Fish Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner That Impress Guests

Thanksgiving dinner traditionally centers around turkey and hearty sides, but incorporating fish recipes can bring a fresh, flavorful twist to your holiday table. Fish offers a lighter alternative that complements the rich flavors of classic Thanksgiving dishes.

Whether you’re looking to accommodate guests with dietary preferences or simply want to diversify your menu, fish can be both elegant and comforting. From delicate baked white fish to zesty citrus-glazed salmon, these recipes are designed to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.

In this post, we’ll explore several delicious fish recipes perfect for Thanksgiving, complete with tips, ingredient lists, and nutritional info. These dishes are not only festive but also simple to prepare, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with loved ones.

Let’s dive into these wonderful options that will add a splash of the sea to your Thanksgiving feast!

Why You’ll Love These Fish Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner

Fish is a versatile protein that pairs beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving flavors like herbs, citrus, and seasonal vegetables. These recipes are designed to be crowd-pleasers, offering a variety of tastes and textures—from flaky and mild to rich and savory.

They also provide a great alternative for guests who may prefer seafood over poultry or red meat.

Additionally, fish cooks quickly and often requires minimal seasoning, making these recipes ideal for busy holiday preparations. Many of the recipes incorporate simple, fresh ingredients that highlight the natural flavors of the fish, while still maintaining the warmth and comfort of a holiday meal.

You’ll love how easy these dishes are to customize and how they bring something new to your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

Classic Herb-Crusted Baked Cod

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Citrus-Glazed Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Equipment

• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork (for mixing glaze)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fish spatula or regular spatula
• Skewers (for shrimp skewers)
• Oven or grill
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Small saucepan (for glaze)

Instructions

Classic Herb-Crusted Baked Cod

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the herb crust: In a bowl, combine chopped parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
3. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the crust sticks well.
4. Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Press the herb crust mixture firmly on top of each fillet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Citrus-Glazed Salmon

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the glaze generously over each fillet, reserving some for serving.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
6. Remove from the oven and spoon remaining glaze over the top. Serve garnished with orange slices or fresh herbs.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

1. Preheat your grill or oven broiler. If using the oven, set the broiler to high and position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and parsley.
3. Thread shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer.
4. Brush the shrimp generously with the garlic butter mixture, reserving some for basting.
5. Grill or broil the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
6. Remove from heat, brush with remaining garlic butter, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

“For best results, always use fresh fish and avoid overcooking to keep it moist and flavorful.”

• Herb Variations: Swap parsley for dill or basil in the baked cod crust for a different flavor profile.
• Glaze Options: For the citrus-glazed salmon, try using lime or grapefruit juice instead of orange for a tangier twist.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter shrimp for a subtle heat.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for the cod crust to accommodate dietary needs.
• Vegetable Pairings: Serve these fish dishes alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, or a fresh cranberry relish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These fish recipes pair wonderfully with traditional Thanksgiving sides but can also stand on their own as the star of the meal. Consider serving the herb-crusted cod alongside a light lemon asparagus salad or creamy mashed potatoes.

The citrus-glazed salmon is a natural match for roasted root vegetables and wild rice pilaf, adding bright, fresh flavors to the table.

Garlic butter shrimp skewers are perfect as an appetizer or main dish; serve them with crusty bread and a crisp green salad for a refreshing balance. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges to enhance presentation and flavor.

For more holiday inspiration, check out our roasted vegetable medley recipe, classic cranberry sauce, and homemade pumpkin pie to complete your Thanksgiving feast with ease and elegance.

Conclusion

Adding fish recipes to your Thanksgiving dinner is a fantastic way to diversify your holiday menu and delight your guests with something unexpected and delicious. These recipes are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and bring a light, fresh component to the traditional Thanksgiving spread.

Whether you choose the herb-crusted baked cod, citrus-glazed salmon, or garlic butter shrimp skewers, each dish offers a unique taste experience that pairs beautifully with classic sides.

Fish not only adds variety but also provides a healthy alternative rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. By incorporating these recipes, you can create a memorable, balanced meal that caters to all palates.

So this Thanksgiving, give your holiday table a splash of the sea and enjoy the compliments from your family and friends!

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