Get Creative: 12 Delicious Ways to Use Up Leftover Fried Fish

As a fried fish fanatic, I’m always looking for new ways to reinvent leftovers. There’s only so many times you can eat plain cold fried fish before it gets boring. With a little creativity, those leftover fried fish fillets, shrimp, or other seafood can be transformed into totally new dishes.

In this article, I’ll share my 12 favorite recipes and ideas for giving leftover fried fish a delicious second life Keep reading to get inspired!

1. Fish and Chips Sandwich

This classic pub sandwich is easy to recreate at home with leftover fried fish. Simply layer fried fish, tartar sauce, shredded lettuce, and tomato slices between two slices of bread. Add a side of leftover fries and you’ve got homemade fish and chips in sandwich form.

2. Fish Tacos

Warm up leftover fried fish in the oven or microwave until heated through. Flake the fish into small chunks and serve in warm corn or flour tortillas topped with salsa, cabbage, sliced avocado, and a spritz of lime. Easy peasy fish tacos!

3. Fried Fish Salad

Transform leftover fish into a main-dish salad by flaking it over a bed of mixed greens, shredded carrots, cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice dijon, and herbs for a simple vinaigrette.

4. Fish Cakes

Mash leftover fried fish with mashed potato, egg, and breadcrumbs or panko Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges for a crispy, delicious way to use up fish.

5. Fish Chowder

Simmer veggies like onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes in broth. Add milk or cream, then stir in bites of leftover fish right before serving. Season with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper for a comforting fish chowder.

6. Fish Fried Rice

Toss bite-sized leftover fried fish with cooked rice, frozen peas, chopped scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, and eggs scrambled into the rice. The fish adds a lovely flavor to this easy takeout redo.

7. Fish Quesadilla

Warm corn or flour tortillas and fill with shredded cheese, salsa, and flaked leftover fish. Cook in a skillet until the cheese melts and tortilla is crispy. Cut into wedges and enjoy with guacamole and sour cream.

8. Fish Omelet

Jazz up an ordinary omelet by adding shredded or flaked leftover fish before folding and cooking the eggs. Cheese, veggies, and herbs make tasty omelet accompaniments.

9. Fish Casserole

Make a creamy casserole by combining cooked egg noodles, cheese sauce, frozen peas, cooked carrots, and fish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly for a comforting one-dish meal.

10. Fish Salad Sandwich

Flake leftover fish and mix with mayo, chopped celery, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Pile the fish salad onto crusty bread or rolls for an easy make-ahead lunch.

11. Fish Bisque

Puree sauteed onion, carrots, and celery with broth and cream. Add bites of fried fish and simmer just until heated through. Garnish bowls of this velvety soup with parsley.

12. Fish Hash

Cook potatoes in oil until browned and crispy. Add leftover fish and sauté together until heated through. Top with a fried egg for a satisfying anytime hash.

As you can see, with a dash of imagination you can give leftover fried fish exciting new life in sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls, casseroles, and so much more. No more boring fish repeats! I hope these ideas inspire you to see your leftover seafood in a delicious new light.