35 Seafood Dishes That Say ‘I Love You’ Better Than Flowers

35 Seafood Dishes That Say ‘I Love You’ Better Than Flowers

Nothing proves you put in effort like a great seafood dinner. Flowers wilt, chocolates disappear in five minutes, but a homemade meal sticks with people. These seafood dishes bring bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and just the right amount of effort to impress without turning your kitchen into chaos. Shrimp, salmon, and a few unexpected choices make every bite count. Forget the overpriced prix fixe menus and make something that actually shows you care.

The image shows several plates of spaghetti with garlic shrimp. The shrimp are cooked and seasoned, and the spaghetti is tossed in a light sauce. Lemon wedges and parsley are used as garnishes. Slices of bread are also visible. The plates are white with scalloped edges. The background is a marble surface.
Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

Air Fryer Scallops

Air fryer scallops with green beans and rice on a plate.Air fryer scallops with green beans and rice on a plate.
Air Fryer Scallops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Scallops without the stress. These cook up perfectly in the air fryer, with a tender bite and a simple chive, garlic, and lemon butter sauce. Serve them up, pour some wine, and call it a night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops

Blackened Cod

Blackened cod served with tri color quinoa.Blackened cod served with tri color quinoa.
Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A simple spice rub and a quick sear are all it takes to make this bold, flavorful cod. It’s crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and works just as well with a side of veggies as it does with pasta.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod

Blackened Mahi Mahi

Blackened mahi mahi over white rice.Blackened mahi mahi over white rice.
Blackened Mahi Mahi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fast, flavorful, and packed with bold spices, this blackened mahi mahi is a great way to shake up your seafood routine. A quick broil gives it a crisp, golden crust while keeping the inside tender.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forgot to defrost dinner? No problem. This air fryer salmon goes straight from freezer to plate in no time, with a maple mustard sauce that makes it taste like you planned ahead.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon

Turmeric salmon with cherry sauce and roasted broccoli rabe on a plate.Turmeric salmon with cherry sauce and roasted broccoli rabe on a plate.
Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One pan, no stress. Golden turmeric, roasted garlic cherry sauce, and crispy salmon make this an easy, flavorful dinner that’s as good for date night as it is for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon

Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon

Baked sockeye salmon with herb caper crust and lemon slices on a sheet pan.Baked sockeye salmon with herb caper crust and lemon slices on a sheet pan.
Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This isn’t just salmon—it’s wild sockeye, roasted to perfection with an herbed garlic caper crust that brings serious flavor. Ready in just over 10 minutes, this is the kind of meal that says, “I know what I’m doing” without actually requiring much effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon

Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Brown butter shrimp and orzo served with burst cherry tomatoes in a bowl.Brown butter shrimp and orzo served with burst cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you want a meal that feels straight out of a restaurant but is easy enough to make at home, this is the one. Brown butter shrimp, creamy Parmesan basil orzo, and blistered cherry tomatoes come together for a plate that’s perfect for a cozy, romantic night in.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Baked Sablefish

Honey lime sablefish with jalapeño corn salsa in a bowl with a fork.Honey lime sablefish with jalapeño corn salsa in a bowl with a fork.
Baked Sablefish. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Also known as black cod, this buttery fish practically melts in your mouth. A honey-lime glaze and spicy jalapeño corn salsa make this dish both elegant and packed with flavor. Great for impressing someone without spending all night cooking.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sablefish

Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Plate of salmon with bacon.Plate of salmon with bacon.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Wrapping salmon in bacon isn’t just a great idea—it’s the right idea. Crispy, smoky bacon seals in the tenderness of the salmon, making every bite next-level. It’s rich, satisfying, and the perfect excuse to open a bottle of wine.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl.Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl.
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini, the pasta with just the right amount of bite, gets coated in a simple garlic butter sauce with juicy shrimp and fresh cherry tomatoes. It’s fresh, quick, and just the right amount of indulgent for a dinner that says, “You’re worth the good stuff.”
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia

Almond crusted tilapia with fresh herbs.Almond crusted tilapia with fresh herbs.
Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A crispy, nutty crust meets flaky tilapia for a dish that comes together in minutes but tastes like it took way more effort. The Dijon gives it a bold punch, making this a great alternative to the usual pan-fried fish.
Get the Recipe: Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.
Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bright, fresh, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, this one-pan shrimp skillet delivers big. Juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and a sprinkle of feta bring everything together in under 30 minutes. A great way to make dinner feel like a getaway.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Cod Piccata

Cod piccata on a plate with asparagus and rice.Cod piccata on a plate with asparagus and rice.
Cod Piccata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A seafood take on a classic, this cod piccata is pan-fried to perfection, then drenched in a lemony butter sauce with capers and shallots. It’s light, bright, and easy to make, but it tastes like something you’d order on vacation.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Chorizo Chili Mussels

Mussels with chorizo and chilis in a pot.Mussels with chorizo and chilis in a pot.
Chorizo Chili Mussels. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one’s for the seafood lovers who like a little heat. Mussels simmer in a chunky tomato broth with chorizo, dried chilis, and fennel, making for a deeply flavorful dish that’s just begging for a side of crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Chili Mussels

Tart Cherry Glazed Salmon

Cherry glazed salmon filet on a baking sheet with a fork.Cherry glazed salmon filet on a baking sheet with a fork.
Tart Cherry Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A little sweet, a little tangy, and broiled to perfection, this cherry-glazed salmon is far from ordinary. The caramelized exterior locks in the juicy tenderness of the fish, making it the perfect way to mix up your seafood routine.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Glazed Salmon

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Living Chirpy.

This shrimp pasta brings the heat—literally and figuratively. Sweet and spicy shrimp coated in a creamy sauce cling to every bite of pasta, making it the perfect dish for someone who likes a little fire in their romance. If you want to set the mood with a dinner that says, “I’m all in,” this one makes a strong case.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me Salmon

Marry Me Salmon. Photo credit: GypsyPlate.

They call it “Marry Me Salmon” for a reason. Tender, flaky salmon is drenched in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a dish so good, it might just lead to a proposal. Whether you’re locking it down or just showing you care, this is a meal that speaks for itself.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Salmon

Lemon and Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon and Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Well Fed Baker.

Bright, bold, and ridiculously easy to pull together, this shrimp pasta is a great way to show off without spending hours in the kitchen. A creamy lemon garlic butter sauce coats every strand of pasta, while juicy shrimp bring a touch of elegance. The result? A dish that tastes like effort but comes together in minutes—kind of like the best relationships.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Seafood Chowder

Creamy Seafood Chowder. Photo credit: Crinkled Cookbook.

Nothing says commitment like a steaming bowl of seafood chowder packed with shrimp, clams, and salmon in a creamy, well-seasoned broth. Every spoonful delivers rich flavors and tender bites of seafood, making this the kind of meal that keeps someone around for the long haul. It’s warm, comforting, and the edible equivalent of saying, “I’ve got you.”
Get the Recipe: Creamy Seafood Chowder

Brown Butter Cod with Capers

Brown Butter Cod with Capers. Photo credit: Rebecca Taig.

Brown butter makes everything better, and this cod is no exception. Lightly pan-seared and finished with capers for a salty bite, this dish is all about simple ingredients coming together perfectly—just like a great relationship. Plus, it’s done in 15 minutes, giving you more time to focus on the real star of the night.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Cod with Capers

Oven-Baked Lobster Cakes

Oven-Baked Lobster Cakes. Photo credit: Rebecca Taig.

Lobster is a love language, and these baked lobster cakes let you enjoy it without the hassle of cracking shells. Packed with fresh lobster meat, bright lemon, and a handful of fresh herbs, they bake up light and crisp. Serve them with a simple sauce, pour some wine, and let the evening unfold.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Lobster Cakes

Scallop Shrimp Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Scallop Shrimp Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes. Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

This pasta means business. Plump scallops, juicy shrimp, and cherry tomatoes that burst into a light, flavorful sauce make for a dish that looks just as good as it tastes. Perfect for a romantic dinner where you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Scallop Shrimp Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Lingcod with Creamy White Wine Sauce

Lingcod with Creamy White Wine Sauce. Photo credit: Peak to Plate.

Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best move. This mild, flaky white fish is pan-seared to perfection and topped with a creamy white wine sauce that adds just the right amount of indulgence. It’s fast, it’s impressive, and it delivers big flavor with minimal effort—just like a well-planned date night.
Get the Recipe: Lingcod with Creamy White Wine Sauce

Pesto Butter Salmon

Pesto Butter Salmon. Photo credit: Food Exit Recipes.

If salmon wasn’t already a love letter in food form, this version seals the deal. The buttery richness melts right into the fish, while pesto brings a garlicky, herby kick that balances everything out. It’s bold, flavorful, and the kind of dish that makes a great impression.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Butter Salmon

Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine

Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine. Photo credit: Food Exit Recipes.

Garlicky, buttery shrimp and perfectly al dente fettuccine come together in a meal that looks like something from a fancy restaurant but takes almost no effort to make. A little lemon, a little Parmesan, and a whole lot of flavor make this a no-fail way to set the scene for a great evening.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine

Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta. Photo credit: Simply Delicious Food.

Need a dinner that works every single time? This creamy garlic seafood pasta is it. Shrimp and scallops are tossed in a rich, velvety sauce with just the right amount of garlic to keep things interesting. Whether you’re looking to impress or just make a great meal, this one does the trick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta

Seafood Paella

Seafood Paella. Photo credit: Simply Delicious Food.

If you’re going for the “wow” factor, this is the dish. Packed with shrimp, mussels, and saffron-infused rice, seafood paella is an event in itself. It takes a little time, but so do great relationships. Make this for someone special, and you’ll both remember it long after the plates are empty.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Paella

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

No distractions, no nonsense—just juicy shrimp bathed in a buttery garlic sauce with a squeeze of fresh lemon. It’s quick, it’s bold, and it pairs perfectly with pasta or crusty bread to scoop up every last drop. If you need a foolproof seafood dish for date night, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Air Fryer Lobster Tails. Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

Lobster screams luxury, but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. These air-fried lobster tails come out tender and buttery in minutes. A great move if you want a high-end meal without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lobster Tails

Pasta Alla Salmone

Pasta Alla Salmone. Photo credit: Simple & Fraiche.

Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, this salmon pasta is a great way to turn an average night into something special. The sauce comes together in minutes with shallots, white wine, and heavy cream, creating a dish that looks elegant but couldn’t be easier to make.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Alla Salmone

White Fish with Lemon Garlic Sauce

White Fish with Lemon Garlic Sauce. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

Light, fresh, and full of bright citrus flavor, this white fish dish is proof that sometimes the simplest meals hit the hardest. The lemon garlic sauce adds just enough kick to keep things interesting without overpowering the delicate fish.
Get the Recipe: White Fish with Lemon Garlic Sauce

Pasta with Calamari and Tomatoes

Pasta with Calamari and Tomatoes. Photo credit: The Pasta Project.

Whether you’re a calamari fan or just looking to try something different, this dish makes a great case for stepping outside the usual dinner routine. Tender rings of calamari simmer with juicy tomatoes and pasta for a meal that feels straight out of a coastal Italian restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Calamari and Tomatoes

Electric Skillet Shrimp Curry

Electric Skillet Shrimp Curry. Photo credit: In the Kitch.

A bold, flavorful shrimp curry made in an electric skillet? Now that’s romance. Loaded with spices and simmered to perfection, this dish brings big flavor without requiring takeout. Plus, it’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.
Get the Recipe: Electric Skillet Shrimp Curry

Kimchi Shrimp Stir Fry

Kimchi Shrimp Stir Fry. Photo credit: In the Kitch.

If your date likes a little kick, this dish delivers. Juicy shrimp, bold kimchi, and just the right amount of heat make for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that’s anything but boring. Fast to cook, even faster to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Shrimp Stir Fry

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Mikha Eats.

If garlic is your love language, this shrimp dish speaks fluently. Butter, garlic, and perfectly cooked shrimp come together in a no-fail meal that brings a little island flair to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp


Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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