Seafood isn’t just for summer. In fact, some of the best and freshest catches come in the colder months. From hearty stews to oven-baked mains, winter is the perfect season to lean into the briny, delicate flavours of the sea—especially when paired with bold, warming ingredients like garlic, citrus, and creamy sauces. Here are five winter-ready seafood dishes that are comforting, easy to make, and perfect for the season.
1. Creamy Seafood Chowder
There’s nothing cozier than a steaming bowl of chowder on a cold evening. This version features a mix of white fish, prawns, and mussels in a rich, creamy broth.
What you’ll need:
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 500 ml fish stock
– 200 ml cream
– 200 g white fish, cubed
– 150 g prawns
– 150 g cooked mussels
– Salt, pepper, and chopped parsley to finish
Sauté the onion and garlic, add the potatoes and stock, and simmer until tender. Stir in the cream and seafood, then cook gently until everything is cooked through. Garnish with parsley and cracked black pepper.
2. Baked Hake with Lemon & Thyme
This simple oven-baked dish brings out the natural sweetness of hake and adds brightness with fresh lemon and herbs.
What you’ll need:
– 4 hake fillets
– Juice and zest of 1 lemon
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper
– Lemon slices for baking
Lay the fillets on a baking dish, drizzle with lemon juice, zest, oil, and sprinkle with thyme. Bake at 180°C for 15–18 minutes until flaky. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
3. Mussels in Tomato-Garlic Broth
Mussels are quick to prepare and pair beautifully with bold winter flavours like garlic, tomato, and a splash of white wine.
What you’ll need:
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, sliced
– 400 g canned tomatoes
– 200 ml dry white wine
– 1 kg fresh mussels, cleaned
– Fresh parsley for garnish
– Crusty bread to serve
Sauté the garlic until golden, add tomatoes and wine, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the mussels, cover, and cook until they open (about 5 minutes). Discard any that remain closed. Serve with bread to soak up the broth.
4. Prawn & Butternut Curry
Sweet butternut and tender prawns are a surprisingly good match in this warm, lightly spicy curry.
What you’ll need:
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 tbsp curry powder
– 300 g butternut, peeled and cubed
– 400 ml coconut milk
– 200 g peeled prawns
– Salt and lime wedges to serve
Cook the onion with curry powder, add butternut and coconut milk, and simmer until the squash is tender. Add the prawns and cook for 3–5 minutes until pink. Serve with rice or naan and a squeeze of lime.
5. Smoked Fish & Potato Bake
This dish is cozy, filling, and perfect for chilly nights. Smoked fish adds deep flavour to a creamy potato base, baked until golden and bubbling.
What you’ll need:
– 500 g potatoes, peeled and sliced
– 300 g smoked fish (like haddock), flaked
– 200 ml cream
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt, pepper, and fresh dill
Layer the potatoes, onion, and fish in a baking dish. Mix cream with mustard, salt, and pepper, then pour over. Bake at 180°C for 40–45 minutes until golden. Finish with fresh dill or chives.
Whether you’re a fan of shellfish, smoked fish, or delicate fillets, these winter seafood recipes are satisfying, flavourful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Pair them with your favourite winter veg or a good bottle of wine and you’ve got the perfect cosy meal.
