9 Easy Seafood Dishes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

Seafood is a flavorful and healthy addition to any meal, offering rich protein, healthy fats, and a variety of essential nutrients. In this blog, we’ll explore 9 easy and quick seafood dishes you can prepare in 30 minutes or less, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a delicious seafood treat. Additionally, we’ll also introduce you to some Mexican dishes that bring a zesty twist to your seafood creations, adding vibrant flavors and exciting spices to your table. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, these seafood recipes are easy to follow, full of flavor, and ideal for satisfying your craving for Mexican dishes.

Easy Seafood Dishes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

1. Garlic Shrimp Tacos

A classic seafood dish with a Mexican twist, garlic shrimp tacos are an easy-to-make meal that combines the flavors of shrimp with bold spices. The shrimp are sautéed with garlic, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin, and then served in warm tortillas. To add more of a Mexican flair, top the tacos with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a dollop of creamy avocado sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 avocado, mashed
• 1 tablespoon sour cream

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Toss the shrimp with chili powder, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
3. Warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos by adding shrimp, shredded cabbage, cilantro, and avocado sauce.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

This easy seafood recipe is not only quick but also brings the delicious flavors of Mexican dishes to your table in no time.

2. Fish Veracruz

Fish Veracruz is a traditional Mexican dish that combines tender white fish fillets with a savory tomato-based sauce made from olives, capers, garlic, and spices. It’s a tangy and satisfying seafood dish that can be cooked in just under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, olives, capers, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes.
3. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the fish is cooked through.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or tortillas for a complete Mexican dish.

This vibrant, easy seafood recipe is packed with flavors that showcase the best of Mexican dishes in a fast and simple way.

3. Lobster and Avocado Salad

If you’re in the mood for a light yet satisfying meal, a lobster and avocado salad is the perfect choice. The tender lobster meat, paired with creamy avocado and citrus dressing, is a refreshing combination that evokes the coastal flavors of Mexico.

Ingredients:

• 2 lobster tails, cooked and chopped
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 small cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the lobster, avocado, cucumber, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve chilled.

This light yet flavorful salad is a perfect example of how seafood can elevate Mexican dishes with its fresh and bold flavors.

Also Read: 10 Must-Try Mexican Dishes Recipes You’ve Been Missing Out On

4. Shrimp Ceviche

Ceviche is a classic Mexican dish, and this shrimp ceviche recipe is an easy, refreshing choice that is both light and flavorful. Shrimp are marinated in lime juice, mixed with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a little heat from jalapeños for an unforgettable dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions:

1. Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the lime juice over them. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the shrimp to “cook” in the acid.
2. Add the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, salt, and pepper to the shrimp.
3. Mix well and serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

This Mexican-inspired seafood dish is packed with fresh, tangy flavors and can be ready in under 30 minutes.

5. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Mexican shrimp cocktail (Cóctel de Camarones) is a bold and flavorful seafood dish that is quick and easy to make. The shrimp is marinated in a tangy cocktail sauce made from ketchup, lime juice, and a little spice from hot sauce. The dish is typically served chilled, making it a perfect appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup diced avocado
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce, onion, cucumber, and avocado. Stir to combine.
2. Add the cooked shrimp to the mixture and toss gently.
3. Chill the cocktail in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving.

This seafood dish offers a refreshing, tangy, and spicy flavor profile inspired by traditional Mexican dishes.

6. Spicy Shrimp and Rice Skillet

If you’re looking for a quick and hearty seafood dish, this spicy shrimp and rice skillet is the perfect solution. The shrimp is sautéed with Mexican spices, then combined with rice and topped with a sprinkle of cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 3 minutes per side.
2. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
3. Stir in the cooked rice and top with shredded cheese. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

This simple yet flavorful seafood dish brings the bold flavors of Mexican dishes to your kitchen in no time.

7. Mussels in Tomato Broth

Mussels in tomato broth is a savory and aromatic seafood dish that’s quick to prepare. The mussels are cooked in a flavorful tomato broth with garlic, onion, and a dash of chili powder, creating a dish with deep Mexican influences.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs mussels, cleaned
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the mussels to the pot, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mussels open.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with crusty bread.

This dish brings a flavorful, seafood twist to Mexican-inspired recipes and can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

8. Tuna Tostadas

Tuna tostadas are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh seafood in a traditional Mexican style. The raw tuna is seasoned with lime juice, chili powder, and soy sauce, then served atop crispy tostada shells for a satisfying snack or meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sushi-grade tuna, diced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 tostada shells
• 1/4 cup avocado, diced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the diced tuna with soy sauce, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Spoon the tuna mixture onto the tostada shells.
3. Top with diced avocado and garnish with fresh cilantro.

This dish is a quick, fresh, and delicious option that combines seafood with the flavors of Mexican dishes.

9. Seafood Enchiladas

Seafood enchiladas are a wonderful variation of the traditional Mexican dish, combining tender fish or shrimp with a rich and flavorful enchilada sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, or fish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the seafood and onions until cooked through.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
3. Fill the tortillas with the seafood mixture, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish.
4. Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with cheese.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Seafood enchiladas are a hearty, flavorful meal that brings the essence of Mexican dishes to your table in under 30 minutes.

Also Read: 10 Super Easy Chinese Recipes You Can Make at Home

Conclusion

Seafood dishes are a wonderful addition to any home-cooked meal, offering healthy, tasty options that can be prepared in no time. Incorporating Mexican dishes into your seafood recipes adds a burst of flavor, spice, and tradition that makes each dish unique. These 9 seafood recipes are not only quick and easy but also showcase the diverse and bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a light salad, a hearty taco, or a spicy enchilada, these recipes are sure to please any seafood lover.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for these recipes?

Yes, you can use frozen seafood for most of these recipes. Just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking to maintain its texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp, fish, and mussels work well in these dishes.

Can I substitute the seafood in these recipes?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out shrimp, fish, or shellfish with your preferred seafood. For example, you can use scallops instead of shrimp or cod instead of tilapia. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the seafood you choose.

What sides pair well with these seafood dishes?

For a complete meal, try pairing these seafood dishes with Mexican sides such as Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple salad with avocado and lime. These sides complement the bold flavors and add variety to the meal.