22 Best Sustainable Seafood Recipes

By Carl Hanson
Updated October 13, 2020

On the one hand, health pros tell us to eat more fish. On the other, environmentalists warn of overfishing and depleted stocks of wild fish. What's a seafood lover to do? Well, here's a simple answer. Diversify. These top-rated recipes cover species of fish that are considered sustainable. Add them to your weekly rotation of heart healthy fish dinners. You'll love the variety. 

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Mock Lobster

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Versatile, sustainable mahi-mahi also goes by the names dorado and dolphinfish. "This is a wonderful and inexpensive dish that may be served in place of the much more expensive lobster tail," says Karena.

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Healthy Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

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Delicious mahi-mahi is topped with a fresh mango salsa. "A very healthy and Hawaiian-style fish taco," says David3141. "For a heartier taco add some coleslaw on top of the mango salsa. If you don't have mahi-mahi, substitute any firm, thick white fish."

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Prime Hake Steaks with Chunky Roasted Vegetables

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Here's another good substitution for more depleted species of white fish. "This is a great opportunity to make a tasty and healthy dinner," says Rene. "It was a tremendous hit. Next time I will serve with either rice or roasted potatoes."

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Branzino Mediterranean

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"Branzino is a very mild-tasting and versatile fish that can be found wild-caught in many stores," says Christala. "This simple, healthy, and delicious Mediterranean fish, also known as 'Greek Sea Bass,' should be cooked whole. The cavity of the fish can be stuffed with lemon and other ingredients for added flavor. The oregano and lemon make it truly Greek cuisine that many will enjoy. Enjoy!"

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Escargot and Pollock over Spinach Noodles

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Pollock is a buttery white fish that makes a great replacement for Chilean sea bass and other over-fished species. Escargot, also sustainable! 

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Chef John's Pasta con le Sarde

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Pack the pantry with flavorful, inexpensive sardines for quick weeknight meals on the fly. "Here's my version of Sicily's famous pasta con le sarde," says Chef John. "You can substitute thick spaghetti for the bucatini, if desired."

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Poorman's Lobster Newburg

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Monkfish is a sustainable fish that's just now hitting the mainstream. "This is a superb entree that won't break the bank and is so easy to prepare," says Malcolm Reding. "I usually use monkfish, which has a lobster-like flavor but you can use any white meaty fish, even tilapia. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Serve with your favorite white wine, rice pilaf, and roasted asparagus."

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Mahi and Mushrooms

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Marinated mahi-mahi is pan-cooked with sauteed mushrooms and grape tomatoes. "Serve it with a salad and some bread. YUM! You can marinate overnight; then it only takes a few minutes to get ready before cooking," says Spencer & Serena. "Oyster mushrooms are my favorites, but crimini mushrooms work well also. I use both yellow and red grape tomatoes."

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Big Ray's Herb and Garlic Fish

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To make this super-quick broiled pollock recipe, you'll brush a mixture of mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese onto pollack fillets and slide them under the broiler. So easy!

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Pollock Montreal

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Sustainable pollock is topped with onion, green pepper, tomato slices, and Cheddar cheese. "Serve with starch and vegetable of your choice (I use rice and asparagus spears)."

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Grilled Mahi Mahi with Roasted Pepper Sauce and Cilantro Pesto

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"Use your grill to give mahi-mahi a lovely smokey aroma. The red pepper and cilantro pesto adds color and texture to this flavorful dish," says CookinginFL. "Try serving with yellow rice or sugar snap peas for an amazing meal. You could easily adapt this recipe for other types of fish like snapper or swordfish."

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Pan-Seared and Crusted Ling Cod

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"This is a simple and excellent way to serve ling cod or other bottom fish," says Renee. "It makes a delicious meal served with rice pilaf and Caesar salad."

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Super Summer Grilled Bluefish

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Bluefish are a very sustainable fish, rich with oils and deeply flavorful. "Bluefish has a reputation for being a very strong fish. This super citrus marinade gives this grilled fish a bright and delicious flavor," says MILLERNB. 

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Mahi Mahi with Coconut Rice and Mango Salsa

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"A Caribbean-inspired dish with dimensions of sweet, spice and tanginess," says SYRAH4689. "Delicious!"

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Sardines with Sun-Dried Tomato and Capers

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"No cooking involved. This recipe is for busy people looking for an easy recipe; great for fish lovers, even those a bit skeptical of sardines," says iloveoliveoil. "The ingredients really balance out the fishy flavor, and turn a can of sardines into a tasty, gourmet meal on-the-go."

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Whiting Meuniere

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Mild, meaty, and inexpensive, whiting has a ton going for it. "Meuniere is a classic that's traditionally done with sole, but I used whiting with impressive results, and so decided to spread the joy," says lelemms.

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Island-Style Sardines and Rice

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"This is made from items that are almost always found in a West Indian/Carribean kitchen," says SJames456. "Sardines can be substituted with any canned salt fish, but the soybean oil gives it the texture that is out of this world! Very tasty if you love spicy and if you love sardines! My favorite way to enjoy this is in the morning, for breakfast, with some good coffee."

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Sledzie w Jogurcie (Herring in Yogurt Dressing)

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"This herring in yogurt dressing is a cool and refreshing starter, perfect for a casual get-together or summer party," says Olenka. "Serve with some fresh bread and crisp salad leaves."

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Quick Sardine Curry

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"Spicy and just a little bit sweet, this super quick stir-fry makes a great snack or meal with rice or toast," says Cyn. "Serve and eat by itself or with rice or toast. Makes enough for one, but can be stretched for two or made with more sardines. Enjoy!"

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Seared Monkfish with Balsamic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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Firm-fleshed monk fish is served with a balsamic, garlic, and sun-dried tomato topping. "This recipe comes together in a snap," says France C. "I was recently introduced to monkfish (sold as "monkfish tail" in fish markets) and it has become a new favorite of mine. It's often called "poor man's lobster" because its firm flesh and delicate, slightly sweet flavor are similar to lobster."

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Baked Whiting

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"Here's a healthy way to enjoy whiting and/or tilapia, without spending all of your time in the kitchen," says iamabeast. "My family enjoys it, even the kids look forward to the next time I make fish."

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Pop's Tomato-Braised Sardines

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"Here is 'ginisang sardinas,' which is a wonderful way to use canned sardines," says Diana71. This is usually eaten spooned over rice per each individual's desire/taste. My husband spent 2 years in the Philippines as a missionary. Along with his life-changing experience, he brought home a rich culinary repertoire that he incorporated into our family recipes. He passed away in 2016, and these recipes have become things our children treasure. They are part of the memories and fabric that keep his memory bright and alive."

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By Carl Hanson