Five Creative Ways to Pair Thanksgiving Leftovers with Seafood

Forget the turkey – fish is the perfect pairing for all your leftover Thanksgiving side dishes

While investigating how people in different parts of the US incorporate seafood into their Thanksgiving meals, I came across this delightful infographic from USA Today analyzing American’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish leftovers (The article is from 2018, but a very unscientific poll of MSC staff this week confirmed the results still stand.)

It turns out Americans love leftover stuffing. It dominates the rankings in almost every state. But folks also appreciate leftover potatoes – mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole filled out the top three. 

I’m in the minority – only 4.5% of respondents chose cranberry sauce. But I love it because it goes so well on so many things, from toast at breakfast to salmon at dinner! This got me thinking – which of these leftover sides goes best with seafood? 

If you, like me, are running out (or feeling bored) of turkey by Saturday, here are some delicious ways to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers with seafood instead! Bonus – they all have pretty quick cook times and minimal preparation so you don’t have to spend too much more time in the kitchen!

Halibut Stuffing Bake

As the number one favorite leftover, stuffing deserves a special fish.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 20-25 minutes
Serves 2

• 2 MSC certified halibut fillets
• Salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried thyme
• Leftover stuffing (about 1 cup)
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the halibut with salt, pepper, and thyme, and place in a baking dish.
3. Spoon leftover stuffing over the halibut and drizzle with melted butter.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
5. Serve with a lemon wedge for added brightness.

Whitefish in Lemon Butter Sauce over Mashed Potatoes

A quick lemon butter sauce will make your leftover mashed potatoes even better than day one. 

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6-8 minutes
Total time: 11-13 minutes
Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 MSC certified whitefish fillets of your choice (we love hake, sole, or whiting)
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Leftover mashed potatoes, warmed
• Chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Directions:

1. Season whitefish with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the fish and cook for 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the fish just before removing from the skillet.
5. Serve the fish over a bed of mashed potatoes, drizzling extra lemon butter sauce on top. Garnish with parsley if desired. 

Cranberry-Glazed Salmon

Did you slightly over estimate how much cranberry sauce you needed? Lucky you! It goes perfectly with a fillet of salmon.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes
Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 MSC certified salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) if you have any leftover!

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and honey.
3. Season salmon with salt and pepper, place on a lined baking sheet, and spoon the cranberry mixture on top.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Blackened Cod with Sweet Potato Mash

The only thing better than turkey with sweet potato casserole is blackened cod with sweet potato casserole. 

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes
Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 MSC certified cod fillets
• 2 tbsp blackened seasoning (or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and cayenne)
• Leftover sweet potato casserole, warmed
• Olive oil spray

Directions:

1. Rub blackened seasoning onto both sides of the cod fillets.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, spray with olive oil, and cook the cod for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and flaky.
3. Plate the cod over a spoonful of sweet potato casserole.

Air-Fried Whitefish with Green Bean Casserole

If you’re trying to avoid cooking as much as possible after Thanksgiving, this is one of the easiest recipes in the bunch! 

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8-10 minutes (in air fryer)
Total time: 13-15 minutes
Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 MSC certified whitefish fillets of your choice (we love hake, sole, or whiting)
• Salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder
• Leftover green bean casserole, warmed

Directions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the whitefish with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place fish in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the fish is golden and flaky.
4. Serve the fish alongside warmed green bean casserole.

Are you craving more seafood inspiration? Visit our recipe page featuring seafood that’s good for you and the ocean too.