17 seafood recipes you didn’t know you needed

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Seafood’s really cool, right? There’s so much more to it than just the usual grilled or fried stuff we always have. Here are 17 seafood recipes that are super easy and tasty, and they’re not what you’d expect. You’ll be surprised how much you need these new dishes in your life!

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Seafood Chowder

Seafood chowder with a sprig of dill, a delicious stew recipe.
Seafood Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This chowder is like a treasure chest from the sea, loaded with different types of seafood. Every spoonful is a discovery. Before you know it, you’re thinking, “This right here, is one of those seafood recipes you didn’t know you needed,” and your taste buds agree.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Chowder

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The simplicity of Mediterranean Cod, with its fresh flavors, is a delicious surprise. Midway through enjoying it, you’ll pause and think: yup, this is one of those seafood recipes you didn’t know you needed, making every bite a pleasure.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

A casserole dish with chicken and vegetables in it.
Shrimp and Grits Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’ve never combined shrimp with grits in a casserole before, you’re missing out. This dish takes two southern favorites and turns them into something amazing. Halfway through your first bite, you’ll realize it’s one of those seafood recipes you didn’t know you needed. By the end, it’s a certainty.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Cold Crab Dip

A bowl of cold crab dip with crackers and chives.
Cold Crab Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

At first glance, Cold Crab Dip might seem too simple to be a showstopper. Yet, as soon as you taste it, the rich flavors prove you wrong. Suddenly, you’re hit with the thought: this is exactly one of those seafood recipes you didn’t know you needed, perfect for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi on a bed of rice in a black oval dish.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever thought garlic and shrimp could bring so much joy? Well, Garlic Shrimp Scampi proves they’re a match made in heaven. As you dive into this dish, it becomes crystal clear – this is one of those seafood recipes you didn’t know you needed, proving simple ingredients can shine.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It’s time for a salad, but not just any salad; it’s a Salmon Pasta Salad. This dish brings together juicy salmon, fresh pasta, and mixed veggies for a dish that’s light yet satisfying. Halfway through your plate, you’ll be amazed by how these simple ingredients work so well together. It’s then that you realise that yes, this is another one of those seafood recipes you didn’t know you needed, and you’re very glad you found it.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

A pizza with shrimp and cheese on top.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mixing shrimp scampi with pizza sounds unconventional, right? But once you try it, there’s no going back. Halfway through that first slice, the realization dawns – it’s a seafood recipe you didn’t know you needed, blending two favourites in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed red peppers on a white plate.
Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s do a little twist on one of your favorites. Imagine bell peppers, firm and fresh, packed full of a delicious seafood mixture. Yes, we’re talking Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers. They’re sweet, they’re savory, and just the right amount of crispy. And just like that, this is a seafood recipe you didn’t know you needed, but you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

We’re mixing things up with our next dish, a Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. It’s a colorful mixture that tastes as good as it looks. The heartiness of the wheat berries pairs perfectly with the tuna and tomatoes, giving you a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Halfway through your meal, you’ll be hooked. This is exactly one of those seafood recipes you didn’t know you needed, but it’s one you’ll sure be making more of.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Crab Spanakopita

Crab Spanakopita triangles on a cutting board.
Crab Spanakopita. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Get ready for an infusion of Greek flavors with our next dish! It’s Crab Spanakopita, a delicious spin on a Greek classic. The sweet crab pairs so well with the punchy spinach and cheese filling. Just when you think you’ve tasted it all, you’re halfway through your first piece, and you realise you’ve discovered another gem. This is without a doubt, one of those seafood recipes you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Crab Spanakopita

Smoked Shrimp

Two pans of smoked shrimp on a table.
Smoked Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

How about some shrimp with a twist? Our next dish is Smoked Shrimp. It’s a simple recipe, but the unique smoky flavor gives it a distinct edge. It’s a recipe that takes shrimp to the next level. Before you even finish your first serving, you’ll agree – this is without a doubt a seafood recipe you didn’t know you needed. Now, you can’t imagine your recipe collection without it.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shrimp

Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Seafood Stuffed Salmon on a circular white plate.
Seafood Stuffed Salmon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagining Salmon stuffed with more seafood might sound over the top, but it’s a culinary delight. As you savor this dish, the blend of flavors makes it clear – this is surely one of the seafood recipes you didn’t know you needed. More, please!
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon

Shrimp & Corn Chowder

Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle in a bowl.
Shrimp & Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this chowder is like a hug in a bowl. Adding shrimp and corn into the mix elevates a simple soup to new heights. It’s halfway through enjoying this dish that it hits you – this is one of the seafood recipes you didn’t know you needed in your life.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp & Corn Chowder

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baja Fish Tacos bring a fiesta to your mouth with their burst of flavors and textures. The first bite alone convinces you – this is a seafood recipe you didn’t know you needed, and now you can’t get enough.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Lobster Chowder

A bowl of lobster chowder with bread on the side.
Lobster Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re a soup lover, you’re in for a treat. This isn’t just any ordinary chowder; it’s Lobster Chowder! Yes, you heard it right. It’s beautifully rich and creamy, perfect for those days when you need something warm and comforting. Halfway through your bowl, you’ll be amazed at how much you enjoy it. Surely it’s one of those seafood recipes you didn’t know you needed, but now, it’s a must-have.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Chowder

Cullen Skink

Cullen Skink in two bowls with crusty bread in the background.
Cullen Skink. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

We’re heading to Scotland for our next dish, a satisfying soup known as Cullen Skink. It’s packed full of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, creating a comforting blend of flavors. Don’t let the unusual name put you off. As you’re halfway through your bowl, savoring every bite, it hits you – this is definitely a seafood recipe you didn’t know you needed. Now you can add “soup expert” to your list of kitchen accomplishments.
Get the Recipe: Cullen Skink

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Our last stop brings us to a refreshing Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. It’s a combination of delicate orzo pasta, succulent shrimp, and fresh Mediterranean veggies. You’re halfway through and this thought crosses your mind: yet again, it definitely stands as a seafood recipe you didn’t know you needed, making every meal a tasty experience.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

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