These are the summer fish recipes we’re rustling up night after night.
Baked Lemon Sole With Sorrel Sauce
BBC Good Food
This recipe really goes to the heart of what we love most about a good fish supper: absolute simplicity, and allowing the ingredients to shine without too much embellishment. Sure, there’s a little creamy sauce to keep the fish flavoursome, but other than that, just a handful of herbs, a knob of butter and some simple boiled new potatoes rolling around the plate as accompaniment. Add a handful of lightly oil-doused green leaves if you’re pushing the boat out. Get the recipe.
Spiced Maple Salmon
Waitrose
You can cook this recipe in the oven or over the barbecue – and if the weather is favourable, we’d suggest the latter for the added char and smoky depth it brings. The combination of maple syrup and warming spices gives the salmon a gently caramelised crust, while a fresh tomato and avocado salsa keeps everything feeling light and summery. Served with a pile of warm flatbreads and eaten outdoors, it makes for the sort of easy supper that’s made for long evenings in the garden. Get the recipe.
Fish & Chips
Rick Stein
You can, of course, quite legitimately nip down to your local chippie for a lovely paper-wrapped supper of – in our case – vinegar-soaked chips with a beautifully battered cod perched on top. It is one of life’s great pleasures, and a takeaway that comes with instant seaside-holiday associations. But the real deal is becoming increasingly scarce. If you want to nail a homemade version, try rustling up reigning king of fish Rick Stein’s recipe instead. After all, he knows a thing or two about this sort of grub. Get the recipe.
Spanish Sardines On Toast
BBC Good Food
If there is one lesson that fish cookery teaches us time and again, it is that the best approach is often the simplest. This recipe is a case in point: good sardines, a handful of punchy Mediterranean ingredients and some crisp toast are all that is required for a light lunch or speedy supper full of flavour. Ready in minutes and requiring very little effort, it's exactly the sort of unfussy dish we'd happily eat on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the sea. Or indeed, in the garden braving it out with our raincoats on. Get the recipe.
Sicilian Fish Stew
The Mediterranean Dish
Part of the appeal of a good fish supper is how transportive it can be, and few recipes do that better than this Sicilian fish stew. Brimming with tender chunks of white fish, tomatoes, capers and olives, it manages to feel both hearty and light at the same time. It's exactly the sort of dish we'd imagine eating on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, preferably with plenty of crusty bread on hand for mopping up every last drop of the richly flavoured broth. A glass of something cold and white alongside wouldn't go amiss either. Get the recipe.
FAQs: Summer Fish Recipes
What fish is best to cook in summer?
Lighter fish such as lemon sole, sea bass, cod, haddock, sardines and salmon are all excellent summer choices. They pair beautifully with seasonal vegetables, herbs and fresh salads, and can be cooked quickly on the barbecue, grill or hob.
What are some easy fish recipes for beginners?
Simple dishes such as baked lemon sole, grilled salmon, fish stew and sardines on toast are ideal for novice cooks. They require relatively few ingredients and allow the flavour of the fish to take centre stage.
What is the healthiest fish to eat?
Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to support heart and brain health. White fish, meanwhile, tends to be lean and high in protein.
Can fish be cooked on a barbecue?
Absolutely. Salmon, sardines, sea bass and whole fish are all particularly good on the barbecue. Cooking over charcoal adds a subtle smokiness that works especially well during the summer months.
What should I serve with fish?
New potatoes, green salads, grilled vegetables, crusty bread and seasonal greens all make excellent accompaniments. In summer, lighter sides tend to complement fish best.
How can I tell if fish is fresh?
Fresh fish should smell clean and lightly of the sea rather than strongly fishy. Whole fish should have bright eyes and shiny skin, while fillets should look moist and firm rather than dry or discoloured.
Which fish is most sustainable to eat in the UK?
Sustainability varies depending on species and sourcing. The best approach is to check the latest guidance from the Marine Stewardship Council and the Marine Conservation Society before buying.
What are the best fish recipes for entertaining?
A generous fish stew, barbecue salmon or a platter of fish and chips are all excellent options for feeding a crowd. They can be prepared largely in advance and have a relaxed, summery feel that suits informal gatherings.
