As we begin our slow recovery from the holiday’s indulgence, we find ourselves craving food that’s wholesome, light, and simple. Full of healthy fats and vitamins, fish — particularly wild-caught fish — is exactly that. To start off the new year, we’ve curated a seafood-forward meal plan full of energizing, invigorating meals to nourish your body, soul, and the planet. We encourage you to make these meals alongside us, to engage your hands and minds creatively, and to start off the year inspired to live and eat well. Enjoy!
January 1
If our predictions are correct and you woke up this morning with a headache, don’t skip your protein. This Autumn Salmon Buddha Bowl is packed with fresh veggies and makes a filling and simple lunch. The best part is that rice bowls are dealer’s choice: any leftover salmon (or fish) will work, as will whatever veggies you love and/or have on hand. And whether your bowl is Instagram-worthy or an excuse to clear out your fridge, your body will thank you as it recovers.
If you slept through lunch, don’t fret: our 20-Minute Thai Green Fish Curry is an easy, delicious winter cure-all and a perfect lazy dinner. We love this recipe because everything you need is probably in your pantry or freezer — frozen fish will still cook quickly, so no need to thaw in advance — and the whole thing comes together in the time it takes to cook rice. It’s an easy and delicious way to start the year in style, so let it be a love letter to yourself.
January 2
We can’t imagine why you’d have leftover thai green fish curry from last night, but if you do, it keeps fabulously and makes for a great lunch. Stir in fresh spinach as the curry reheats for an added health bonus and serve over leftover rice. If you’re up for a simple weekend project, you can also try poaching your own tuna in oil. It only takes an hour, but you’ll be eating it all week on salads and heaped over crusty baguettes.
Later, for a hearty Sunday dinner, jumpstart your senses with a touch of spice and tart, tender lemons. With nourishing fats and vitamins, wild-caught salmon is healthy, delicious, and versatile, which is why this Slow-Roasted Salmon with Moroccan Carrots is one of several salmon-focused dishes we recommend to start the year off right. The whole thing takes just 20 minutes but comes out a work of art. The best part? Keep the leftovers overnight and serve over salad the following day.
January 3
For lunch, try our Sheet Pan Salmon with Mushrooms and Leeks. In addition to an umami flavor boost, mushrooms provide a rich, low-calorie source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
For dinner, our Cantonese-style Sablefish with Soy, Ginger, and Scallions is delicate and flavor-packed. Leftover rice from lunch will soak up the delicious pan sauce, but be sure to steam some bok choy for added nutrition.
January 4
For today’s lunch, put leftover oil-poached tuna to good use in our Niçoise Salad with Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette. Our recipe calls for salmon, but tuna is traditional, so if you have it,feel free to use it!
For dinner, opt for our light but hearty Shrimp Tortilla Soup. With heat that packs a punch but doesn’t overwhelm and a soup base that won’t leave you feeling uncomfortably full, it’s a great dinner and next-day office lunch.
January 5
For lunch, reheat last night’s tortilla soup with a fried egg and fresh spinach. If you’re taking it to work, make a jammy egg (add eggs to a pot of simmering water and let cook for 7 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath). Jammy eggs are a delicious stand-in for a runny, soft fried or poached egg, but solid enough to transport.
And with so many fresh herbs and vegetables, there’s no dinner more nourishing than our Za’atar Halibut Kebabs with Creamy Green Harissa and Shepherd Salad. Olive oil is an essential source of healthy fat, and grilling the halibut instead of frying makes for a lighter, heartier meal.
January 6
Hot take: tuna salad is the best sandwich filling, and woefully underrated. For a perfect Friday lunch, elevate the art of the tuna sandwich by subbing in your own oil-poached tuna for the canned stuff. Don’t skimp on fixings: toss your tuna with capers, chopped scallions, shallot, pickle, and fresh dill, and sandwich it between the tender greens of your choosing (we like spinach, arugula, microgreens, or fresh herbs). And if you’re really looking to up the ante, try making your own mayo — every armchair gastronomist should make the attempt at least once. Serve on your favorite crusty bread. Who cares if you miss your one o’clock? It’s Friday!
And whether you celebrate the joyous coming of the weekend with your spouse, friends, or kids, this beautiful Sesame Crusted Tuna was made for sharing — and for showing off. We know what you’re thinking: two tuna dishes in one day? But albacore tuna is a great source of lean protein; a 3-ounce serving supplies 20 grams, which is more than 30% of your daily allowance. It’s also a great source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.