Few ingredients spark global culinary creativity more than fresh fish. If you’re looking for fish dinner inspiration, these diverse fish recipes have you covered — from crisp, beer-battered delights to fragrant spice rubs and tangy, citrus-cured creations. Whether it’s a sizzling street snack or an elegant dinner party centrepiece, seafood offers infinite variations for every taste, showcasing diverse cultural roots, centuries-old traditions and modern twists.
This bold and aromatic mustard fish recipe delivers a punch of flavour in every bite. Inspired by a traditional Indian dish typically made with hilsing herring, this adaptation uses salmon, a fish more readily available in Australia. A generous blend of ground mustard seeds and pungent mustard oil forms the heart of the dish, infusing the salmon with a distinct heat and earthiness.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
These fragrant Thai fish cakes blend red snapper with a vibrant homemade curry paste, showcasing classic flavors like lemongrass, galangal and makrut lime leaves. Served with a cooling cucumber relish, they’re crisp outside and tender inside — perfect for fans of street-food-inspired appetisers or a quick fish dinner.
Snapper fish cakes with cucumber relish Credit: The Chefs' Line Series 2
Hailing from the Basque region of Northern Spain, bilbaína sauce is made by cooking garlic in oil, stirring through fresh chilli and parsley, then whisking in red vinegar. Light yet bold, it’s the perfect pairing for fish, a testament to Spain’s love for simple, high-quality seafood.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
Peru’s national dish — officially recognised by UNESCO — comes in many versions. This one features fresh raw Hiramasa kingfish “cooked” in lime juice, spiked with the spicy and tropical notes of ají amarillo chilli. It’s bright, citrusy, and utterly refreshing — one of those fish recipes beloved by ceviche enthusiasts worldwide.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
Sri Lanka’s coastal flavors shine in this sweet-sour snapper, grilled over charcoal and glazed with a sticky tamarind-tomato sauce. A balance of smoky char and tanginess makes it an irresistible option if you want a bolder fish dinner idea.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
Silky sashimi meets crisp greens in this elegant salad. The yuzu vinaigrette adds citrusy brightness, letting the fish’s natural sweetness shine. It’s light yet flavour-packed — a great pick for those seeking healthier fish recipes that still feel luxurious.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
Sicilian caponata — a sweet-sour eggplant relish — pairs beautifully with golden snapper. A rustic yet refined fish recipe highlighting Italy’s love for bold contrasts.
Caponata with pan-fried snapper Credit: Kitti Gould
Give the classic fish cake a bold makeover with Tegan Higginbotham’s irresistible smoky version. These flavour-packed patties bring together a triple hit of smokiness, with smoked paprika, a touch of liquid smoke, and smoked salt. Paired with a creamy chipotle mayo for just the right amount of heat and zing, they’re perfect as a standout main or a satisfying snack.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
Crunchy beer-battered fish meets creamy avocado-may sauce in this hearty sandwich by Canadian chef Spencer Watts. The light, airy batter encases the fillet with a golden shell, while the tangy sauce brightens each bite.
Crunchy beer-battered fish sandwich. Credit: Comfort Food with Spencer Watts
This Vietnamese sour king salmon salad plays on sweet, sour, and fragrant flavours. Lime juice, herbs, and a touch of fish sauce make the salmon sing — a refreshing fish dinner that’s healthy and bursting with brightness.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
French finesse on a plate — perfectly crisp salmon topped with velvety beurre blanc and salty sea greens (salicornia). A luxurious bistro staple and French fish dinner in the comfort of your own home.
Credit: Blink TV
Known locally as kokoda, Fijian ceviche puts tropical produce at centre stage. Coconut milk, citrus, and chillies soak into firm white fish, creating a creamy, tangy bite. It’s a staple at island gatherings and beachside feasts.
Fijian ceviche (kokoda) Credit: Sharyn Cairns
A modern Indigenous twist on tacos, featuring local fish, bush tomato salsa, and lemon myrtle-laced crumb. Fresh, crunchy and uniquely flavoured.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
A vibrant Singaporean fish dinner icon, fish head curry merges Indian and Chinese influences for a fragrant, tangy and mildly spicy feast. Tender fish, aromatic spices and creamy coconut-based curry make it unforgettable.
Fish head curry is a specialty of Singapore. Credit: Asia Unplated with Diana Chan
A Nordic delicacy, beetroot-cured salmon gravlax boasts a vibrant hue and subtle earthy sweetness. The centuries-old curing process preserves the fish in salt and sugar, resulting in silky, flavourful slices perfect on rye bread or crisp crackers with pickled and fresh vegetables.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
Chinese whole steamed fish is a symbol of abundance and good fortune. Gently cooking the fish locks in its delicate flavor, while ginger, scallions and soy sauce provide an aromatic finish. It’s a highlight at festive dinners.
Credit: The Lucky Dragon Supper Club
North African spices dazzle in this dish — flaky fish simmered in saffron, citrus and harissa. Sweet, spicy and fragrant with preserved lemon, it celebrates North Africa’s rich culinary tapestry while offering a flavourful option for a weeknight fish dinner.
Credit: Alan Benson
These Emirati-inspired fenugreek and tamarind fish skewers offer a sweet-sour punch and a welcome variation to add to your barbecue repertoire. These are served with a 'foul', a traditional Middle Eastern dish of fava beans blended with olive oil and lemon juice.
Fenugreek and tamarind fish skewers. Credit: Sharyn Cairns
Bold, aromatic and steeped in local tradition, Torres Strait mackerel curry features rich coconut-based flavours and spices that offset the richness of mackerel. It’s a hearty fish dinner that honours the island region’s treasured culinary heritage.
Mackerel curry Source: SBS
From Cameroon’s coastal cuisine, barramundi fish stew is simmered with tomatoes, onions and herbs for a comforting meal. Served over rice, each spoonful offers a taste of West African culinary tradition.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
Indonesian coconut fish cakes fuse the region’s tropical flavours — grated coconut and aromatic spices are mixed with minced fish to form crisp, golden patties. Enjoy them with sweet and spicy cucumber pickles.
Creamy and crunchy, all in one bite. Source: Supplied
