White Fish Recipes: 18 Easy Cod, Tilapia and Catfish Dinners Even Non-Fish People Ask For

White fish recipes are the secret weapon of busy home cooks. Cod, tilapia, haddock and catfish are mild, affordable and cook in minutes, and they soak up whatever flavor you give them. A video of a creamy garlic fish dinner that one family said they ate for a month drew thousands of likes on MSN, so clearly a lot of us are looking for new fish night ideas. Below are easy dinners for every taste, from creamy and cozy to crispy and kid-friendly, each with a simple recipe. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Ready to make fish night a weekly thing..

Creamy Garlic Cod, the White Fish Recipes Starter

Mild, cheap and on the table in 20 minutes: if your family says they do not like fish, start with this creamy garlic cod. Golden seared fillets simmer in a garlicky cream sauce with spinach and a squeeze of lemon. It tastes rich, but there is nothing fishy about it, and the sauce is perfect over rice, pasta or mashed potatoes. Will this be the one that converts your family..

You will need: 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), salt and pepper, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp olive oil, 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/3 cup grated parmesan, 2 cups baby spinach, juice of 1/2 lemon, lemon slices.

How to make it: 1. Pat the cod dry and season with salt and pepper. 2. Sear in oil and 1 tbsp butter 3 minutes per side, then set aside. 3. Melt the remaining butter and cook the garlic 30 seconds. 4. Add the cream, broth and parmesan and simmer 3 minutes. 5. Stir in the spinach and lemon juice. 6. Return the cod and simmer 3 to 4 minutes until it flakes.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod, the Easiest of All White Fish Recipes

If you only learn one of these white fish recipes, make it this one. Cod fillets bake in a pool of lemon, butter and garlic for about 15 minutes, and that is it. The fish turns tender and flaky, and the pan sauce is good enough to spoon over rice. Is your family team cod or team tilapia?

You will need: 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), 4 tbsp melted butter, juice of 1 lemon, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp paprika, salt and pepper, chopped parsley, lemon slices.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F. 2. Pat the fish dry and place in a baking dish. 3. Mix the butter, lemon juice and garlic and pour over the fish. 4. Season with paprika, salt and pepper and add lemon slices. 5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until the fish flakes easily. 6. Spoon the sauce over and add parsley.

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia, White Fish Recipes for Picky Kids

Tilapia is mild, cheap and cooks in minutes, which makes it perfect for kids who are new to fish. A crunchy coat of parmesan and panko makes it taste almost like a chicken tender. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a quick salad. Would your kids eat fish if it looked like this?

You will need: 4 tilapia fillets, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp mayonnaise or melted butter, lemon wedges.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425 F and line a sheet pan with parchment. 2. Pat the fillets dry. 3. Brush the tops with mayo or butter. 4. Mix the parmesan, panko and spices. 5. Press the crumbs onto the fish. 6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until golden and flaky.

New England Baked Haddock With a Buttery Crumb Topping

In New England, baked haddock with a buttery cracker crumb topping is a Friday night classic. The crumbs get golden and crisp while the fish underneath stays moist. It tastes like a seaside restaurant meal for a fraction of the price. Cod works too if you cannot find haddock. Bake it once and it will join your list of favorite white fish recipes. Have you ever tried it?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb haddock fillets, 1 cup crushed butter crackers, 4 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, zest of 1 lemon, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper, 1/4 cup milk.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and butter a baking dish. 2. Lay the fish in the dish and pour the milk around it. 3. Season with salt and pepper. 4. Mix the crackers, butter, parsley, zest and garlic powder. 5. Spread the crumbs over the fish. 6. Bake 15 to 20 minutes until golden and the fish flakes.

Crispy Fish Tacos, Fun White Fish Recipes for Taco Night

Fish tacos are the easiest way to turn white fish into a fun family dinner. Season the fillets, bake or pan sear them until crisp, then pile them into warm tortillas with a crunchy lime slaw and a creamy sauce. Everyone builds their own, so even picky eaters find something they like. Corn tortillas or flour tortillas at your house?

You will need: 1 lb cod or tilapia, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, 2 tbsp oil, 8 small tortillas, 2 cups shredded cabbage, juice of 2 limes, 1/3 cup sour cream mixed with 2 tbsp mayo, cilantro.

How to make it: 1. Season the fish with the spices and salt. 2. Sear in hot oil 3 to 4 minutes per side. 3. Toss the cabbage with half the lime juice and a pinch of salt. 4. Stir the rest of the lime into the sour cream sauce. 5. Warm the tortillas. 6. Flake the fish into the tortillas and top with slaw, sauce and cilantro.

Blackened Catfish, a Southern Favorite

Blackened catfish gets its dark crust from a bold spice rub cooked fast in a very hot skillet. Catfish is mild, firm and affordable, and it stands up well to the Cajun-style seasoning. Turn on the vent fan and keep the heat at medium high so it browns without burning. Rice and a green salad round it out. Spicy or mild?

You will need: 4 catfish fillets, 3 tbsp melted butter, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, lemon wedges.

How to make it: 1. Mix all the spices in a shallow dish. 2. Brush the fillets with melted butter. 3. Press both sides into the spice mix. 4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high. 5. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until dark and the fish flakes. 6. Serve with lemon wedges and rice.

Oven Fish and Chips Without the Deep Fryer

You can get crispy fish and chips without a pot of hot oil. Potato wedges roast first, then panko-coated cod joins them on the pan for the last 15 minutes. A little mayo helps the crumbs stick and keeps the fish moist. It is a Friday night favorite that saves money on takeout. Tartar sauce or malt-style vinegar on yours?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb cod, 3 russet potatoes (cut in wedges), 3 tbsp oil, salt, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs (beaten), 1 1/2 cups panko, 1 tsp paprika, lemon wedges, tartar sauce.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425 F. 2. Toss the potatoes with 2 tbsp oil and salt and roast 20 minutes. 3. Cut the cod into strips and pat dry. 4. Coat in flour, then egg, then panko mixed with paprika. 5. Add the fish to the pan, drizzle with oil and bake 12 to 15 minutes. 6. Serve with lemon and tartar sauce.

Creamy Fish Chowder in One Pot

On a cold night, a pot of creamy fish chowder is pure comfort. Potatoes, onion and a little bacon simmer in broth and milk, then chunks of white fish gently poach in the last few minutes so they stay tender. It is one of the coziest white fish recipes for fall. Crackers on top or crusty bread on the side?

You will need: 4 slices bacon (chopped), 1 onion, 2 celery ribs, 3 tbsp flour, 3 cups chicken or fish broth, 3 potatoes (diced), 2 cups milk, 1 cup half and half, 1 1/2 lb cod or haddock (in chunks), 1 tsp thyme, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Cook the bacon in a large pot, then add the onion and celery. 2. Stir in the flour for 1 minute. 3. Add the broth, potatoes and thyme and simmer 15 minutes. 4. Stir in the milk and half and half. 5. Add the fish and simmer gently 5 to 7 minutes. 6. Season and serve hot.

Mediterranean Cod With Tomatoes and Olives

This bright one-pan dinner tastes like a summer vacation. Cod fillets nestle into a quick sauce of cherry tomatoes, garlic, olives and capers, then bake until flaky. It is light, colorful and naturally low in carbs. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. Olives: love them or pick them out?

You will need: 4 cod fillets, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 garlic cloves (sliced), 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 cup pitted olives, 1 tbsp capers, 1/2 tsp oregano, salt and pepper, fresh basil, lemon slices.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F. 2. Warm the oil in an oven-safe skillet and cook the garlic 1 minute. 3. Add the tomatoes, olives, capers and oregano and cook 5 minutes. 4. Season the cod and nestle it into the sauce. 5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until the fish flakes. 6. Top with basil and lemon.

Honey Garlic Glazed Cod, Sweet White Fish Recipes in 15 Minutes

Sweet, salty and sticky, this honey garlic glaze is the one that wins over picky eaters. Sear the fish in a hot pan, then pour in honey, soy sauce and garlic and let it bubble into a glossy coating. Dinner is ready in 15 minutes. Serve it over rice with steamed green beans. Sweet glaze or spicy?

You will need: 4 cod fillets, 1 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp lemon juice, sesame seeds and green onions.

How to make it: 1. Pat the fish dry and season lightly. 2. Sear in oil and butter 3 to 4 minutes per side. 3. Mix the honey, soy sauce, garlic and lemon. 4. Pour into the pan and lower the heat. 5. Spoon the glaze over the fish for 1 to 2 minutes until sticky. 6. Top with sesame seeds and green onions.

Fish Piccata, Elegant White Fish Recipes With Lemon and Capers

Piccata is usually made with chicken, but tender white fish might be even better. The fillets get a light dusting of flour and a quick sear, then a buttery lemon and caper sauce made with broth instead of wine. It feels fancy but takes 20 minutes, so it works for date night at home. Capers: yes or no?

You will need: 4 white fish fillets (cod, tilapia or sole), 1/3 cup flour, salt and pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp butter, 2 garlic cloves, 3/4 cup chicken broth, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp capers, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Season the fish and dust lightly with flour. 2. Sear in oil and 1 tbsp butter 2 to 3 minutes per side, then remove. 3. Add the garlic to the pan for 30 seconds. 4. Pour in the broth and lemon and simmer 3 minutes. 5. Stir in the capers and remaining butter. 6. Return the fish and spoon the sauce over.

Sheet Pan Cod With Potatoes and Green Beans

One pan, one easy cleanup. Potatoes get a head start in the oven, then the cod and green beans join them for the last 15 minutes. A simple lemon herb butter ties it all together. Of all the white fish recipes for busy weeknights, this one is the most hands off. What vegetable would you add?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb small potatoes (halved), 3 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper, 4 cod fillets, 2 cups green beans, 3 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp dried dill or thyme, 2 garlic cloves (minced), lemon slices.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425 F. 2. Toss the potatoes with oil, salt and pepper and roast 20 minutes. 3. Push them aside and add the green beans and cod. 4. Mix the butter, herbs and garlic and brush over the fish. 5. Add lemon slices and roast 12 to 15 minutes. 6. Check the fish flakes and serve.

Fish Cakes From Leftover Fish

Got leftover baked fish? Turn it into golden fish cakes for tomorrow’s dinner. Flaked fish, mashed potato, a little mustard and herbs come together into patties that crisp up in a skillet. Kids love dipping them in tartar sauce. It is a smart way to waste nothing, and it is one of the thriftiest white fish recipes here. Have you ever made them?

You will need: 2 cups cooked flaked white fish, 1 cup mashed potatoes, 1 egg, 2 green onions (sliced), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, salt and pepper, 1 cup panko, 3 tbsp oil.

How to make it: 1. Mix the fish, potatoes, egg, onions, mustard, parsley, salt and pepper. 2. Shape into 8 patties. 3. Press both sides into the panko. 4. Chill 15 minutes so they hold together. 5. Fry in oil over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes per side. 6. Serve with lemon and tartar sauce.

Foil Packet Fish With Lemon and Herbs

Foil packets steam the fish in its own juices, so it comes out moist every time and there is no pan to scrub. Add thin vegetables like zucchini and cherry tomatoes and everything cooks together. You can even make the packets in the morning and bake them at dinner, and they work on a grill too. Easy enough for a Tuesday?

You will need: 4 white fish fillets, 1 zucchini (thinly sliced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp butter, 2 garlic cloves (sliced), 1 lemon (sliced), fresh dill or parsley, salt and pepper, foil.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F. 2. Lay each fillet on a large sheet of foil. 3. Add zucchini, tomatoes, garlic and a pat of butter. 4. Top with lemon slices, herbs, salt and pepper. 5. Fold the foil into sealed packets. 6. Bake 15 to 18 minutes and open carefully (steam is hot).

Homemade Fish Sticks, the White Fish Recipes Kids Love

Homemade fish sticks are crunchier and fresher than the frozen box, and they take about 20 minutes. Cut firm white fish into strips, bread them in panko and bake on a rack so they crisp on every side. It is one of those white fish recipes that turns picky eaters into fish fans. Ketchup or tartar sauce?

You will need: 1 lb cod or pollock, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs (beaten), 1 1/2 cups panko, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, cooking spray or oil.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425 F and set a rack on a sheet pan. 2. Cut the fish into finger-size strips and pat dry. 3. Coat in flour, then egg. 4. Press into the panko mixed with parmesan, garlic and salt. 5. Lay on the rack and mist with oil. 6. Bake 12 to 14 minutes until golden.

Crispy Fish Sandwich Better Than the Drive-Thru

The crispy fish sandwich is a Friday favorite for a lot of families. Make it at home with a crunchy fillet, melty cheese, shredded lettuce and a quick homemade tartar sauce on a soft toasted bun. Add oven fries and it is a full fast food night for less money. Cheese on your fish sandwich: yes or no?

You will need: 4 white fish fillets (cut bun size), 1/2 cup flour, 1 egg, 1 cup panko, salt and pepper, oil for pan frying, 4 soft buns, 4 slices American cheese, shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tbsp sweet relish, 1 tsp lemon juice.

How to make it: 1. Mix the mayo, relish and lemon for tartar sauce. 2. Season the fish and coat in flour, egg and panko. 3. Pan fry in 1/4 inch of oil 3 to 4 minutes per side. 4. Top each fillet with cheese while hot. 5. Toast the buns. 6. Build with tartar sauce, lettuce and the fish.

Coconut Fish Curry, Cozy White Fish Recipes for Cold Nights

Coconut fish curry is creamy, gently spiced and ready in 30 minutes. White fish simmers in coconut milk with tomatoes, ginger and curry powder until it just flakes. Spoon it over rice and squeeze in a little lime. It is a cozy change from the usual fish fillet dinner, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. Mild or extra spicy?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb white fish (chunks), 1 tbsp oil, 1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, salt, lime, cilantro, rice.

How to make it: 1. Cook the onion in oil 5 minutes. 2. Add the garlic, ginger and curry powder for 1 minute. 3. Stir in the coconut milk and tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes. 4. Add the fish and simmer gently 6 to 8 minutes. 5. Season with salt and lime. 6. Serve over rice with cilantro.

Cornmeal Crusted Catfish

Southern fried catfish in a cornmeal crust is a church supper and fish fry classic. Soaking the fillets in buttermilk keeps them tender, and the cornmeal gives that signature crunch. Pan fry in a little oil instead of a deep fryer. The USDA says fish is done at 145 F, and it should flake easily with a fork. For more seafood ideas, see our easy salmon dinners for busy nights. Hushpuppies on the side?

You will need: 4 catfish fillets, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, oil for pan frying, lemon wedges.

How to make it: 1. Soak the fillets in buttermilk 15 minutes. 2. Mix the cornmeal, flour and spices. 3. Lift the fish from the buttermilk and press into the coating. 4. Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a heavy skillet over medium high. 5. Fry 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and 145 F inside. 6. Drain on a rack and serve with lemon.