21 seafood recipes that won’t leave you with a fridge full of extras

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Cooking seafood can be a great way to enjoy a meal without worrying about leftovers taking over your fridge. I’ve compiled a list of seafood recipes that are not only flavorful but also perfectly portioned for smaller gatherings or family dinners. These dishes are ideal for anyone looking for delicious seafood without the hassle of excessive leftovers, ensuring every bite is fresh and enjoyable.

A person dipping a slice of bread into a cheesy dip in a cast-iron skillet, garnished with green onions.
Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon Salad

A grilled salmon fillet served on a bed of fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and olives on a white plate.
Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon salad is a fresh, light meal that’s perfect when you want to avoid leftovers. The rich flavor of the salmon pairs well with crisp vegetables, making it a balanced and easy option. This salad is quick to prepare and ideal for a weekday lunch or dinner. It uses simple ingredients that won’t crowd your fridge with extras. A healthy and flavorful choice when you’re cooking for one or two.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Shrimp and Corn Bisque

A close-up image of a spoonful of creamy shrimp bisque garnished with herbs, hovering above the rest of the soup in a bowl.
Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and corn bisque is a hearty, comforting dish that’s great for small servings. It’s rich in flavor but light on ingredients, meaning you won’t be left with extras piling up in your fridge. This creamy soup is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner. You can make just enough to satisfy your appetite without waste. A cozy seafood dish that’s great for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.
Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp macaroni salad is a simple and refreshing dish that’s perfect when you want to make just the right amount. The combination of tender shrimp and pasta makes it filling, without leaving you with excess portions. It’s quick to whip up and works well for lunches or light dinners. This salad is great for making just what you need, leaving your fridge clutter-free. An easy seafood option for any time.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Fish Stew with Chorizo

A bowl of soup with sausage and fish.
Fish Stew with Chorizo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fish stew with chorizo is a hearty and bold-flavored dish that’s great when you want a meal without leftovers. The combination of seafood and spicy chorizo adds depth, while the portion size is easy to control. It’s an excellent choice for a warming dinner that won’t leave you with excess portions. The stew is quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients you can finish in one meal. A rich, comforting seafood option that’s perfect for smaller servings.
Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo

Panko Crusted Cod

Panko-crusted cod fish on a plate with green beans.
Panko Crusted Cod. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Panko crusted cod is a crispy, light meal that doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. It’s perfect for making just enough to avoid excess, leaving your fridge free of extras. The crunchy panko coating adds texture without being too heavy, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, this dish is a practical option when you’re looking for something simple and flavorful. A go-to seafood meal for any night.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

A hand holding a bacon-wrapped shrimp dipped in a small bowl of sauce, with a green leaf garnish on the side.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon wrapped shrimp is a savory, bite-sized seafood option that’s great for small portions. The bacon adds a crispy texture to the shrimp, creating a flavorful dish that won’t leave you with leftovers. It’s perfect for appetizers, light dinners, or even snacks. This dish comes together quickly and uses just a few ingredients, making it a practical choice when you don’t want excess. A quick and satisfying seafood treat.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat.
Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab fried rice is a simple and filling seafood dish that’s easy to make without leftovers. The combination of tender crab and rice makes it a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s a great way to use up what you have without creating excess, and the ingredients are easy to find. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. A quick and flavorful seafood option.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Crab Melt

Two plates of crab melt with sliced tomatoes and melted cheese, garnished with lemon slices on a white wooden surface.
Crab Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab melts are a simple, open-faced sandwich option that’s perfect for making just what you need. The rich crab mixture melts together with cheese, creating a quick and satisfying meal. It’s easy to make just the right amount, so you won’t have to worry about leftovers. Great for lunches or light dinners, this dish is both practical and flavorful. A simple seafood choice when you want something fast and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

Crab Rangoon Dip

A person dipping a piece of bread into a skillet of cheesy dip.
Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab Rangoon dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for small gatherings or light meals. It’s easy to make just enough for your guests without leaving extra in the fridge. This dish combines the rich flavors of crab and cream cheese into a dip that’s perfect with crackers or bread. Ideal for parties or casual dinners, it’s a quick and easy seafood option. A fun way to enjoy crab in a different form.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Seafood Pot Pie

Seafood Pot Pie in small pie dish.
Seafood Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Seafood pot pie is a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to portion for smaller servings. The rich filling, made with seafood, and the flaky crust make it a great option for a warm, satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare, and you can adjust the recipe to avoid leftovers. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you don’t want to make too much. A practical and flavorful way to enjoy seafood without overdoing it.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

Seafood Pasta Salad

Close-up of a spoon holding seafood pasta salad garnished with parsley, with more salad in the background.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Seafood pasta salad is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The combination of seafood and pasta makes it filling without being heavy, and it’s easy to make just the right amount. This salad is simple to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, so you won’t be left with extras. A great option for a balanced meal without the hassle. A convenient seafood dish you can enjoy any time.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked lemon butter fish fillet seasoned with herbs and spices, garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley,.
Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked lemon butter fish is a simple, flavorful seafood dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for making in small portions. The lemon butter adds a fresh, light taste to the fish, making it great for weeknight dinners. You won’t need a lot of ingredients, and it’s easy to avoid leftovers with this dish. It’s ideal for those looking for a healthy, no-fuss seafood meal. A quick and easy option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Shrimp Scampi

A plate with shrimp and bread on it.
Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp scampi is a classic seafood dish that’s perfect for making in small portions without worrying about leftovers. The garlic and butter sauce adds a rich flavor to the shrimp, while the meal itself comes together quickly. It’s ideal for a light dinner or lunch when you need something simple. With minimal ingredients, this dish is both practical and flavorful. A go-to seafood recipe that won’t leave extras behind.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry in a bowl.
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is a quick, balanced meal that’s perfect for small servings. The shrimp and broccoli cook together in one pan, making it an easy dish to throw together on a busy night. This stir-fry is light yet filling, and you can make just enough without having leftovers. Great for weeknight dinners or lunches, it’s a practical option for those looking to avoid extra portions. A simple, healthy seafood dish.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Panko shrimp with dipping sauce.
Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy fried panko shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that’s easy to make in smaller portions. The panko adds a light crunch, making this shrimp a great option for appetizers or dinners. It’s simple to prepare, and you won’t have to worry about leftovers taking up space in the fridge. Perfect for a light seafood meal that comes together in no time. A tasty option that’s both practical and quick.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Baked salmon fillet with asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers on a white plate, garnished with herbs.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sheet pan salmon and vegetables is a one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner without leftovers. The salmon and veggies cook together, making it easy to portion and serve without excess. It’s a healthy, balanced meal that’s simple to prepare and requires minimal cleanup. Great for weeknight dinners when you want something easy and filling. A convenient way to enjoy seafood without the hassle of extra portions.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a rich, flavorful meal that’s easy to make without leftovers. The shrimp and pasta combine with a simple garlic butter sauce for a filling yet light dinner. It’s quick to prepare, and you can easily adjust the portion size to fit your needs. Ideal for weeknight meals when you want something satisfying without making too much. A delicious and practical seafood dish.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Grilled shrimp skewers are a simple, flavorful option that’s perfect for making just enough without leftovers. The shrimp cook quickly on the grill, making them ideal for a fast dinner or light meal. This dish is easy to prepare, and you can serve it with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal. Great for a summer dinner or casual meal. A quick and easy seafood option that’s light and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and tomato pasta is a light, flavorful dish that’s perfect for making in smaller portions. The shrimp and tomatoes combine to create a fresh, simple sauce that works well for a quick dinner. This pasta dish is easy to adjust, so you can make just the right amount without worrying about leftovers. Great for weeknight meals when you need something fast and filling. A convenient way to enjoy a seafood pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Three pieces of bacon-wrapped salmon bites garnished with parsley on a white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon wrapped salmon bites are a savory, bite-sized seafood dish that’s perfect for appetizers or light meals. The bacon adds a crispy texture to the salmon, creating a flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare in small portions. These bites are great for serving at gatherings or making for a quick snack without worrying about leftovers. Ideal for when you want something simple but special. A fun, easy seafood option.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate.
Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer tuna melts are a quick, simple meal that’s great for making just the right amount. The air fryer gives the tuna melt a crispy finish, and you won’t be left with extras to store. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and you can make it in minutes. A practical, easy seafood dish that won’t leave you with excess ingredients. A convenient option for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

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