During the 40-day period of Lent (which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday), Catholics are asked to abstain from eating meat on Fridays. That’s why Friday night fish frys are so popular during Lent, particularly in the Midwest. Then, on some days during Lent, Catholics are also asked to fast.
Can You Eat Meat on Ash Wednesday?
No meat should be consumed on Ash Wednesday. This is when most people start preparing Lent recipes. In addition, Ash Wednesday is an obligatory day of fasting.
Can You Eat Meat on Fridays in Lent?
No meat should be consumed on Fridays during Lent unless it happens to fall on a day of solemnity. However, eating fish is allowed. Plenty of restaurants and even fast-food spots will serve fish during Lent. However, there are plenty of great Lent dinner recipes that aren’t fish, too.
Psst: Have busy Friday nights? Test out one of these quick Lent dinner recipes.
Can You Eat Meat on Holy Thursday?
You can eat meat on Holy Thursday.
Can You Eat Meat on Good Friday?
No meat should be consumed on Good Friday. Additionally, it is an obligatory day of fasting.
What Does It Mean to Fast?
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “when fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.”
Who Is Obligated to Fast?
For members of the Latin Catholic Church, fasting is obligatory for people ages 18 through 59 years old. Abstaining from meat is on Ash Wednesday, Lenten Fridays and Good Friday is obligatory for those 14 and older.
People can be excused from fasting or abstaining during Lent. This covers anyone who is mentally or physically ill (including anyone with chronic conditions such as diabetes) as well as women who are pregnant or nursing.
Seafood Recipes to Eat During Lent
Modern Tuna Casserole
I loved tuna casserole as a kid and found myself craving it as an adult. However, the massive amounts of fat and salt in the traditional recipe were a turnoff health-wise, and it just didn't taste as good as I remembered. I reconfigured the recipe to include more vegetables and the result was delicious. —Rebecca Blanton, St. Helena, California
Go to Recipe
Hungry for more? Check out our collection of
lent casserole recipes.
Baked SalmonI often make this very moist and flavorful oven-baked salmon as Lent seafood. This baked salmon with lemon is well complemented by rice or a green vegetable and a tossed salad. —Emily Chaney, Penobscot, Maine
Broccoli Shrimp AlfredoAfter tasting fettuccine Alfredo at a restaurant, I tried to duplicate the recipe at home. You can't imagine how pleased I was when I came up with this delicious version. Not only does my family love the creamy dish, but my husband prefers it to the one at the restaurant. —Rae Natoli, Kingston, New York
Here are more of the best
recipes for Lent.
Sick of seafood? Find
Lenten recipes that aren't fish.
Slow-Cooker Clam SauceServe this delectable clam sauce when you need Lent seafood. The sauce is bright and fresh with pasta, too. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas
Discover more
slow-cooked seafood recipes to serve during Lent.
Po'Boy TacosI intended to make tostadas, but I misread a couple of ingredients and had to use what I had on hand. I put my own twist on a po'boy recipe and ended up with something even better. —Cynthia Nelson, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
No time for homemade? Try this
Lent-friendly fast food.
Crabmeat BoatsI've been making this recipe for more than 40 years to serve when we're in need of Lent seafood. You can also spread the filling on small rolls and serve them as an appetizer. —June Strang, Grand Blanc, Michigan
Walnut and Oat-Crusted SalmonI think this recipe gives you the most omega-3 fatty acid bang for your buck! —Cristen Dutcher, Marietta, Georgia
Stir-Fried ScallopsScallops meet mild tomato in this weeknight-friendly Lent seafood dish. Try serving the saucy mixture over rice or angel hair pasta, and garnish with cilantro if you like. —Stephany Gocobacki, San Rafael, California
Salmon with Tomato-Goat Cheese CouscousRich with goat cheese and tomato, this Lent seafood recipe works for a weeknight supper or an elegant company dinner—and is adjustable for number of people. —Toni Roberts, La Canada, California
Shrimp Tortellini Pasta TossNo matter how you toss 'em, shrimp and thyme play nicely with any spring-fresh vegetable. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
California Roll in a JarI'm a big sushi fan, but I don't always have time to make those intricate rolls at home. This jar is layered with my favorite California roll ingredients, so I can get the flavor I love without the fuss. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Peppered Tuna KabobsWhen we barbecue, we like to wow our guests, so dogs and burgers are out! We make tuna skewers topped with salsa—the perfect easy recipe. My five kids like to help me put them together. —Jennifer Ingersoll, Herndon, Virginia
Crab Egg Foo YongEnjoy a classic Chinese takeout without leaving your home. This makes a quick dinner and is as delicious as what you would get in any restaurant. —Beverly Preston, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp ScampiUse your favorite dry, crisp white wine to make this copycat Cheesecake Factory shrimp scampi recipe. Plate it just like the restaurant by arranging the shrimp around a mound of angel hair pasta.
Dijon-Crusted FishDijon, Parmesan and a hint of horseradish give this toasty fish lots of flavor. The preparation is so easy, it takes just 5 to 7 minutes to get four servings ready for the oven. —Scott Schmidtke, Chicago, Illinois
Pan-Fried Scallops with White Wine ReductionI learned the art of wine reduction from a cooking class...the flavor is fabulous! Despite the fancy title, pan-fried scallops are easy to prepare. —Katherine Robinson, Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Oyster FricasseeI oversee the gardens at Colonial Williamsburg. We've learned that the colonists had a ready source of oysters from Chesapeake Bay. I enjoy this rich, creamy casserole, a special dish from this area's holiday recipe collection. —Susan Dippre, Williamsburg, Virginia
Tomato-Herb Grilled TilapiaThis super tilapia with ginger and lemon takes dinner over the top with minimal prep. Grilling the fish in foil is about as easy as it gets. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
North Carolina Shrimp SauteSeafood is very popular in my state. I altered this recipe several times and now it's truly our favorite Lent seafood dish. —Teresa Hildreth, Stoneville, North Carolina
Heavenly Crab CakesWhen I switched to a low-fat diet, I thought I'd never be able to eat crab cakes again. But then I found this healthy crab cake recipe. Now I can enjoy these little patties of paradise…without any guilt! —Laura Letobar, Livonia, Michigan
Honey WalleyeMy state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so fishing is a favorite recreational activity here. This recipe is a quick way to prepare all the fresh walleye hooked by the anglers in my family. —Kitty McCue, St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Blend of the BayouMy sister-in-law shared this recipe with me when I first moved here. It's been handed down in my husband's family for generations. It's quick to prepare, nutritious and flavorful. I've passed it on to my children too.—Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Tuna-Filled ShellsHot tuna's a hit when you mix it with sizable pasta shells and a cheesy sauce. Dill also complements the fish nicely in this creamy Lent seafood recipe. It's a great change of pace from the traditional tuna casserole. —Connie Staal, Greenbrier, Arkansas
Crab-Topped Fish FilletsThese fillets are elegant enough for company but truly no trouble to make. Fish is abundant here in South Florida, and we like to get together with friends in the afternoon, so I often need to whip up a quick dinner when we get home. This special dish is one of my husband's favorites. —Mary Tuthill, Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Lemon-Batter FishFishing is a popular recreational activity where we live, so folks are always looking for ways to prepare their catches. My husband ranks this as one of his favorite Lent seafood recipes. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
Tuna Noodle CasseroleFamilies are sure to love the creamy texture and comforting taste of this Lent seafood casserole that goes together in a jiffy. I serve it with a green salad and warm rolls for a nutritious supper. —Ruby Wells, Cynthiana, Kentucky
Cajun ShrimpThese zippy shrimp bring a lot of pizazz to the table. Use as much or as little cayenne pepper as you'd like, depending on your family's tastes. We love ours served alongside rice pilaf. —Donna Thomason, El Paso, Texas
Tilapia with Cucumber RelishI found a Lent seafood recipe that lures even landlubbers to her fish suppers. I spotted this easy entree on a recipe card in my local fish market. Although my husband isn't big on fish, he enjoys this mild-tasting tilapia. The relish adds garden-fresh flavor and pretty color to the lightly browned fillets. —Mary VanHollebeke, Wyandotte, Michigan
Angel Hair Shrimp BakeShrimp pairs beautifully with the herbs, salsa and three kinds of cheese in this baked Lent seafood casserole. The shrimp make this dish special enough for a guests, but your family is sure to enjoy it, too. —Susan Davidson, Elm Grove, Wisconsin
Breaded Sea ScallopsI never liked seafood until my husband urged me to try scallops, and now I love them. He says my breaded version is the best he's ever had. A tip I learned was to put them on a paper-towel-topped plate to soak up excess oil. —Martina Preston, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Easy Fish TacosSearching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
True Shrimp CreoleAn authentic Cajun dish, this tastes even better if refrigerated overnight to allow all the flavors to blend.
Tilapia with Corn SalsaMy family loves fish, and this quick and tasty dish is very popular at my house. Though it tastes like it takes a long time, it cooks in minutes under the broiler. We enjoy it with lemon wedges with couscous on the side. —Brenda Coffey, Singer Island, Florida
Shrimp ‘n’ Noodle BowlsHere's a quick Lent seafood meal that feels as if it came from a restaurant. Cooked shrimp, bagged slaw and bottled dressing reduce the time needed to get it on the table. —Mary Bergfeld, Eugene, Oregon
Red Clam SauceThis Lent seafood recipe tastes like an Italian restaurant specialty and cooks while you take care of other things. What a marvelous way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Brown Sugar-Glazed SalmonPop these protein-packed brown sugar salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. —Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan
Crumb-Topped SoleLooking for a low-carb Lent seafood supper that’s ready in a hurry? These buttery sole fillets have just a dab of rich sauce and are topped with toasty bread crumbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Garlic Lemon ShrimpYou'll be amazed that you can make this simple, elegant Lent seafood pasta in mere minutes. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all of the garlic lemon sauce. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Southwestern Fish TacosThese bright tacos take me on an instant trip to sunny Southern California. The recipe has been on my family's most requested list for years. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Parmesan Baked CodYou need just five ingredients for this goof-proof way to keep oven-baked fish moist. My mom is one of the best cooks in the world, and she shared this Lent seafood recipe with me years ago. I've been loving it ever since. —Mary Jo Hoppe, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Seafood CasseroleA family favorite, this rice casserole is filled with plenty of seafood and veggies. It's hearty, homey and so easy to make. —Nancy Billups, Princeton, Iowa
Sensational Spiced SalmonA bold rub gives this quick Lent seafood entree fantastic flavor. Paired with a green veggie and rice, my spicy salmon is a delightful weeknight dinner that’s special enough for company. —Michele Doucette, Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador
Pesto HalibutThe mildness of halibut contrasts perfectly with the robust flavor of pesto in this recipe. It takes only minutes to get the fish ready for the oven, leaving you plenty of time to get started on your side dishes. Nearly anything goes well with this entree. —April Showalter, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Buttery Grilled ShrimpThis grilled shrimp recipe is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak, but for a special occasion, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Maple-Balsamic SalmonI have a few good recipes for family-favorite, heart-healthy salmon, but this one is always a hit. I serve it this way at least once a week and sometimes more! —David Krisko of Becker, Minnesota
Lemon Basil SalmonMy husband came up with this easy, foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA
Baked TilapiaI've decided to cook healthier for my family, and that includes having more fish at home. After looking at easy tilapia recipes, I decided to try baked tilapia. I love that it's fast, too! —Hope Stewart, Raleigh, North Carolina
Salmon with Root VegetablesThis cozy Lent seafood hash is loaded with protein and healthy fats that keep you going on busy days. We've been known to devour it at breakfast, lunch and dinner! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Tangy Parmesan TilapiaIf you want a gluten-free fish coating, this works beautifully! Some reduced-fat mayos may contain gluten, though, so check the label on yours to be sure. —Deborah Purdue, Westland, Michigan
Scallops in Sage CreamI wanted to show off the ocean freshness of the scallops I bought on the dock from a local fisherman, so I used basic ingredients to showcase them. With sage and shallots, this is the best cream sauce for scallops I've found. —Joan Churchill, Dover, New Hampshire
Caesar Orange RoughyI'm so thankful that my mother taught me to cook at a young age. She won several cooking contests over the years and this is one of my favorite Lent seafood recipes of hers. —Mary Lou Boyce, Wilmingon, Delaware
Fish TacosA cool sauce with just a bit of zing tops these breaded fish tacos (that are actually healthy!). This recipe is a delicious guilt-free dish that doesn't break the bank. —Lena Lim, Seattle, Washington
Herbed Seafood CasseroleWhen I wanted a seafood dish for my annual Christmas Eve buffet, my friend gave me a wonderful recipe. This is a rich, creamy casserole loaded with shrimp, scallops and crab. —Donna Schmuland, Westaskiwin, Alberta
Broiled CodThis is the easiest and tastiest fish you'll serve. Even finicky eaters who think they don't like fish will love it because it lacks a fishy taste and is beautiful and flakey. —Kim Russell, North Wales, Pennsylvania
Seasoned Tilapia FilletsIf you need a healthy, keep-it-simple solution to Lent seafood dinner tonight, you just found it. This restaurant-quality tilapia fillet recipe relies on spices you're likely to have on hand to deliver big flavor. This is how to make tilapia. —Dana Alexander, Lebanon, Missouri
Homemade Fish SticksI am a nutritionist and needed a healthy fish fix. Moist inside and crunchy outside, these are amazing with oven fries or roasted veggies and low-fat homemade tartar sauce. —Jennifer Rowland, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Shrimp Pad ThaiYou can make this yummy Thai classic in no time. Find fish sauce and chili garlic sauce in the Asian foods aisle of your grocery store. —Elise Ray, Shawnee, Kansas
Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple SalsaYears ago I found a grilled tilapia recipe in a seafood cookbook. The pineapple salsa with cilantro has a touch of spice and goes so well with the flaky, tender fish. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
Easy Glazed SalmonIt takes only four ingredients and a few moments to make this delightful Lent seafood dish. —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia
Breaded Baked TilapiaSo much flavor…so few ingredients! A quick and easy crumb coating makes this yummy tilapia recipe ideal for when you're serving Lent seafood. Try the breading on cod for a change of pace. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
Grilled Tilapia PiccataWe aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
Crab-Stuffed Flounder with Herbed AioliIf you like seafood, you’ll love this scrumptious flounder. The light and creamy aioli sauce tops it off with fresh tones of chives and garlic. —Beverly O'Ferrall, Linkwood, Maryland
Feta Shrimp TacosA unique combination of taco seasoning and feta cheese works remarkably well in these refreshing tacos. It’s a goodthing you get two per serving, because you won’t want to stop at one! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Firecracker Grilled SalmonLet this sensational salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this Lent seafood dish is anything but boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL
Southern Shrimp and GritsA southern specialty, sometimes called breakfast shrimp, this shrimp and grits recipe tastes fantastic for brunch or dinner, or anytime company’s coming. It’s down-home comfort food at its finest. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Pretzel-Crusted CatfishI'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my books. This combination of flavors just works for me. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with butter and honey. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed SoleThe most casual cookout will seem elegant when it stars this delicate fish combined with seafood stuffing and a lemony sauce. Just add a salad and baguette. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois
Catfish ParmesanMississippi is the nation's largest producer of farm-raised catfish. My family loves this Lent seafood dish and asks for it often. One reason I like it is it's so simple to prepare. —Mrs. W.D. Baker, Starkville, Mississippi
Balsamic-Salmon Spinach SaladThis spinach salad is really healthy and super fast. It's an absolute cinch to make after a long workday. —Karen Schlyter, Calgary, Alberta
Shrimp Lettuce WrapsLettuce forms a crispy shell that's full of possibilities, depending on what's in your fridge. Swap shrimp for cooked chicken, pork or tofu. Mix in any veggies you want: carrots, broccoli, snow peas and chopped zucchini are all fantastic add-ins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cornmeal Catfish with Avocado SauceWhen I was growing up in California, my mother made catfish quite often, and it was always a hit. Now I cook it with my own twist. When only frozen catfish fillets are available, I thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and they work just as well. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
Simple Poached SalmonI love this Lent seafood recipe because it's healthy and almost effortless. The salmon always cooks to perfection! —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado SalsaA delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts
Grilled Salmon WrapsLike Taco Tuesday, we have Lent Seafood Fridays, so I like to experiment with different types. I pulled salmon, spinach and avocado from the fridge for these wraps. My kids loved them, and I did, too! They're delicious, and they contain all five food groups right in one hand-held meal. —Jennifer Krey, Clarence, New York
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini NoodlesI love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Fajita-Style Shrimp and GritsI combined two of my favorite dishes—fajitas and shrimp with cheesy grits—into this one-dish Lent seafood meal. For more heat, use pepper jack cheese instead of a Mexican cheese blend. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Sheet-Pan Tilapia and Vegetable MedleyUnlike some one-pan dinners that require precooking in a skillet or pot, this one uses just the sheet pan, period. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp BakeI like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Scallops with Snow PeasThe vibrant, crisp pea pods in this dish are a nice contrast with the soft scallops. The dish looks and tastes bright and fresh. —Barb Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
Lemony Scallops with Angel Hair PastaThis Lent seafood dish tastes so bright with a touch of lemon and tender sauteed scallops. Serve with crusty whole grain bread, and you have an impressive dinner that comes together in a flash. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Tequila Lime Shrimp ZoodlesThis tangy shrimp dish is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill SauceThis is one of my husband's favorite Lent seafood recipes. Salmon is a go-to for busy nights because it cooks so quickly and goes with so many different flavors. The creamy dill sauce with cucumber tastes light and fresh. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Soft Fish TacosMy husband Bill and I created these tasty fish tacos. The combination with tilapia and cabbage may seem unusual, but after one bite, everyone’s hooked!—Carrie Billups, Florence, Oregon
Artichoke Cod with Sun-Dried TomatoesCod is a fabulous break from really rich dishes that take so long to prepare. I like to serve this Lent seafood dish over a bed of greens, pasta or quinoa. A squeeze of lemon gives it another layer of freshness. —Hiroko Miles, El Dorado Hills, California
Creamy Seafood EnchiladasShrimp and crab cooked with a flavorful sauce add up to outstanding enchiladas.
I made them for an annual fundraiser, and now they’re always in demand. Spice up the recipe to your taste by adding more green chiles and salsa. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
