34 fish recipes for Easter and beyond (2024)

FAQs

What fish is traditional at Easter? ›

Today, regardless of whether you're religious or not, many choose to eat fish on Good Friday. In England it's a day for fish and chips and worldwide, people gather around festive dishes of salmon, prawns, lobsters or whatever seafood is the speciality of their region.

Sustainable fish to eat at Easter and on Good Friday

Salmon. Southern blue whiting. Hoki / blue grenadier. Toothfish.

But while meat isn't permitted, fish is acceptable – and it's because Christians consider it to be a flesh of the sea, and therefore not of the same variety. They also believe that it also reflects Jesus's teachings, and how he fed 5000 people with five loaves and two fish.

It also was a symbol for early Christians because the Greek word ichthus -- "fish" -- forms an acrostic consisting of the first letters of the phrase "Jesus Christ, the Son of God."

#1: Salmon

When it comes to the best tasting fish, few fish can rival the allure and versatility of salmon. Renowned for its rich taste and succulent texture, salmon has become a staple in kitchens around the world. Its distinct flavor profile and buttery texture make it a true culinary gem.

By value salmon is the largest single fish commodity in the world and by volume or weight it is tuna. Regionally, in the European Union, tuna, cod, salmon, Alaska pollock and shrimps account for around 44% of the total volume consumed.

A set of passages repeated twice forbids the eating of certain species of fish. The Book of Leviticus states: "Everything in the waters that does not have fins and scales is detestable to you," and Deuteronomy decrees that "... whatever does not have fins and scales you shall not eat; it is unclean for you."

What do Catholics eat fish on Friday? ›

In 1563, Queen Elizabeth I, the daughter of King Henry VIII, mandated fasting from meat on Wednesdays specifically to support the fishing industry. Catholics eat fish on Fridays because they cannot eat meat (and apparently do not want to eat a meal of only grains, fruits, or vegetables).

"Friday is a day of penitence, as it is believed Christ died on a Friday. Everyone has the right to either eat meat or not.

While flesh meat isn't allowed, the Archdiocese says non-flesh products of the animals is good to have. This includes: Milk. Eggs.

The leaflet suggests ways of fulfilling Friday penance such as abstaining from meat or alcohol, visiting the Blessed Sacrament or helping the poor, sick and lonely as well as other suggestions such as refraining from the use of technology in the context of 21st century activities.

For many households, a meat-free meal is on the menu for Good Friday. Consider these simple (and delicious) Good Friday meals featuring fish, shrimp, pasta and more.

Lamb is a popular main dish on Easter in the U.S. and throughout Europe, such as the roast lamb common in the U.K. and Greece, or the French gigot d'agneau pascal, a rich, slow-cooked lamb stew often served with spring vegetables.

Roast lamb or roast ham is the traditional meat for the main meal on Easter Sunday. Read on for more on what to serve with your traditional Easter roast. Hot cross buns, which are spiced tea cakes, are traditionally served on Good Friday.

Bacalao or cod, the most popular fish eaten during this time, is the ingredient of many different dishes, one of the most typical being buñuelos de bacalao or cod fritters.

The tradition of eating fish on Good Friday has deep historical roots, dating back to early Christian communities and their dietary customs.