Simple, approachable ways to cook two of the easiest fish for weeknight dinners.
Let’s be honest: cooking fish at home can feel a little intimidating. Maybe you’ve had a piece that was too dry or too “fishy,” or maybe you’re just not sure what to do beyond a basic lemon-and-foil situation. Totally fair. But here’s the good news: not all seafood is fussy, and you don’t have to be a chef to cook it well.
Two of the easiest fish to start with? Steelhead trout and tilapia. They’re both mild in flavor, fast to cook, and flexible enough to take on a variety of seasonings and styles—no deep fryer or special equipment required.
Whether you’re trying to eat more seafood, cooking for a picky eater, or simply looking to mix up your dinner rotation, this guide will help you get comfortable with these underrated favorites from Marine Harvest.
Steelhead trout looks and cooks like salmon but has a slightly milder flavor and a more delicate texture. Rich without being overwhelming, it crisps up beautifully in a pan and holds up well to baking.
Tilapia is ultra-lean and incredibly mild—perfect for people who think they don’t like fish. It’s a blank canvas for bold spices, creamy sauces, and buttery finishes, and it cooks super quickly.
Both fish are:
If you’re not sure where to start, these five Marine Harvest recipes are great entry points. They’re quick, full of flavor, and use simple techniques that even first-time seafood cooks can master.
You can find all of them at marineharvestseafood.com/recipes.
1. Steelhead Trout with Avocado Mango Salsa
Sear trout until the skin is golden and top with a bright salsa of mango, avocado, red onion, lime, and jalapeño.
Ready in 20 minutes.
2. Polenta-Crusted Tilapia with Spicy Mango Slaw
Tilapia strips pressed into seasoned polenta, pan-fried until crisp, and wrapped in tortillas with avocado and chipotle mango slaw.
Taco night, upgraded.
3. Garlic Herb butter Tilapia with veggie pasta
Air-fried tilapia with a pat of butter served over pappardelle tossed with spiralized veggies and Parmesan.
Comfort in a bowl.
4. Cheesy Steelhead Trout Casserole
Flaked trout, egg noodles, peas, and white cheddar in a creamy base—baked until golden and bubbly.
Nostalgic, filling, and family-approved.
5. Steelhead Trout Papillote with Mixed Veggies
Veggies and trout sealed in parchment with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Steams in the oven for a clean, flavorful meal with zero cleanup.
Weeknight elegance made simple.
As a general rule of thumb: For all cooking methods, cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Appliances and cookware vary, so adjust cooking times as needed to make sure your fish is fully cooked but still tender.
If you’ve had a bad experience with dry, bland, or overcooked fish in the past, you’re not alone. But starting with Marine Harvest’s high-quality steelhead trout and tilapia makes all the difference.
Pick one easy recipe to try—maybe the garlic butter pasta or the trout with salsa. From there, you’ll find yourself reaching for these fillets more often, whether it’s taco night, salad night, or just a Tuesday.
You don’t need to make seafood a big event. With Marine Harvest steelhead trout and tilapia in your fridge or freezer, it’s easy to bring fresh, flavorful meals to the table with minimal effort.
Fast, unfussy, and surprisingly delicious—this is the kind of weeknight cooking you’ll actually want to repeat.
This article was written by Anca of The Butter Table