Hi Reader,

By Monday evening, I've usually made two promises to myself: I'll eat something sensible, and I won't spend an hour making it.
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These promises have a rather checkered history.
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I'll open the refrigerator, stare at its contents like I'm waiting for divine intervention, and consider ordering takeout. Then I'll spot a piece of fish and remember that dinner doesn't have to be a three-act production starring me, six dirty pans, and a sink full of regret.
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Fish is one of my favorite ways to get a good dinner on the table without turning the kitchen upside down.
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A little olive oil, a hot skillet, perhaps some lemon and capers, and you're halfway there. Or a spoonful of miso, some fresh ginger, and a few minutes of gentle cooking. Nothing complicated. Nothing requiring a trip to three specialty stores.
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And here's what I love most: Fish can feel downright elegant even when you've put in very little effort.
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A beautifully browned piece of salmon with a bright, buttery sauce is a proper Monday dinner. And nobody has to spend the evening washing dishes.

Fish Without the Fuss

• Start with good fish, not a complicated recipe. Whether it's salmon, cod, halibut, or flounder, look for firm flesh and a clean, mild smell. Fresh fish should smell like the sea, not the seafood counter after a three-day weekend. And don't overlook good-quality frozen fillets.
• Dry it before you cook it. Pat fish thoroughly with paper towels before it hits the pan. Excess moisture creates steam, and steam is the enemy of that lovely golden crust. Unless you're actually steaming your fish, of course. Then steam away.
• Let bold flavors do the heavy lifting. Lemon and capers, miso, ginger, warm Moroccan spices, or a quick citrus reduction can transform a plain fillet into something special. You don't need a dozen ingredients. You need a few that know what they're doing.
• Watch the clock, not your phone. Fish cooks quickly, and the difference between tender and dry can be a matter of minutes. Check the thickest part for doneness, and remember that delicate fillets don't appreciate being poked, flipped, and fussed over every thirty seconds.
• Keep the rest of dinner simple. Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, a green salad, or some crusty bread is plenty. Let the fish be the star. This is Monday dinner, not the final challenge on Top Chef.

Below are six fish recipes that deliver plenty of flavor without demanding your entire evening. Choose one, pour yourself something lovely, and enjoy the rare pleasure of a Monday dinner that doesn't feel like work.

WHAT'S INSIDE...

• ​Lemon Salmon Piccata​
• ​Miso Cod​
• ​Steamed Halibut With Ginger​
• ​Pan-Seared Moroccan Salmon​
• ​Crispy Rock Cod With Citrus Sauce​
• ​Almond Flounder​

​Lemon Salmon Piccata​

This is one of the dishes that we make often because it's quick and easy but also because of the memories it holds for us. The lemon and garlic pan sauce is perfect sopped up with bread, and the briny tang of the capers complements salmon incredibly well.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Miso Cod​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.77 from 21 votes

This is a mouthwatering variation on the classic dish found in many modern Asian-inspired restaurants. The marinade bath both flavors and cures the fish.

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​Steamed Halibut With Ginger​

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.82 from 11 votes

If you're looking for quick, easy, and healthy weeknight inspiration, give this steamed halibut with ginger a whirl.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​

​Pan-Seared Moroccan Salmon​

This pan-seared Moroccan salmon is gently but perfectly spiced, comes together in minutes, is perfect for crazy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining, and healthy enough to remind you how good it can taste to take care of yourself.

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​Crispy Rock Cod With Citrus Sauce​

One of the many enticements of this dish is its versatility. You can substitute any firm-fleshed fish for the cod, including salmon, and use any kind of citrus you have on hand.

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​Almond Flounder​

Almond flounder meunière is an inventive mashup of two classic dishes--sole amandine and sole meunière. My version uses baby flounder that is lightly breaded, cooked in brown butter, and sprinkled with toasted almonds.

​☞ ​Try this recipe​