5 Seafood Dishes You Can Cook in Under 20 Minutes
Busy weeknights don’t mean you have to sacrifice a tasty, wholesome dinner. In fact, seafood is one of the quickest cooking proteins around – perfect for creating delicious meals in a flash. At Seafood Factory, we believe that with the right ingredients, you can whip up gourmet-quality dishes in no time. From succulent shrimp to tender salmon, here are five satisfying seafood recipes you can cook in under 20 minutes, proving that a great meal is always within reach.
Each recipe below features simple preparations and flavorful seasonings, using premium seafood that cooks fast. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just short on time, these dishes deliver on taste and nutrition without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. Let’s dive into these quick and easy seafood meals!
1. Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet
This zesty garlic lemon shrimp is a lifesaver on busy evenings. Succulent shrimp are sautéed in butter with minced garlic, then brightened up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley. The shrimp cook in just minutes – you’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and lightly curl. Serve them over zucchini noodles or with a side of steamed veggies for a light yet satisfying dinner bursting with garlicky, citrusy flavor.
Estimated Calories: ~250 per serving
Dietary Tags: Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly
2. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
For a rich and flavorful meal, try this honey garlic glazed salmon. Start with high-quality salmon fillets – we love Norwegian salmon for its omega-3s and buttery texture. In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), and minced garlic, then brush it over the salmon. Pan-sear the fillets in a hot skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re beautifully caramelized and flaky inside. The result is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, ready in under 15 minutes.
Estimated Calories: ~350 per serving
Dietary Tags: Gluten-Free , Pescatarian
3. Quick Fish Tacos with Lime Slaw
Taco night can be a weeknight affair with these speedy fish tacos. Season a few pieces of mild white fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod) with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pan-fry the fish in a bit of olive oil for about 3 minutes per side until it flakes easily. While the fish cooks, toss together a simple slaw of shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lime, and a pinch of salt. Load the flaky fish into warm corn tortillas (which are naturally gluten-free), top with the tangy lime slaw and some fresh salsa, and enjoy two delicious tacos that took you no more than 20 minutes to prepare.
Estimated Calories: ~300 per serving (2 tacos)
Dietary Tags: Dairy-Free, *Gluten-Free if using corn tortillas*
4. Garlic Butter Mussels
Nothing feels more gourmet (yet easy!) than a bowl of steaming garlic butter mussels. In a large pot, melt a tablespoon of butter and sauté some chopped garlic until fragrant. Add a bag of fresh mussels (cleaned and debearded) along with a splash of white wine or broth. Cover the pot and let the mussels steam on medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes, just until the shells open up. Finish with chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon. You’ll have a restaurant-quality appetizer or light dinner ready in minutes – perfect for dipping some crusty bread into that garlicky broth!
Estimated Calories: ~200 per serving
Dietary Tags: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free (without bread), Keto-Friendly
5. Spicy Garlic Calamari Stir-Fry
Craving a little kick? This spicy garlic calamari stir-fry comes together faster than you can call for takeout. Start with tender calamari rings – they’re already cleaned and cut, saving you prep time. Heat a wok or skillet with a drizzle of oil, then flash-cook the calamari with minced garlic, sliced chili (or red pepper flakes), and a splash of soy sauce or lemon juice. Cook for only 2-3 minutes over high heat, stirring constantly; cooking squid quickly at high heat keeps it delightfully tender. Toss in some sliced bell peppers or spring onions for color, and dinner is served in a snap with a nice spicy garlic punch!
Estimated Calories: ~180 per serving
Dietary Tags: Gluten-Free (use tamari if using soy), Keto-Friendly, Dairy-Free
Quick, Delicious Meals with Seafood Factory
With these five recipes, enjoying a healthy, delicious seafood meal is easier than ever – even on the busiest days. The key is using quality seafood that cooks fast and packs in flavor. All the seafood featured in these dishes (from shrimp and salmon to mussels and calamari) can be found at Seafood Factory, so you can trust you’re getting the freshest ingredients for the best results.
Ready to create your own 20-minute seafood feast? Head over to the Seafood Factory homepage or browse our full seafood selection to stock up on premium shrimp, fish, and more. With the right ingredients on hand, you’ll be whipping up quick, mouthwatering seafood dishes any night of the week. Happy cooking!
