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If you're observing the Lenten season and abstaining from meat on Fridays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, I've gathered delicious fish recipes for Lent you're going to love. From simple pan cooked meals to sheet pan dinners, casseroles, and more.
And they are delicious enough that you won't even miss meat on Friday!
But first of all, if you are new to the Lent season, here is a brief overview of what the season is about and when it is observed.
What is Lent?
It is a 40-day period of time that falls between between Ash Wednesday and Easter. A set of days set aside for reflection and the celebration of Easter.
Some scholars believe early Christians began fasting or abstaining from meat during Lent because meat was not always readily available. Which then suggested it was reserved for special occasions, illuding to it as a luxury.
Other scholars believe early Christians didn't eat warm-blooded meat on Fridays because of the bloodshed of the crucifixion, which happened on Good Friday.
"Technically, it's the flesh of warm-blooded animals that's off limits - an animal 'that, in a sense, sacrificed its life for us, if you will,' explains Michael Foley, an associate professor at Baylor University and author of Why Do Catholics Eat Fish On Friday?"
Another theory is that Christians eat seafood on Friday as a remembrance of the biblical stories of Jesus feeding fish to the multitudes.
What Food Should You Abstain From During Lent?
While Catholics generally do not eat meat on Friday's during Lent, they do eat fish.
The Diocese of Dallas says Catholics observing Lent abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Friday's in-between. This is how they describe abstinence from meat.
Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat. Thus, such foods as chicken broth, consommé, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, as well as seasonings or condiments made from animal fat are not forbidden. (Clearly, soups with meat particles may not be served.) Also, it is permissible to use margarine and lard.
This easy Fish Florentine recipe, made with a pan seared firm white fish served on a creamy bed of spinach feels like something you would order out in a fancy restaurant!
Warm Cod Salad with Tarragon Sauce and Boiled Eggs Recipe
"Eggs and cod are a time-honored marriage of textures and tastes. The starting point for this dish was the grand aioli of Provence, which features a robust aioli with crudités and cod. When you serve this, be sure to flake the cod a little so the sauce can flavor as much of the fish as possible."
Grilled Salmon With Fig Mustard and Lentils Recipe
his recipe calls for freshly cooked beluga lentils, seasoned with mint and lemon and topped with a zippy sauce made from sautéed figs, white wine, and whole grain mustard. Then salmon is thrown on the grill, along with more figs, to draw out the flavor and accomplish a nice char. The whole dish is garnished with more mint and lemon.
"In this weeknight-friendly fish recipe, mild cod joins forces with an abundance of lemon, garlic, and herbs for a simple, satisfying dinner that's ready in less than 30 minutes. If you're new to cooking fish, this is a great place to start - it's as well-suited to a busy Wednesday as it is an impromptu Sunday dinner with friends."
Lemon Garlic Fish Sticks with Jalapeno Tartar Sauce.
"If you want to make a creative, out-of-the box meal tonight, I have the answer. Because FLAVOR. And if you observe ash wednesday and the lenten season, you've got a new exciting fish recipe under your belt!"
This quick and easy Fish Chowder is a no-recipe recipe. It's delicious, extremely adaptable, light, and creamy. Made with cod, a handful of vegetables, and seasoning.
"It's mostly salmon which makes every bite such a treat! These salmon cakes always disappear fast and are well loved by the kids and grown ups in our family. I love that there isn't a hint of fishiness in them."
A quick-fix, pantry-staple meal in minutes. Salmon Chowder is warm and comforting, perfect any time of the year. The dill is a savory complement to the traditional chowder elements.
If you have 10 minutes and want a healthy, quick, and easy meal for Lent, this Air Fryer Salmon is a delicious option for busy nights. With seared, crispy edges and a tender, flaky center, it's a salmon recipe you'll find yourself making often!
This Citrus Soy Glazed Salmon with Watercress is an easy, 20 minute, healthy meal that's incredibly delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or quick and easy weekend meal.
Cioppino is a fisherman stew well known in the Pacific Northwest. And with crabbing season underway, a timely, seasonal meal. It's regional, it's delicious and incredibly easy to make.
Akin to bouillabaisse or cioppino, this Quick, Healthy, and Simple Fish Stew shaves down ingredients and time. The results? Simplicity at its best in under 30 minutes.
When summer sun sizzles, these No-Cook Salmon Tacos will be your answer to quick, 10-minute healthy, and delicious meals. Not only does the oven stay off, but so does the stovetop. Simple, rustic, packed with flavor fish tacos!
Seafood Chowder with Mussels and Shrimp is comfort food made in Pacific Northwest heaven. A steaming bowl of creamy seafood goodness, with local flavor. Perfect for a day at the beach, or cozying up at home. Whether you're whale watching or ferry riding in the Puget Sound...
Whether you're baking for brunch, afternoon tea, or simply a gathering of friends, this Salmon Quiche is a treat your guests will love. Light, creamy and custardy with the seafood and savory flavors we love. Easy to make, so pretty to serve.
This quick and wholesome Salmon Salad with Citrus Dressing is packed with fresh veggies, flaky roasted salmon, and bright Mediterranean flavors-ready in 20 minutes!
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If you enjoyed this post, you'll love The Sunday Edit No. 5. It’s my weekly "magazine-style" digest designed to help you reset, refine, and find beauty in the everyday. From intentional kitchen resets to curated seasonal menus, it's the 31 Daily you love, delivered with a bit more soul.
Stephanie Wilson is the founder of 31Daily.com, where she shares seasonal recipes, weekly meal plans, and teatime favorites to help readers gather around the table with joy. A certified private chef, cookbook author, and longtime event planner, she brings over 20 years of experience in catering, food writing, and media production—including network television work as a producer, director, and writer. Her work has been featured by Today.com, The Kitchn, Parade, and more.
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