For a Formal Dinner Party
When you're aiming for something a little more refined, presentation and flavour layering matter. These dishes offer elegance without being too fiddly to prepare.
- Salmon en Croûte A classic French-style dish that’s ideal for impressing guests. The salmon is encased in puff pastry with a creamy spinach or herby filling. It’s easy to portion and looks impressive when sliced at the table. Pair it with seasonal greens and a white wine beurre blanc or dill cream sauce.
- Baked Cod with a Walnut & Herb Crust Cod has a delicate flavour, and this recipe elevates it with a textured, nutty crust. It’s a dish that feels upmarket but doesn’t require overly complicated techniques. Serve it with crushed new potatoes or a parsnip purée.
- Monkfish with Lemon Dressing Monkfish has a meaty texture that makes it feel special. It holds up well in pan-roasting and pairs beautifully with fresh, citrusy dressings. This one’s light but refined—perfect as a centrepiece for a formal menu.
- Roast Turbot with Hollandaise Sauce Turbot is one of the most luxurious fish you can serve. When roasted simply and paired with a rich hollandaise, it becomes a standout dish. It’s ideal for a dinner where you're aiming to impress with minimal plating fuss.
For a Casual Dinner Party
For something more relaxed, you’ll want recipes that are flavourful and satisfying but don’t require too much prep while guests are arriving. These picks keep things simple, fun, and sociable.
- Thai Green Fish Curry Great for sharing, this is full of aromatic spices and coconut milk. It’s casual, comforting, and goes down well with rice or flatbreads. Perfect if your dinner party has a slightly exotic or relaxed theme.
- Fish Pie with Cheesy Mash A British classic that’s always well-received. The cheesy mash adds richness, and the filling can be prepped ahead of time. Serve with buttered peas or a crisp salad. It’s comfort food at its finest.
- Baked Sea Bass with Lemon, Garlic & Parsley Sea bass bakes quickly and doesn’t need much fuss. The lemon, garlic, and herb combo keeps it fresh and light. Serve with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a herby couscous.
- Spicy Prawn Linguine This is ideal if you want something that’s quick, with a little kick. It’s easy to make in large portions and great with a side of garlic bread and wine. Not too formal, but full of flavour.
Tips for Choosing the Right Fish
- Dish Time and prep – For formal events, look for dishes that can be partially prepped ahead of time (e.g., salmon en croûte can be assembled earlier in the day).
- Guest preferences – Make sure to check if your guests are comfortable with shellfish or stronger-tasting fish. Cod, salmon, and sea bass tend to be crowd-pleasers.
- Serving style – For formal occasions, plated dishes with a sauce work well. For casual settings, consider shared platters or one-pot dishes like curry or pie.