese caramel salmon with bok choy
This dish offers a beautiful balance of sweet and savoury flavours, characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine. The caramel glaze on the salmon creates a delicious contrast with the fresh bok choy, made by cooking water, sugar, soy sauce and lime in a wok in a matter of minutes.
Smoked salmon and avocado parcels with minted yoghurt
When you need an impressive share-plate or starter that requires minimal preparation, this simple seafood recipe is your answer — avocado, chopped hard-boiled egg, Tabasco wrapped in smoked salmon and served with minted yoghurt sauce.
Lime-cured fish with avocado (ceviche con aguacate)
This Mexican classic 'cooks' fresh fish in citrus juice. The tangy marinade transforms raw fish while avocado adds buttery richness — a refreshing dish perfect for Australia's climate.
Oven-baked scallops (capesante gratinate)
This impressive — and impressively simple — appetiser combines sweet, tender scallops with a crunchy, herby and zesty breadcrumbs, popped in the oven for just 10 minutes.
Fish finger and lap cheong stir-fry
A playful spin on fusion cooking: crunchy fish fingers meet sweet-savoury Chinese sausage in a quick stir-fry with surprising bursts of flavour and nostalgia.
Fish tacos with mango salsa
These vibrant tacos serve up crispy fish topped with tropical mango salsa. The sweet-spicy contrast creates a quick meal that brings Mexican beachside flavours to the table.
Calamari and prawn pad krapow instant noodles
Transforms the humble instant noodle with Thai basil, seafood, and fresh chilli. It's a street food-inspired dish that delivers incredible flavour with minimal preparation and cooking.
Mussels in fresh tomato broth
Simmered with garlic, herbs, and juicy tomatoes, these mussels open up to release briny sweetness into the light broth. An easy crowd-pleaser served with crusty bread for sopping up every drop.
SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
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