If you’re looking for ways to eat less red meat or other meats high in saturated fats, try replacing red meat with wild-caught seafood. Wild-caught seafood is a source of high-quality protein, loaded with healthy, unsaturated fats. Compared to red meat, seafood is relatively lean and low in calories, which can support weight loss goals.
Learning how to replace red meat in recipes is a creative challenge, since the preparation and cook times of seafood vs red meat are quite different. However, with some culinary ingenuity, you can use seafood to make easy red meat swaps and continue to enjoy a variety of satisfying meals throughout the week. You might find that you like the lighter, healthier seafood version of a classic dish better than the original.
Here are easy ways to replace red meat in recipes, using wild-caught seafood:
How to Replace Red Meat in Burgers
Ground sockeye salmon is an ideal full-bodied stand-in for beef in a burger. This easy recipe for cajun salmon burgers has smoky, savory heat, thanks to the addition of an easy homemade cajun spice mix. The salmon burger patties don’t require any binding ingredients like egg or breadcrumbs — just a cajun spice mix and salt — so they’re incredibly simple to make. As an added bonus, replacing beef with salmon might even help you lose weight.
How to Replace Processed Sandwich Meat
Fish sandwiches can be quick and uncomplicated, making this protein a good substitute for cold cuts. In under 15 minutes, a little spice rub and a hot pan can transform a plain fillet of fish into your new favorite sandwich topping. You’ll never want to go back to a bland turkey sandwich. Try making this Curry Rubbed Pacific Cod Sandwich or a Blackened Rockfish Sandwich.
How to Replace Bacon with Seafood
While you’re never going to find an exact substitute for bacon, be bold and experiment with sockeye salmon strips. Using an air fryer and a simple miso paste, you can transform these thin strips of fish into salmon bacon to add a flavor-forward pop to your breakfast. The best part about using wild salmon instead of bacon is that it’s actually good for you, due to its high omega-3 content.
Try substituting these strips for a twist on a BLT, using the salty and satisfying bite of salmon strips instead of bacon to elevate the classic sandwich to gourmet status.
How to Replace Red Meat in Pasta Sauce
The robust flavor and hearty texture of sockeye salmon works really nicely in a meaty bolognese — and it’s much lighter than a typical meat ragu. Try making this with Ground Sockeye Salmon, or cut up a fillet into large chunks and process in a food processor until mixture is coarsely chopped to make this recipe.
How to Replace Red Meat on Skewers
Grilled seafood on skewers have a particularly satiating appeal that can make replacing red meat an easy task. A marinade or glaze can help you really dial in the flavor so that you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
You won’t miss meat kabobs after trying these Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Skewers. Even a mild species of white fish like Pacific halibut can be a satisfying stand-in for red meat. These Sweet Miso Marinated Pacific Halibut Cheek Skewers have a meaty texture and tons of flavor.
