16 Healthy Fish and Shrimp Recipes Suitable for a Weeknight (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat fish and shrimp everyday? ›

The optimal amount is 3-4 ounces per person, which is equivalent to about seven medium-sized shrimp. However, most doctors recommend consuming seafood twice a week, which is enough to get the desired benefits.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans states that to consume those higher amounts, children should only be fed fish from the “Best Choices” list that are even lower in mercury – these fish are anchovies, Atlantic mackerel, catfish, clams, crab, crawfish, flounder, haddock, mullet, oysters, plaice, pollock, salmon, ...

And while fried fish sure is delicious, it's important not to eat too much of it. “When we fry something, whether it's fish or chicken or whatever it may be, a lot of times those oils are not heart healthy, they're saturated fats,” explained Beth Czerwony, RD, registered dietitian for Cleveland Clinic.

Shrimp can be a nutritious choice, but it often comes down to preparation. Like other proteins, if shrimp are battered and fried or swimming in a pool of butter, they might do more harm than good for your health. However, shrimp that have been grilled, poached, steamed or baked are often a healthier choice.

No amount of protein or vitamins outweighs the potential health risks of consuming both wild-caught and farm-raised shrimp, but if you do choose to eat shrimp anyway, wild shrimp is your safer bet.

The FDA recommends consuming fish that are lower in mercury, such as salmon, shrimp, black sea bass, cod, scallops, tilapia, lobster, and sardines. Here's a full list of fish that are low in mercury.

Shrimp saganaki, the classic Greek dish of shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce with feta cheese, can be made almost entirely from pantry and freezer staples, so it's one of my go-to meals when I have to hit the kitchen running.

Yes! Egg yolks contain natural healthy fats and go well with lean protein such as seafood. For instance, shrimp and egg stir fry is a popular dish in Asia.

What is the healthiest oil to fry shrimp in? ›

And if you want to do even better, choose a heart-healthy vegetable oil like olive oil or sunflower oil, rather than butter, lard, or palm oil. Overheating the oil (and thus your shrimp) isn't just a lazy way to cook—it can make your meal less healthy.

Our two favorite methods for Healthy Fried Fish are pan fry in oil (olive or avocado oil) or air fry (in an air fryer). If you have not tried avocado oil for frying we would recommend it, it has a buttery, rich flavor that gives this fried fish recipe a mouth watering taste.

Overall, the healthiest cooking methods limit the loss of healthy omega-3 fats, retain the most nutrients and minimize the formation of harmful compounds. In general, this means that sous vide, microwaving, baking, steaming and poaching your fish are your best bets.

While it might be safe to eat fish every day, Rimm says it's still not clear if there is any added health benefits to that level of consumption. “Most of the science isn't looking at daily consumption,” he explains.

Fish and shellfish in this category, such as salmon, catfish, tilapia, lobster and scallops, are safe to eat two to three times a week, or 8 to 12 ounces per week, according to the FDA.

Eat up to 12 ounces (two average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury. Shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish are low-mercury fish. Albacore (“white”) tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna. So limit your intake of albacore tuna to once a week.

Consuming cod in moderate amounts is safe and generally without adverse effects. Cod, like most types of fish, contains mercury. Excessive mercury consumption can be toxic and may cause neurological and behavioral disorders. It may be particularly problematic in children.