You've probably heard of the Paleolithic diet (aka paleo diet) referred to as the caveman diet. That’s because this diet is inspired by the habits and health of our hunter-gatherer ancestors — think no processed foods, no sugar, minimal carbs, lots of fresh produce, nuts, seeds and a ton of protein. No dairy, no legumes, no processed or farmed goods, just foods similar to what was hunted and gathered hundreds of thousands of years ago.
Originally, the paleo diet was not created as a weight loss tool, but rather a way to improve overall health including diabetes, heart disease, obesity and more. That said, by eliminating entire food groups, especially processed foods, foods high in calories and sodium as well as foods low in nutrients, you’re likely bound to experience weight loss as a pleasant side effect.
Wild Seafood to the Culinary Rescue
Yes, this diet can often seem limiting and difficult to maintain in today’s modern world of readily available processed snack foods and tasty takeout. But thankfully, wild caught seafood is on top of the list of recommended foods that you can and should load up on as a part of the paleo diet.
Wild-caught fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, essential nutrients, as well as protein. So, let’s get right to the good stuff. Here are 9 paleo-friendly fish recipes you need to be eating right now.
Pacific Halibut
Fish Coconut Curry
Coconut curry is loaded with intense flavors and the coconut milk base is both filling and indulgent, so you won’t feel unsatisfied or like you are dieting at all. And a wild-caught Pacific halibut is the perfect fish for this coconut fish curry recipe thanks to its firm texture, mild flavor and protein-packed goodness.
Roasted Tomatillo Peach Salsa with Pan-Fried Halibut
A sweet and spicy topping is the star of this recipe for Pacific halibut with roasted tomatillo-peach salsa. The salsa is poured over a pan-fried halibut in a simple lemon butter sauce, and trust us, this paleo dish does not taste like diet food.
Easy Thai Fish Curry
Thai-inspired dishes can be intimidating to make, which is perhaps why so many of us turn to Thai takeout when a craving strikes. But this Thai fish curry is actually easy to make, and it’s not only gluten free, but it’s also perfect for a paleo lifestyle. And did we mention it only takes about 30 minutes to make?
Pacific Cod
Ginger Cod with Zucchini Ribbon Salad
Cod is a perfect fish to combine with flavors such as ginger, sesame oil and soy sauce. And when you set that pan-fried fish on top of seasoned zucchini noodles and thinly sliced peppers you have a nutritious, carb-free, filling and flavorful dish that won’t disappoint.
Maple Mustard Poppy Seed Baked Cod
Baked cod is arguably one of the easiest ways to prepare fish, and the savory (and slightly sweet) mustard sauce kicks this mild white fish up a notch. You can adjust the flavors in this recipe for baked maple-mustard baked cod based on your tastes, adding rice vinegar if you want a tangier dish — or if you want it more sweet you can add a little extra honey.
Paleo Fish Tacos
Fish tacos rarely disappoint, but they often come with unhealthy fish deep-fried in batter and flour tacos that are packed with hidden calories. These paleo fish tacos use coconut flour tortillas and baked cod coated in coconut flakes instead of breading. It’s a healthy take on a traditional favorite — taco lovers everywhere rejoice.
Wild Salmon
Lemon-Garlic Baked Salmon
Sometimes simple tastes anything but boring. This recipe for lemon-garlic baked salmon is seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper, and that’s it. Simple, but somehow still so full of flavor, and also loaded with protein and nutrients.
Honey Almond Salmon with Roasted Fennel
A slightly sweeter option if you’re looking to roast salmon, try this recipe for honey almond salmon with roasted fennel. The combination of honey and shaved almonds creates a crispy coating on your baked fish. And since you’ll want to eat salmon several days a week, it’s nice to have a few options with a variety of flavors and textures.
Paleo Wild Caught Salmon Burgers With Dairy Free Garlic Aioli
If you love burgers but you want more heart-healthy seafood in your life, then you have to try these salmon burgers. They are so good everyone in your family will love them, kids and even babies included. And since it’s hard to hate on garlic aioli, this paleo version of the topping will make you forget you’re not eating dairy.
