Greetings, Seafoodies!
Whether on a chilly day or just to combat a case of the sniffles, there’s nothing quite like a comforting, cozy meal to warm both body and soul. While seafood may evoke images of light and refreshing summer dishes, it’s also a fantastic protein for creating hearty, warming meals – ideal for the colder months. We look forward to this time of year as a chance to bundle up, hunker down and pull out all our favorite comforting Dish On Fish creations that offer warmth and nourishment.
Which brings us to this month’s meal plan! In an effort to spread some February love (and warmth), we’ve put together some mouth-watering options that are easy to make and provide comfort on even the chilliest days. Think steaming bowls of seafood goodness, brimming with tender clam, flaky fish or plump mussels, all cocooned in flavorful broths. Or, creamy Instant Pot magic where crab and shrimp combine with cheese and spices for maximum satisfaction in minimal time! Think of these comfort creations as a hug in a bowl (or on a plate), warming you up from the inside out.
And while we could write a whole book about our favorite cozy seafood flavors, we’d be remiss to not mention the health benefits of these dishes too. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, seafood is a natural mood-booster, helping to ward off the winter blues and promote mental well-being by helping to regulate the production and release of the “feel good hormone” serotonin. Plus, vitamin D and the essential omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA not only support heart health but also reduce inflammation, making these nutrients an important addition to any winter diet when the immune system might need a little extra boost.
So put on those fuzzy slippers and grab a glass of something warm to up-level the kitchen ambiance. The simmering aromas, the warmth from the stove and the anticipation of a comforting meal all contribute to creating the ultimate cozy dining experience!
Enjoy and stay warm, Seafoodies!
Breakfast
Shrimp and Egg Breakfast Burritos
Whip these tortillas up in less than 30 minutes, or prep ahead and freeze a batch of them. Then just zap in the microwave on your way out the door. Voilà! The perfect warm grab-and-go AM meal.
Crab Frittata Squares
Whether you prefer a warm breakfast on the go or with the kiddos around the kitchen table, these nourishing crab frittata squares can be made (or meal-prepped) with minimal effort.
Cheesy Shrimp Breakfast Casserole
Who doesn’t love a good breakfast casserole?! Tasty layers of eggs, cheese and succulent shrimp bake together with ease for a rich, comforting start to the day.
Appetizers
Instant Pot Curried Mussels
The taste and aroma of this dish will transport you to the South Seas! Serve these mussels immediately over linguine or with some crusty bread to sop up every drop of the wonderful sauce.
Easy Egg and Crab Muffins
Packed with crab and easy to prepare, these protein-rich muffins not only make for a portable post-workout snack but also serve as a superb starter for any gathering.
Baked Spinach Artichoke Shrimp Dip
Along with serving traditional bread and crackers with this shrimp dip, bring along a spread of fresh veggies! This will add extra crunch, comfort and (best of all) nutrition to your party dish.
Lunch
Instant Pot Lobster Bisque
The Instant Pot provides a depth of soothing flavor that makes the bisque taste like it was slow-cooked for hours. But our lobster bisque takes just 10 minutes to prep and then about an hour in the Instant Pot!
Cod and Corn Chowder
This chowder is a stick-to-your-ribs favorite—filled with heart-healthy cod in the starring role. If you have any leftovers, we can attest that it makes a mouthwatering dinner (so you may want to double the recipe!).
Creamy Clam Chowder
We’ll let you in on a cozy little secret! To enjoy this decadent meal every day—we’ve crafted a lightened-up chowder without compromising on taste.
Instant Pot Crab Mac ‘n’ Cheese
For a pescatarian-friendly lunch, look no further than this 3-cheese mac! Made with whole-grain pasta and loaded with crabmeat—we think it’s the very definition of “comfort food”!
Dinner
Instant Pot Salmon and Tortellini Soup
Using frozen ingredients (no thawing required) makes this salmon dinner a go-to option for those days when you need a satisfying meal that’s not only stress-free but also incredibly delectable.
Triple Seafood Boil
As far as cozy recipes go, a boil is incredibly uncomplicated. Just add seafood and veggies to a pot of heady broth, then let ‘er steam!
Instant Pot Pasta with Red Sauce and Clams
We like to keep canned clams on hand—to make recipes like this one and for an instant protein boost. It’s a smart–and easy–way to get more seafood servings into your weekly meal plan!
Instant Pot Shrimp and Cheesy-Chive Grits
We hate to brag, but this shrimp and grits dish got rave reviews from all our taste-testers. This recipe is a cozy season must-try!
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Our take on shrimp alfredo is so succulent, your family might think you picked up restaurant take-out! A comforting recipe that is also super easy to prepare? It’s a win-win for everyone.
