A pescatarian diet is similar to a vegetarian food regimen in that it excludes all red meat and poultry; however, pescatarianism includes seafood and shellfish, distinguishing it from a [vegan](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/vegan-vs-vegetarian-guide) or strict vegetarian diet.
Pescatarian recipes are easy to work into your weekly meal plans. Many are quick, [easy meals](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-fish-recipes) well-suited for beginners and perfect for weeknight dinners due to their minimal [meal prep](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-meal-prep-guide). Here are ten pescatarian recipes from a variety of cuisines, from Greek to Mexican, that you can try for appetizers, a pescatarian dinner, or a quick [brunch](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/brunch-ideas):

1. __Baked halibut__: One of the most popular white fish, halibut has a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs equally well with acidic tomato sauce or rich brown butter. [Baked halibut](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-fresh-halibut-easy-baked-halibut-recipe) cooks in under fifteen minutes and is an easy weeknight dinner.
2. __Crispy whole branzino__: This fish, also called European sea bass, is sweet, meaty, and full of flavor. Chef Gordon Ramsay serves this recipe for [crispy whole branzino](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-crispy-whole-branzino-recipe) with lettuce cups and a Thai dipping sauce.
3. __Easy oven-baked salmon en papillote with lemon and herbs__: Salmon is often grilled or poached, but for an easy weeknight meal, try a salmon recipe that uses the oven. Oven-baked salmon means less cleanup, less active time at the stove or grill, and less fish smell in your home. For reliably moist salmon, try this recipe for [baking your fillets en papillote](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-baked-salmon-recipe-how-to-make-perfect-salmon-at-home) (French for “in paper”), a technique that involves wrapping fish in a packet of parchment paper (or aluminum foil) on a sheet pan. You can use leftovers to make a salmon salad.
4. __Fish tacos__: You can use almost any white fish for fish tacos, as long as its flesh is firm enough that it won’t fall apart during frying. These [fish tacos](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-fish-tacos-at-home) pair well with [homemade corn tortillas](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-corn-tortillas) and black beans and are great with a variety of toppings. Try cilantro, scallions or chives, jalapeño peppers, radishes, cabbage slaw, fresh salsa, or slices of avocado. 
5. __Grilled whole red snapper__: Red snapper is delicious when baked, broiled, grilled, poached, or steamed. This [grilled whole red snapper](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-whole-red-snapper) recipe is a healthy meal that only requires five ingredients; you can prepare it in thirty minutes.
6. __Mediterranean sea bass__: This is an easy-to-cook fish that’s simple enough for a weeknight and luxurious enough for a special occasion. This [Mediterranean sea bass recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-sea-bass) pairs well with a bowl of marinated kalamata olives, Mediterranean couscous salad, feta cheese marinated in olive oil and spices, or a big salad with Parmesan cheese, capers, tomatoes, peppers, red onion, lentils, chickpeas, zucchini, and quinoa.
7. __Pan-roasted monkfish tail__: This elegant recipe from Chef Thomas Keller marries monkfish with beurre rouge, a red wine butter sauce. While white wine sauces or a squeeze of lemon juice with <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/complete-olive-oil-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/complete-olive-oil-guide","linkCopy":"extra virgin olive oil","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>extra virgin olive oil</a> and black pepper are more common with seafood, beurre rouge is a beautiful match for this [pan-roasted monkfish tail recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-pan-roasted-monkfish-tail-recipe).
8. __Quick and easy pan-roasted swordfish__: Once overfished, US-caught swordfish is now considered a sustainable seafood option. Thick, dense swordfish steaks are ideal for grilling and pan-roasting, but be careful not to overcook—their low fat content means swordfish easily turns dry. This quick and easy [pan-roasted swordfish recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-swordfish-quick-and-easy-pan-roasted-swordfish-recipe) is a simple, one-pan weeknight dinner option.
9. __Shrimp ceviche__: Cooking fish ceviche-style uses an acidic marinade, typically citrus like lemon or lime, to “cook” the raw fish. While it’s common to see ceviches featuring white fish like snapper, halibut, sea bass, or tilapia—even scallops—this [shrimp ceviche recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-shrimp-ceviche-recipe) is a textural powerhouse in its own right.
10. __Tuna sashimi with ponzu sauce and fennel apple salad__: Sashimi can be a light and refreshing appetizer or lunch. This [tuna sashimi and fennel apple salad recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolfgang-pucks-tuna-sashimi-recipe-with-ponzu-sauce-and-fennel-apple-salad) from Chef Wolfgang Puck sets the tone for dinner, with visual appeal and bright flavor.
Become a better chef with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Wolfgang Puck, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Massimo Bottura, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Yotam Ottolenghi, Alice Waters, and more.
Unlike vegetarianism and veganism, a pescatarian diet includes fish or shellfish. Learn to prepare seafood in a variety of ways—baked, grilled, or served raw, like in sashimi—with these ten pescatarian meals.

Unlike vegetarianism and veganism, a pescatarian diet includes fish or shellfish. Learn to prepare seafood in a variety of ways—baked, grilled, or served raw, like in sashimi—with these ten pescatarian meals.

Pescatarian Meals: 10 Pescatarian Recipes to Try at Home

A pescatarian diet is similar to a vegetarian food regimen in that it excludes all red meat and poultry; however, pescatarianism includes seafood and shellfish, distinguishing it from a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/vegan-vs-vegetarian-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/vegan-vs-vegetarian-guide","linkCopy":"vegan","category":null}'>vegan</a> or strict vegetarian diet.

What Is Pescatarianism?

Pescatarian recipes are easy to work into your weekly meal plans. Many are quick, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-fish-recipes' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-fish-recipes","linkCopy":"easy meals","category":null}'>easy meals</a> well-suited for beginners and perfect for weeknight dinners due to their minimal <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-meal-prep-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-meal-prep-guide","linkCopy":"meal prep","category":null}'>meal prep</a>. Here are ten pescatarian recipes from a variety of cuisines, from Greek to Mexican, that you can try for appetizers, a pescatarian dinner, or a quick <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/brunch-ideas' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/brunch-ideas","linkCopy":"brunch","category":null}'>brunch</a>:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Baked halibut: One of the most popular white fish, halibut has a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs equally well with acidic tomato sauce or rich brown butter. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-fresh-halibut-easy-baked-halibut-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-fresh-halibut-easy-baked-halibut-recipe","linkCopy":"Baked halibut","category":null}'>Baked halibut</a> cooks in under fifteen minutes and is an easy weeknight dinner. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Crispy whole branzino: This fish, also called European sea bass, is sweet, meaty, and full of flavor. Chef Gordon Ramsay serves this recipe for <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-crispy-whole-branzino-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gordon-ramsays-crispy-whole-branzino-recipe","linkCopy":"crispy whole branzino","category":null}'>crispy whole branzino</a> with lettuce cups and a Thai dipping sauce. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Easy oven-baked salmon en papillote with lemon and herbs: Salmon is often grilled or poached, but for an easy weeknight meal, try a salmon recipe that uses the oven. Oven-baked salmon means less cleanup, less active time at the stove or grill, and less fish smell in your home. For reliably moist salmon, try this recipe for <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-baked-salmon-recipe-how-to-make-perfect-salmon-at-home' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-baked-salmon-recipe-how-to-make-perfect-salmon-at-home","linkCopy":"baking your fillets en papillote","category":null}'>baking your fillets en papillote</a> (French for “in paper”), a technique that involves wrapping fish in a packet of parchment paper (or aluminum foil) on a sheet pan. You can use leftovers to make a salmon salad. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Fish tacos: You can use almost any white fish for fish tacos, as long as its flesh is firm enough that it won’t fall apart during frying. These <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-fish-tacos-at-home' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-fish-tacos-at-home","linkCopy":"fish tacos","category":null}'>fish tacos</a> pair well with <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-corn-tortillas' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-corn-tortillas","linkCopy":"homemade corn tortillas","category":null}'>homemade corn tortillas</a> and black beans and are great with a variety of toppings. Try cilantro, scallions or chives, jalapeño peppers, radishes, cabbage slaw, fresh salsa, or slices of avocado. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Grilled whole red snapper: Red snapper is delicious when baked, broiled, grilled, poached, or steamed. This <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-whole-red-snapper' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-whole-red-snapper","linkCopy":"grilled whole red snapper","category":null}'>grilled whole red snapper</a> recipe is a healthy meal that only requires five ingredients; you can prepare it in thirty minutes. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Mediterranean sea bass: This is an easy-to-cook fish that’s simple enough for a weeknight and luxurious enough for a special occasion. This <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-sea-bass' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-sea-bass","linkCopy":"Mediterranean sea bass recipe","category":null}'>Mediterranean sea bass recipe</a> pairs well with a bowl of marinated kalamata olives, Mediterranean couscous salad, feta cheese marinated in olive oil and spices, or a big salad with Parmesan cheese, capers, tomatoes, peppers, red onion, lentils, chickpeas, zucchini, and quinoa. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Pan-roasted monkfish tail: This elegant recipe from Chef Thomas Keller marries monkfish with beurre rouge, a red wine butter sauce. While white wine sauces or a squeeze of lemon juice with <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/complete-olive-oil-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/complete-olive-oil-guide","linkCopy":"extra virgin olive oil","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>extra virgin olive oil</a> and black pepper are more common with seafood, beurre rouge is a beautiful match for this <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-pan-roasted-monkfish-tail-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-pan-roasted-monkfish-tail-recipe","linkCopy":"pan-roasted monkfish tail recipe","category":null}'>pan-roasted monkfish tail recipe</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 8. Quick and easy pan-roasted swordfish: Once overfished, US-caught swordfish is now considered a sustainable seafood option. Thick, dense swordfish steaks are ideal for grilling and pan-roasting, but be careful not to overcook—their low fat content means swordfish easily turns dry. This quick and easy <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-swordfish-quick-and-easy-pan-roasted-swordfish-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-swordfish-quick-and-easy-pan-roasted-swordfish-recipe","linkCopy":"pan-roasted swordfish recipe","category":null}'>pan-roasted swordfish recipe</a> is a simple, one-pan weeknight dinner option. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 9. Shrimp ceviche: Cooking fish ceviche-style uses an acidic marinade, typically citrus like lemon or lime, to “cook” the raw fish. While it’s common to see ceviches featuring white fish like snapper, halibut, sea bass, or tilapia—even scallops—this <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-shrimp-ceviche-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/easy-shrimp-ceviche-recipe","linkCopy":"shrimp ceviche recipe","category":null}'>shrimp ceviche recipe</a> is a textural powerhouse in its own right. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 10. Tuna sashimi with ponzu sauce and fennel apple salad: Sashimi can be a light and refreshing appetizer or lunch. This <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolfgang-pucks-tuna-sashimi-recipe-with-ponzu-sauce-and-fennel-apple-salad' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolfgang-pucks-tuna-sashimi-recipe-with-ponzu-sauce-and-fennel-apple-salad","linkCopy":"tuna sashimi and fennel apple salad recipe","category":null}'>tuna sashimi and fennel apple salad recipe</a> from Chef Wolfgang Puck sets the tone for dinner, with visual appeal and bright flavor. </li></ol>

10 Pescatarian Recipes

Become a better chef with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Wolfgang Puck, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Massimo Bottura, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Yotam Ottolenghi, Alice Waters, and more.

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Unlike vegetarianism and veganism, a pescatarian diet includes fish or shellfish. Learn to prepare seafood in a variety of ways—baked, grilled, or served raw, like in sashimi—with these ten pescatarian meals.

Unlike vegetarianism and veganism, a pescatarian diet includes fish or shellfish. Learn to prepare seafood in a variety of ways—baked, grilled, or served raw, like in sashimi—with these ten pescatarian meals.
