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Seafood Recipes

Lemon and seafood are a classic pairing for good reason. The acid brightens delicate fish and shellfish and cuts through richness, whether the dish is baked, seared, steamed, or served raw in a citrus cure.

Cook seafood only until it is done. It goes from tender to tough quickly, and a squeeze of lemon at the end always tastes better than a long soak beforehand.

A whole fried fish topped with a colorful pickled mix of carrots, bell peppers, onion, and scotch bonnet pepper, glistening with citrus-vinegar liquid45 min
Maingluten-free

Jamaican-Style Escovitch Fish

A whole roasted white fish on a platter, topped with deep golden caramelized onions, drizzled with pale tahini-lemon sauce, scattered with toasted pine nuts and parsley40 min
Maingluten-free

Lebanese-Style Fish with Tahini-Lemon Sauce

Seared golden-brown scallops in a glossy lemon butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley in a skillet20 min
Savory Mainsgluten-free

Lemon Butter Scallops

A skillet of glossy lemon garlic shrimp pasta with visible pink shrimp, fresh parsley, and grated parmesan on top30 min
Savory Mains30-minute

One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A chilled white bowl filled with opaque, lime-cured fish pieces mixed with thin red onion slivers and bright green cilantro, garnished with sliced red aji or jalapeno peppers45 min
Mainseafood

Peruvian-Style Lime Ceviche

A whole steamed white fish on a plate, topped with a glossy garlic-chili-lime sauce, garnished with cilantro and lime slices30 min
Maingluten-free

Thai-Style Steamed Fish with Lime Sauce

Guides to go with these recipes

A backyard picnic table spread with grilled lemon pepper shrimp skewers, roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, and a bowl of lemon aioli

Lemon Recipes for Your Backyard BBQ

Small bowls of lime wedges, white vinegar, and citric acid powder arranged as lemon juice substitute options

Best Lemon Juice Substitutes for Baking and Cooking

Questions about seafood recipes

Does lemon juice cook fish?

Acid changes the texture of raw fish, as in ceviche, but it is not a substitute for cooking when food safety matters. Use very fresh, properly handled fish for any raw preparation.

How do I keep fish from smelling fishy?

Start with very fresh fish, keep it cold, and finish with lemon. Strong fishy odor usually means the fish is past its best.

Can I use frozen fish or shrimp?

Yes. Thaw it fully in the fridge, pat it dry, and it will sear or bake well.