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7 Breakfast Fish Recipes

Fish for breakfast may sound unconventional, but once you unpack its nutritional benefits and flexibility, you'll be hooked.

Theresa Gambacorta

Jun 13, 2024

They (whoever "they" are) say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, if that's the case, ask yourself: Should I start my day with a meal that's rich in protein? And essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D? And a couple of vitamin Bs? And minerals that protect my heart and brain health and jumpstart and power me through my day?

If you answered yes, then fish is the answer.

Let's not forget how versatile fish is and all its glorious forms, from fresh to cured to tinned. You can add fresh or cured salmon to a vegetable frittata; use mild-flavored cod in spicy egg, cheese, and bean breakfast burritos; and include country-style salmon sausages (yes, salmon sausages!). By doing so, hitting the American Heart Aossication's recommended two times per weekly fish serving has never been easier!

And for those looking to save some time in the kitchen, tinned fish, such as sardines, can be a fantastic addition to your favorite avocado toast. Or consider canned salmon over a hearty, savory breakfast bowl of quinoa and cherry tomatoes or tinned smoked mackerel over buttery crackers. How about sablefish and cream cheese on a bagel?

An ocean of breakfast fish recipes awaits.

Sockeye Salmon & Egg Scramble

A quick and easy-to-make salmon scramble is a terrific way to caputre the nutritional benefits of wild-caught Alaskan sockeye salmon. The fish is celebrated for its vivid color, firm texture, and bold flavor, and is rich in DHA and EPA - two essential fatty acids. Customize your scramble by adding fresh garden vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, summer squash, and squash blossoms.

Bagel & Lox Board

An expertly crafted New York bagel layered with silky smoked lox, cream cheese, and fresh dill is a perfect breakfast or brunch. Deconstruct this classic sandwich, and create a bagel, lox, and cream cheese board. Arrange an assortment of sweet and savory items to nosh on — think cucumbers, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, gourmet cheeses, and lovely touches, such as blood orange marmalade. It's a perfect setup for sharing.

Lobster Eggs Benedict

Wild Maine lobster tails inspire this showstopping spin on classic eggs Benedict. Top succulent, pre-shucked lobster meat with a simple browned butter sauce (instead of a richer hollandaise, which could overpower the sweet lobster), along with peppery arugula and a soft poached egg.

Salmon Roe Omelet

Bring umami-rich flavor, a boost of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a touch of luxury to an everyday herb omelet by adding wild caught salmon roe. Add the roe to one half of the omelet just before set, gently fold over, and continue cooking for 30 seconds. Top with crème fraiche or sour cream and a few snips of fresh chives.

Tinned Fish Avocado Toast

Replace the bacon in this smashed avocado breakfast recipe with wild caught Portuguese sardines. Not only are they delicious — their savory, umami depth is an excellent match for avocado — but when compared to the same serving of bacon, they are lower in calories, sodium, and saturated fat, and high in natural calcium and vitamin D (to maintain strong bones).

Country-style Salmon Patties

Create a lumberjack- or lumberjane-inspired breakfast, and serve savory breakfast salmon patties with eggs, toast, and fruit, or as a sidekick to pancakes or waffles. They contain a whopping 16 grams of protein per 3 ounces and offer all the big flavors of traditional pork sausage. Grill them in a cast-iron skillet or toss them in an air fryer, and then add them to mini brekkie sandwiches.

Tuna & Egg Salad Sammy

A comforting tuna and egg salad on fiber-rich dark bread, or crackers, doesn’t have to be relegated to only lunch — it makes for a fast and powerful breakfast, too. Combine canned wild caught albacore tuna with one or two chopped hard-boiled eggs, capers, diced red onion, and salt and pepper to taste. A spoon of mayonnaise brings it together for spreading, or drizzle it with extra-virgin olive oil.