14+ Quick Seafood Dinners December Fast Weeknight Meals

There’s something about December that invites both comfort and chaos into my kitchen. The evenings get darker, the days are full, and sometimes the idea of wrangling a huge recipe just doesn’t work after work or school. That’s when my list of 14+ quick seafood dinners for fast weeknight meals comes out. I remember one chilly week—not so long ago—when my family declared “seafood night” mid-December, and all I had was a bag of shrimp and some pantry basics. In about half an hour, we sat down to garlicky shrimp with crusty bread, and it felt like a tiny holiday in the middle of a busy week. Having quick seafood dinners in your back pocket makes December feel a little more delicious, and these recipes are proof.

1. Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Salmon & Veggies

Why You’ll Love It:

You can throw this together on a single pan and walk away—leaving you time to set the table or help with homework. The salmon comes out juicy with crispy edges while the veggies soak up the citrusy, buttery sauce. It’s a wholesome, no-fuss meal that hardly generates dishes.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each)
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment.
2. Arrange the salmon fillets on one side and scatter asparagus and bell pepper around them.
3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, juice, and Italian herbs.
4. Drizzle the mixture evenly over the salmon and veggies. Place lemon rounds on top of the salmon.
5. Season everything with salt and pepper.
6. Roast for 18 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and the veggies are tender.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Optional Enhancers (choose 2):

Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat before roasting.

Best Pairings: Serve with a scoop of herbed rice or warm, crusty bread and a green salad.

2. Speedy Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Why You’ll Love It:

These tacos are ready in less than 20 minutes, so they’re perfect after a busy December day. The shrimp cook super fast and the slaw brings the crunch everyone loves. Kids can help build their own, which makes dinner feel more fun.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 2 tablespoons mayo
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving

How to Make It:

1. Mix cabbage, mayo, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt to make the slaw; set aside.
2. Toss shrimp with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side, until opaque.
4. Warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.
5. Fill each tortilla with a scoop of slaw and shrimp.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Flavor Boost: Mix a spoonful of hot sauce into your creamy slaw for extra kick.

Serving Idea: Pair these tacos with a quick black bean and corn salad.

3. Garlic Butter Scallop Linguine

Why You’ll Love It:

This feels fancy enough for a special dinner but is super quick—scallops cook in minutes. You get buttery noodles, seared scallops, and lots of garlicky goodness. A real treat on a cold weeknight when you want something elegant, fast.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving

How to Make It:

1. Cook linguine according to package, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, season scallops with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over high. Add scallops and sear for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
4. Lower heat, add butter and garlic to skillet, cook until fragrant.
5. Add cooked pasta, reserved water, lemon juice, and zest to pan. Toss.
6. Return scallops to pan, finish with parsley and extra lemon.

Swap This With That: Use shrimp instead if scallops aren’t available.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Make sure scallops are very dry before searing to get a good crust.

4. 15-Minute Tuna Melt Toasts

Why You’ll Love It:

Tuna melts are a classic quick dinner and they’re a favorite for those evenings when you want something simple and nostalgic. This version uses pantry staples and melts up perfectly under the broiler.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small celery stalk, minced
• 1 scallion, sliced
• Salt and pepper
• 8 slices rustic bread
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Dill pickle chips for serving

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your broiler.
2. Mix tuna, mayo, mustard, celery, scallion, salt, and pepper.
3. Toast bread slices lightly; lay on a baking sheet.
4. Spread tuna mix onto each piece; top with cheese.
5. Broil 3–4 minutes until cheese melts and edges are golden.
6. Serve with pickle chips.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Swap cheddar for any melting cheese you have on hand.

Best Pairings: Pair with tomato soup or a simple mixed salad.

5. Speedy Miso Glazed Cod

Why You’ll Love It:

Cod cooks lightning fast, and the sweet-salty miso glaze caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. It’s a weeknight version of a dish you might order at a Japanese restaurant—kids and grown-ups alike devour it.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cod fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• Steamed rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds and sliced scallion for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat broiler to high.
2. Stir together miso, honey, soy, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
3. Pat cod dry and lay on a foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Brush thick layer of miso glaze over fillets.
5. Broil for 8–10 minutes until fish flakes easily and browns on top.
6. Serve over rice, garnished with seeds and scallion.

Flavor Boost: Scatter chili flakes or a squeeze of fresh lime before serving.

Meal Prep Tip: Double the miso glaze and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

6. Quick Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the ultimate one-pan dinner—shrimp get tossed with bold Cajun spices, then cooked with rice and peppers for a fast, hearty meal everyone eats up. Perfect for that “I need dinner NOW” feeling.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon, cut in wedges
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet, sauté peppers until soft, 3–4 minutes. Remove to plate.
3. In the same skillet, add rice and stir to coat with oil.
4. Add broth, bring to boil, then cover and simmer 10 minutes.
5. Scatter shrimp and peppers on rice; cook uncovered until shrimp are pink and rice is tender, 5–6 more minutes.
6. Top with green onions and lemon wedges.

Swap This With That: Try andouille sausage or chicken instead of shrimp for variety.

Personal Note: When I made this for neighbors, they all asked for the recipe.

7. Spicy Thai Basil Fish Stir-Fry

Why You’ll Love It:

Flaky white fish gets tossed in a quick, bold sauce and stir-fried with bell peppers and Thai basil—ready in 20 minutes. It’s takeout at home with super fresh flavor.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound firm white fish (like tilapia or cod), cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 1 small red chili, sliced
• Jasmine rice, for serving
• Lime wedges

How to Make It:

1. Toss fish pieces in cornstarch and a bit of salt.
2. Heat oil in a wok or skillet. Add fish; sear on all sides until just golden, then remove.
3. Stir-fry peppers and garlic 2–3 minutes.
4. Return fish to pan; add soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and half the basil. Toss together.
5. Serve over rice, topped with more basil and sliced chili. Lime on side.

Flavor Boost: Add a dash of Sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.

Meal Prep Tip: Cut the veggies and fish ahead to make dinner even faster.

8. Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp with Crusty Bread

Why You’ll Love It:

When there’s “nothing for dinner,” I grab a bag of shrimp for this one. It’s just buttery garlic shrimp—plus lots of bread to mop up all the sauce. Perfect when you want fast, warm, and indulgent.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.25 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper
• 1 lemon
• 1 baguette

How to Make It:

1. Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil and butter in a skillet on medium.
3. Add garlic, cook 1 minutes, add shrimp and chili flakes.
4. Sauté 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
5. Squeeze lemon over the top and garnish with parsley.
6. Serve with sliced, toasted baguette.

Serving Idea: Add a side of mixed green salad for a full meal.

Best Pairings: Great with chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

9. Pesto Salmon Couscous Bowls

Why You’ll Love It:

This one is a trick I use when I want something light but super satisfying. Salmon cooks fast in a skillet, and store-bought pesto means most of the work is just assembling bowls.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each)
• 1 cup dry couscous
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Pour boiling water over couscous, cover, let steam 5 minutes, fluff.
2. Season salmon fillets and sear in olive oil over medium, about 4 minutes per side.
3. Toss spinach and tomatoes with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
4. Divide couscous into bowls, top with salad, then salmon.
5. Drizzle pesto over everything.

Swap This With That: Use cooked, flaked rotisserie chicken for a non-seafood twist.

Meal Prep Tip: Couscous and pesto can be made or prepped ahead.

10. Fast Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Rice Bowls

Why You’ll Love It:

Rice bowls are the answer to quick weeknight cooking. Broiled salmon with sweet teriyaki glaze, tossed over rice with veggies—it’s balanced, filling, and so simple.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets (5 oz each)
• 3 tablespoons store-bought teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 2 scallions, sliced
• Sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Whisk teriyaki, soy, and honey in a small bowl.
3. Arrange salmon on foil-lined tray, brush thickly with sauce.
4. Broil 8–10 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
5. Serve salmon pieces over bowls of rice with broccoli, scallions, and sesame seeds.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen broccoli to save money and time.

Serving Idea: These bowls are great packed for next-day lunches.

11. Lemony Tuna & White Bean Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

This makes the freshest, zippiest salad—great for winter days when you don’t want to cook. It’s perfect as a meal on its own or stuffed into pita bread.

Serving size: Serves 3–4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 small red onion, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, combine tuna, beans, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss gently and sprinkle with parsley.
4. Let chill for 10 minutes before serving for max flavor.

Flavor Boost: Add a handful of arugula or capers for tang.

Serving Idea: Tuck this salad into pita pockets or serve over crisp lettuce leaves.

12. Ginger Soy Fish Parcels

Why You’ll Love It:

Foil or parchment parcels make for easy cleanup and keep fish tender and juicy. I love making these on nights when I want dinner to be both quick and a little special—everyone gets their own packet.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 firm white fish fillets (5 oz each, like cod or halibut)
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 cup snow peas
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 scallions, sliced
• Cooked rice, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lay out four large squares of foil or parchment.
3. Place a fish fillet in the center of each.
4. Top each with carrot and snow peas.
5. Mix soy, honey, ginger, sesame oil. Spoon over fish.
6. Fold packets to seal and bake for 18 minutes.
7. Carefully open and top with scallions; serve with rice.

Flavor Boost: Add a dash of chili paste for a spicy kick.

Meal Prep Tip: Parcels can be assembled the night before and refrigerated.

13. Crispy Fish Sandwiches with Quick Slaw

Why You’ll Love It:

Better than takeout, these crispy fish sandwiches are ready in under half an hour. They’re always a hit and you control the crunch and the toppings.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 white fish fillets (5 oz each)
• 3/4 cup flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 hamburger buns
• 2 cups bagged coleslaw mix
• 2 tablespoons mayo
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Pickle chips
• Lemon wedges
• Oil for frying

How to Make It:

1. Set up breading station: flour, beaten eggs, panko + paprika + salt.
2. Dredge fish in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko.
3. Heat 1/2-inch oil in a skillet. Fry fish 3–4 minutes per side, until golden.
4. Mix slaw mix, mayo, vinegar, pinch salt in a bowl.
5. Assemble sandwiches: bun, fish, slaw, pickles, squeeze lemon.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use tilapia or frozen fish for a more affordable meal.

Best Pairings: Serve with sweet potato fries or a handful of chips.

14. Thai-Style Coconut Curry Mussels

Why You’ll Love It:

If you’re craving something restaurant-worthy but don’t want to wait, mussels in a quick coconut curry broth do the trick. It’s fast, comforting, and perfect for sopping up with crusty bread.

Serving size: Serves 4 as a main

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 pounds fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 French baguette
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium. Sauté garlic and ginger 2 minutes.
2. Stir in curry paste, cook 1 more minute.
3. Add coconut milk, fish sauce, and juice of half a lime. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add mussels, cover and steam 5–6 minutes until all open. Discard any that stay closed.
5. Pour mussels and broth into a big bowl, scatter with cilantro. Serve with bread and extra lime.

Flavor Boost: Toss in a handful of spinach in the last minute for extra greens.

Personal Note: The first time I made this, the entire family went silent except for the clink of shells.

15. Speedy Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a vibrant skillet meal overflowing with flavor—tender orzo, juicy shrimp, and plenty of vegetables. It’s often my answer to “what’s for dinner?” on especially busy nights.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz orzo pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Cook orzo in a pot of salted water; drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil, sauté garlic and tomatoes 3 minutes.
3. Add shrimp, cook until pink, 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in cooked orzo, olives, basil, lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Sprinkle with feta before serving.

Serving Idea: Serve with a big leafy Greek salad.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook shrimp—they go rubbery fast.

16. Easy Crab & Corn Chowder

Why You’ll Love It:

This creamy chowder comes together so fast and is ultra cozy. The sweet corn and tender crab taste decadent but the whole thing is ready in around 25 minutes. Great for chilly December suppers.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 1/2 cups frozen sweet corn
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (6 oz) lump crab meat, drained
• 1 large potato, diced small
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• Salt and pepper
• Rustic crackers, for serving

How to Make It:

1. In a large pot, melt butter. Sauté onion and celery until soft.
2. Stir in flour, cook 1 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in milk and broth so no lumps form.
4. Add potatoes and corn, simmer 10 minutes.
5. Stir in crab, cook 2–3 minutes more, season with salt and pepper.
6. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with chives, and serve with crackers.

Swap This With That: Use imitation crab for a budget option.

Meal Prep Tip: The chowder reheats well—just add a little milk to loosen.

17. Quick Seared Tuna Nicoise Plate

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe delivers all the flavors of classic Nicoise but is streamlined for a weeknight. Seared tuna cooks in just minutes and everything can be prepped while the potatoes and eggs cook.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 tuna steaks (about 5 oz each)
• 8 small yukon gold potatoes
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pitted olives
• 2 cups arugula
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until just tender, about 12 minutes. Add green beans for last 2 minutes.
2. Hard boil eggs (9 minutes); peel and halve.
3. Pat tuna dry, brush with oil, salt, and pepper. Sear in hot skillet 1–2 minutes each side.
4. Whisk oil, lemon juice, and Dijon for dressing.
5. Divide ingredients on plates, drizzle with dressing.

Flavor Boost: Add anchovies or capers for a classic Nicoise flavor kick.

Best Pairings: Fresh baguette and a glass of chilled rosé work well here.

FAQ

What are some of the fastest seafood options for weeknight dinners?

Shrimp, scallops, thin fish fillets (like tilapia or cod), and mussels all cook in 10 minutes or less. Using canned seafood (like tuna or crab) can also make things super speedy.

How do I keep seafood from getting overcooked or rubbery?

Watch your pan closely and go by doneness cues—shrimp become pink and opaque, fish flakes easily, and scallops get golden on the outside. Stop cooking as soon as those signs appear.

Can I use frozen seafood for these recipes?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw it fully and pat dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp, fish fillets, or even mussels can be a real time-saver on busy nights.

Are these seafood dinners good for meal prepping?

Many of them are. Dishes like pasta, chowder, or stir-fries keep well, and sauces or garnishes (like slaw or pesto) can often be made ahead. Just wait to cook seafood until right before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

December weeknights feel a little cozier with quick seafood dinners in your rotation—they’re vibrant, satisfying, and can turn an everyday Tuesday into something that feels just a little bit special. Whether you’re sneaking in a healthy meal amid holiday sweets or just looking for a warming supper, these speedy recipes fit right into a busy schedule. The beauty is that seafood cooks fast, picks up bold flavors easily, and creates meals everyone actually wants to sit down for—even when the day has been long. Use these ideas to make the season a little brighter and tastier, and trust your instincts in the kitchen. Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable.