Americans, in general, could stand to eat a bit more fish. Packed full of nutrients that are great for your brain (and overall health), it’s a smart choice for any time of the year, but especially for summer, when the fresh options are even better. These recipes will help the fish-wary explore and try incredible flavors that will persuade you: fish can be a nutritious delight on any budget.
Broiled Peppered Tuna Steak
Tuna steaks are probably the spendiest fish on this list, but they’re worth including. If you’ve only experienced canned tuna, the steaks will change the way you see the fish. Look for sustainably harvested tuna, and keep in mind that tuna big enough to produce steaks are on the “limit intake” list for mercury. (3 Guiding Stars)
Fish Tacos with Rhubarb Salsa
Fish tacos are a must-try. Make the salsa with whatever fruit is on sale (may we suggest mango?) or seasonally available, and choose any firm, white-fleshed fish that’s on sale for the fish part. (2 Guiding Stars)
Mediterranean Fish Chowder
This is a tomato-based chowder, not a milk-based chowder, and if you think you don’t like fish chowder because you don’t like milk chowders, this recipe will change your perspective. This is another one that’s great for any firm-fleshed white fish in the sale case. (2 Guiding Stars)
Salmon Macaroni Salad
Because this recipe called for canned salmon, it’s an inexpensive way to enjoy salmon, and it’s easier to choose sustainably harvested Alaskan salmon, which is especially important for pregnant women who need to more strict about avoiding mercury. (2 Guiding Stars)
Italian Baked Cod
Cod, schrod. Or tilapia, catfish, haddock or red fish. This recipe not only works well with those sale white fish, it’s also crazy simple, very inexpensive, and satisfyingly delicious. (2 Guiding Stars)
Cashew Salmon with Apricot Couscous
You could make this dish with salmon (again: look for sustainably harvested Alaskan salmon, if you can), or rainbow trout. What really makes the dish, as a whole, is the cooking method for the couscous, which produces crazy good flavor. (1 Guiding Star)
Citrus Tilapia
A simple sauce for a simple fish, this is another dish that works with pretty much any white fish you find on sale. Serve it on top of a salad and let the fish’s sauce dress the salad for you. (1 Guiding Star)