16 Easy Frozen Fish Recipes That Actually Taste Amazing
Frozen fish often gets a bad reputation, but it can create absolutely delicious meals when prepared correctly. These recipes prove that convenience doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.
From crispy coated fillets to tender baked dishes, these frozen fish recipes will become your new weeknight dinner heroes.
01. Simple Herb-Crusted White Fish Fillets
Tender white fish fillets baked with aromatic herbs and seasonings. This foolproof recipe transforms frozen fillets into a restaurant-quality dinner in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients: 4 frozen white fish fillets, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Simple Herb-Crusted White Fish Fillets
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove frozen fillets from packaging and pat completely dry with paper towels, removing any ice crystals that could create excess moisture during cooking.
2. Mix all herbs, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil, then generously coat with the herb mixture, pressing gently to help seasonings adhere to the fish surface.
3. Arrange seasoned fillets on prepared baking sheet with space between each piece. Bake for 18-22 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 145°F, creating perfectly tender and flavorful results.
02. Foolproof Oven-Baked Salmon
Perfectly flaky salmon fillets that cook evenly every time. Even frozen salmon becomes incredibly tender and delicious with this simple technique that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients: 4 frozen salmon fillets, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried dill, lemon wedges for serving, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Foolproof Oven-Baked Salmon
1. Thaw frozen salmon fillets in the refrigerator overnight, then remove from fridge 15 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat each fillet completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adhesion and prevent steaming during baking.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Combine garlic powder, paprika, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
3. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil on both sides, then coat generously with spice mixture. Place on prepared baking sheet skin-side down, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F internal temperature. The fish should appear opaque throughout with slightly golden edges for perfect doneness.
03. Fresh Mahi Mahi Ceviche
Bright and zesty ceviche made with thawed mahi mahi and citrus juices. The acid from fresh lime juice “cooks” the fish, creating a refreshing dish perfect for warm weather entertaining.
Ingredients: 1 pound frozen mahi mahi (thawed), 1 cup fresh lime juice, 1 red onion (diced), 2 jalapeños (minced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped), salt to taste.
How To Make Fresh Mahi Mahi Ceviche
1. Completely thaw mahi mahi in refrigerator, then cut into ½-inch cubes, removing any skin or dark portions. Pat fish pieces dry and place in a glass bowl, ensuring all pieces are roughly the same size for even “cooking” in the citrus marinade.
2. Pour lime juice over cubed fish, making sure all pieces are completely submerged in the acidic liquid. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until fish turns opaque white throughout.
3. Drain most of the lime juice, leaving just enough to keep mixture moist. Add diced onion, minced jalapeños, halved tomatoes, and chopped cilantro, tossing gently to combine all ingredients without breaking apart the tender fish pieces.
4. Season with salt to taste and let stand for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or crackers for the freshest taste and best texture.
04. Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fillets
Golden-brown fish fillets with incredible crispy coating and tender flaky interior. This air fryer method creates restaurant-quality results without the mess and oil of traditional frying.
Ingredients: 4 frozen cod fillets (thawed), 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, cooking spray, salt and pepper.
How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Fish Fillets
1. Thaw cod fillets completely and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels, removing every bit of moisture to ensure the coating adheres properly. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then let rest for 5 minutes at room temperature.
2. Set up breading station with three shallow dishes. Place flour in first dish, beat eggs in second dish, and combine panko with garlic powder and paprika in third dish for maximum flavor and crunch.
3. Dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs stick to all surfaces.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F and spray basket with cooking spray. Place breaded fillets in basket without overlapping and spray tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until coating is golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect doneness.
05. Norwegian-Style Butter-Poached Cod
Rich and luxurious cod cooked directly from frozen in aromatic butter sauce. This traditional technique creates incredibly tender fish with a delicate, almost lobster-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients: 4 frozen cod fillets, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), 1 teaspoon dried dill, salt and white pepper.
How To Make Norwegian-Style Butter-Poached Cod
1. Place frozen cod fillets directly in a large skillet without thawing first. Add just enough cold water to barely cover the fish, then bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, being careful not to boil vigorously.
2. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until fish begins to flake and turns opaque. Carefully remove fillets with a slotted spatula and set aside on a warm plate, discarding the poaching liquid completely.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat and add minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and dill, creating an aromatic butter sauce.
4. Return cod fillets to the skillet and gently spoon butter sauce over each piece, cooking for 2-3 minutes more until heated through. Season with salt and white pepper before serving immediately with the rich butter sauce.
06. Spicy Southern Catfish Bites
Crispy fried catfish pieces with bold Cajun seasonings and perfect crunch. These bite-sized portions cook quickly and deliver authentic New Orleans flavor with every golden piece.
Ingredients: 2 pounds frozen catfish fillets (thawed), 2 cups cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 cups buttermilk, vegetable oil for frying, salt to taste.
How To Make Spicy Southern Catfish Bites
1. Cut thawed catfish into 2-inch pieces and soak in buttermilk for 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor. This step helps remove any muddy taste while creating incredibly tender fish with perfect seasoning absorption.
2. Combine cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, and salt in a large bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute spices evenly throughout the coating mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.
3. Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, using a thermometer for accuracy. Remove catfish pieces from buttermilk and dredge in seasoned cornmeal mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete coating coverage.
4. Fry catfish pieces in small batches for 3-4 minutes per batch until deep golden brown and crispy, being careful not to overcrowd the pan which would lower oil temperature and create soggy coating.
5. Transfer fried catfish to paper towel-lined plate and season immediately with additional salt while hot. Serve with hot sauce and lemon wedges for authentic Southern-style presentation and flavor.
07. Aromatic Curry Fish and Rice Bowl
Fragrant curry-spiced white fish served over fluffy rice with warming spices. This one-pot meal transforms mild frozen fish into an exotic dinner that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients: 1½ pounds frozen white fish fillets, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 1 onion (diced), 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 can coconut milk, 2 cups jasmine rice (cooked), 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced), salt and cilantro for garnish.
How To Make Aromatic Curry Fish and Rice Bowl
1. Thaw fish fillets completely and cut into 2-inch chunks, patting dry with paper towels. Season pieces lightly with salt and let rest while preparing the aromatic curry base for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté diced onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced ginger and curry powder, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant and toasted.
3. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine all flavors. Add fish chunks to the simmering curry sauce, ensuring pieces are mostly submerged in the creamy liquid.
4. Cover and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily and has absorbed the curry flavors throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed for perfect balance.
5. Serve curry fish over warm jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. The mild fish perfectly absorbs the aromatic spices while maintaining its tender, flaky texture.
08. Hearty Tomato Fish Chowder
Comforting chowder loaded with tender cod and vegetables in rich tomato broth. This satisfying soup transforms simple frozen fish into a warming meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients: 1 pound frozen cod (thawed), 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 celery stalks (chopped), 1 onion (diced), 2 cups fish stock, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper.
How To Make Hearty Tomato Fish Chowder
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté diced onion and chopped celery until vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
2. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, fish stock, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Cut thawed cod into bite-sized chunks and add to the simmering chowder. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes until fish flakes easily and is cooked through, being careful not to overcook and break apart the delicate pieces.
4. Remove bay leaf and season chowder with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
09. Pressure Cooker Frozen Salmon
Perfectly cooked salmon fillets made directly from frozen in your Instant Pot. This hands-off method produces incredibly moist and tender fish without any risk of overcooking or drying out.
Ingredients: 4 frozen salmon fillets, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 lemon (sliced), 2 teaspoons dried herbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Pressure Cooker Frozen Salmon
1. Add water to Instant Pot and place trivet inside. Brush frozen salmon fillets with olive oil and season both sides with herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coverage on all surfaces.
2. Place seasoned fillets on a piece of foil and top each with lemon slices for extra flavor and moisture. Wrap foil loosely around fish, creating a packet that allows steam to circulate while keeping seasonings in place.
3. Set foil packet on trivet in Instant Pot and secure lid. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
4. Carefully remove salmon packet and unwrap, checking that internal temperature reaches 145°F. The fish should flake easily and appear opaque throughout with no translucent areas remaining for perfect doneness.
10. Herb-Crusted Halibut Steaks
Thick halibut steaks coated in fresh herbs and baked to perfection. This elegant preparation showcases the mild, sweet flavor of halibut while creating an impressive presentation for special dinners.
Ingredients: 4 frozen halibut steaks, 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), 2 tablespoons fresh dill, 1 tablespoon fresh chives, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 lemon (zested), salt and pepper.
How To Make Herb-Crusted Halibut Steaks
1. Thaw halibut steaks completely in refrigerator and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Let fish come to room temperature for 15 minutes while preparing the fresh herb coating mixture for even cooking.
2. Combine chopped parsley, dill, chives, minced garlic, and lemon zest in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and mix until herbs form a paste-like consistency that will adhere well to the fish surface.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Season halibut steaks with salt and pepper, then spread herb mixture evenly over top surface of each steak, pressing gently to help coating stick.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes depending on thickness until fish flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 145°F. The herb crust should be lightly golden and fragrant when properly cooked.
5. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute throughout the fish. Serve with roasted vegetables and rice for a complete and elegant meal presentation.
11. Simple Baked Flounder with Lemon
Delicate flounder fillets baked with minimal seasonings for maximum flavor. This effortless recipe requires just a few ingredients but delivers restaurant-quality results every single time.
Ingredients: 4 frozen flounder fillets, 3 tablespoons butter (melted), 2 lemons (juiced and zested), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Simple Baked Flounder with Lemon
1. Thaw flounder fillets completely and arrange in a greased baking dish, ensuring fillets don’t overlap for even cooking. Pat fish dry and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F and combine melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl, whisking until well combined and aromatic.
3. Pour half the lemon butter mixture over flounder fillets, then bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily and appears opaque throughout with no translucent areas remaining.
4. Drizzle remaining lemon butter sauce over cooked fish before serving. The delicate flounder pairs beautifully with the bright citrus flavors and creates an elegant yet simple meal.
12. Crunchy Pretzel-Crusted Fish
Golden fish fillets coated in crushed pretzels for incredible crunch and flavor. This creative coating adds a salty-sweet element that makes ordinary frozen fish taste absolutely extraordinary and restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients: 4 frozen cod fillets (thawed), 2 cups pretzel twists (crushed), ½ cup flour, 2 eggs (beaten), 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, vegetable oil for frying, salt and pepper.
How To Make Crunchy Pretzel-Crusted Fish
1. Pat thawed cod fillets completely dry and season with salt and pepper. Mix Dijon mustard and honey in a small bowl to create a flavorful binding agent that helps the pretzel coating adhere perfectly.
2. Crush pretzel twists in a food processor until you have coarse crumbs with some larger pieces for extra texture. Set up breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and crushed pretzels in separate shallow dishes.
3. Brush each fillet with honey-mustard mixture, then dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with crushed pretzels, pressing gently to ensure coating sticks to all surfaces.
4. Heat ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry coated fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, turning carefully to maintain coating integrity.
5. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. The pretzel coating creates an incredibly crunchy exterior while keeping the fish moist and flaky inside for perfect texture contrast.
13. Zesty Lemon-Pepper Salmon
Bright salmon fillets with bold lemon and black pepper flavors. This simple preparation highlights the rich taste of salmon while adding zesty citrus notes that make every bite incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients: 4 frozen salmon fillets, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 lemons (juiced and zested), 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, salt to taste.
How To Make Zesty Lemon-Pepper Salmon
1. Thaw salmon fillets in refrigerator overnight, then pat completely dry with paper towels. Let fish come to room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking throughout each fillet.
2. Preheat oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Combine lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
3. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil on both sides, then coat generously with the lemon-pepper mixture, pressing spices into the fish surface to help them adhere during cooking.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature. For extra color, broil for 2-3 minutes until edges are lightly golden and crispy.
5. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with dill before serving. The combination of citrus and pepper creates a bright, flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or rice.
14. Mediterranean Braised Cod with Peppers
Tender cod simmered in tomatoes with colorful bell peppers and Mediterranean herbs. This healthy one-pan meal combines frozen ingredients into a flavorful dish that tastes like it simmered all day.
Ingredients: 1½ pounds frozen cod fillets, 1 can whole tomatoes (crushed), 2 bell peppers (sliced), 1 onion (sliced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons ouzo (optional), 1 teaspoon oregano, salt and pepper.
How To Make Mediterranean Braised Cod with Peppers
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add minced garlic and oregano to the pan, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes and ouzo if using, bringing mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring to combine flavors.
3. Nestle frozen cod fillets directly into the simmering tomato mixture without thawing first. Cover and braise for 15-18 minutes until fish flakes easily and has absorbed the Mediterranean flavors throughout.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes more to thicken the sauce slightly. The vegetables should be tender and the sauce should coat the fish beautifully.
5. Serve over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful braising liquid. This dish improves with time as the flavors continue to meld together perfectly.
15. Mexican-Style Salsa Fish Bake
Colorful baked fish topped with zesty salsa and melted cheese. This family-friendly recipe transforms plain frozen fillets into a festive Mexican-inspired meal that even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients: 4 frozen white fish fillets, 1 cup chunky salsa, 1 cup Mexican cheese blend (shredded), 1 cup crushed tortilla chips, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 lime (cut into wedges), salt and pepper.
How To Make Mexican-Style Salsa Fish Bake
1. Thaw fish fillets completely and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make the dish watery. Press fillets between towels if necessary to ensure they’re completely dry.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish. Season fish with cumin, salt, and pepper, then arrange in prepared dish without overlapping for even cooking throughout.
3. Spread salsa evenly over each fillet, then top with shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips for added crunch and flavor. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to help chips brown during baking.
4. Bake for 18-22 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and cheese is melted and bubbly. The tortilla chip topping should be golden brown and crispy for perfect texture contrast.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Serve with rice and beans for a complete Mexican-inspired meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
16. Instant Pot Honey-Glazed Salmon
Sweet and savory salmon with honey-mustard glaze cooked from frozen. This pressure cooker method ensures perfectly moist fish while the broiler finish creates a beautiful caramelized glaze on top.
Ingredients: 4 frozen salmon fillets, ¼ cup honey, 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 cup water, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated).
How To Make Instant Pot Honey-Glazed Salmon
1. Add water to Instant Pot and place trivet inside. Arrange frozen salmon fillets on a piece of foil large enough to create a packet, ensuring fillets don’t overlap for even cooking.
2. Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl until smooth and well combined, creating a flavorful glaze mixture.
3. Brush half the honey-mustard glaze over salmon fillets, then wrap foil loosely around fish to create a sealed packet. Place packet on trivet and pressure cook on high for 3 minutes.
4. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure. Carefully remove salmon packet and transfer fillets to a broiler-safe pan, discarding cooking liquid.
5. Brush remaining glaze over cooked salmon and broil for 2-3 minutes until glaze is caramelized and golden brown. The honey creates a beautiful lacquered finish while keeping the fish incredibly moist and flavorful inside.
Final Thoughts
These frozen fish recipes prove that convenience and flavor can go hand in hand beautifully. From simple baked preparations to creative crusted varieties, there’s something here for every taste preference.
Keep these techniques in your back pocket for those busy weeknights when you need a healthy, delicious dinner fast.