Seafood | Θαλασσινά

There are few dishes more symbolic in Greek cooking than bakaliaros. Crispy, golden fried salted cod, traditionally served on March 25th. This day marks a beautiful double celebration: the Annunciation of the Theotokos and Greek Independence Day. Right in the middle of Lent, when meals are typically simple and plant-based, March 25th (and also Palm Sunday) offers a special exception, fish is permitted. And not just any fish… for Greeks, it has to be bakaliaros, served with a bold, garlicky skordalia on the side. This dish is all about contrast, crunchy batter, soft flaky fish, and that punchy garlic dip. It’s nostalgic, celebratory, and deeply rooted in tradition. Serving Bakaliaros is best enjoyed fresh, hot, and crispy, dipped generously into that rich, garlicky skordalia. Recipe here!!! It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with aroma, brings everyone to the table, and marks the day in the most delicious […]

Xtapodi Stifado (Octopus Stifado) Stifado is one of those deeply loved Greek classics. Rich, slow-cooked, and comforting. Traditionally, it’s made with rabbit or beef, simmered gently with whole shallots in a fragrant tomato and wine sauce. But this sea version? It is nothing less than amazing. Xtapodi stifado takes everything we adore about the original and gives it a coastal soul. The octopus becomes meltingly tender as it slowly braises, soaking up that rich tomato and wine sauce. The shallots soften and sweeten, their natural sugars enhanced as they cook down, creating a sauce that is deeply savoury, slightly sweet, and completely moreish. This is the kind of dish that demands bread on the table. Thick slices. Plenty of it. And if you’re like me? Olive oil fried potatoes on the side are non-negotiable. It’s rustic. It’s bold. It’s Greek comfort food with a seaside heart. How To Serve Serve […]

There’s something deeply grounding about waking up early in Mykonos, heading to the port in the morning light, and finding yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, all gathered for one thing: fresh, wild caught fish. When the winds are calm, fishing boats dock quietly, unloading their glistening catch, the kind of fish that tells you it was in the sea only hours ago. I had arrived with thoughts of barbounia (red mullet) or sea bream, but as soon as I laid eyes on the stunning, crimson-toned scorpion fish , large, fierce-looking, and undeniably fresh, I knew Psari Plaki was calling. This traditional Greek baked fish dish is all about celebrating the fish itself, wrapped in a simple but beautifully balanced tomato, herb, and olive oil sauce. While some versions include potatoes, carrots, or celery, I wanted to let the fish sing, keeping the ingredients minimal and the flavors clean, just as many […]

Mediterranean Baked Fish – Quick, Fresh, and Full of Zest! There’s something special about a tray bake – minimal fuss, fresh flavours, and a meal that comes together effortlessly. This Mediterranean Baked Fish is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something light, delicious, and deeply satisfying – especially on a busy weeknight. Packed with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a lemony olive oil drizzle that ties it all together, this dish celebrates everything I love about Mediterranean cooking: fresh produce, bold flavours, and simplicity. Choose Your Fish This recipe is beautifully flexible. I used fresh snapper fillets, but any firm white-fleshed fish will work just as well – think John Dory, flathead, or even barramundi. The key is freshness. Salmon would also be lovely! If you can get your hands on it the same day, even better. This is one of those recipes that’s all […]

The meze that’ll take you straight back to your favourite Greek island. Sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the simplest ones — and fried calamari the Greek way is exactly that. Made with fresh whole squid, cleaned and cut at home, lightly dusted in seasoned flour, and pan-fried until golden, this dish is a true classic of the Greek taverna table. Forget the fancy sauces — this is no-fuss, seaside-style cooking. Just serve with plenty of lemon wedges and a generous side of horta (boiled wild greens or silverbeet with olive oil and lemon), and let the ingredients speak for themselves. Whether it’s part of a mezze spread or the main event, crispy fried calamari brings that salty breeze and ouzo-in-hand feeling straight to your kitchen. Why You’ll Love It: Uses fresh whole calamari, not frozen rings Light and crispy with no heavy batter Just lemon and sea salt — […]

Greek Taverna-Style Fried Fish with Ladolemono (Lemon-Olive Oil Sauce) If you’ve ever sat seaside at a Greek taverna — napkin fluttering in the breeze, waves crashing nearby, and the scent of sizzling fish in the air — then you know what a true pleasure Greek-style fried fish can be. This dish is simple, rustic, and deeply satisfying, capturing the essence of Mediterranean cooking with just a few ingredients. My personal favourite fish for this recipe is snapper — firm, slightly sweet, and perfect for frying whole. Lightly dusted in seasoned flour and pan-fried until the skin is crisp and golden, it’s served with the ultimate Greek sauce: ladolemono — a bright, garlicky blend of lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and salt that’s whisked until silky. Pour it generously over the fish, over your potatoes, over your bread… or just straight onto the plate. This is how fish is […]

Lobster Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette – A Mediterranean-Inspired Summer Star This isn’t your average salad — it’s a dish that feels like a holiday on a plate, combining the sweet delicacy of lobster with juicy tomatoes, crisp celery, and a zesty citrus dressing that brings everything to life. While it’s not traditionally Greek, this lobster salad has Mediterranean flair written all over it, from the fresh parsley and oregano to the olive oil and bright citrus notes. It’s the kind of salad you serve when you want to impress without overcomplicating things — perfect for a summer lunch, festive table, or simply to treat yourself when you’re in the mood for something indulgent yet refreshing. Whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet moment of luxury, this salad is light, vibrant, and irresistibly delicious. Why You’ll Love This Lobster Salad: Elegant yet easy — a showstopper with minimal effort Bursting with […]

Psarosoupa Avgolemono – 12 years old & the first dish I made on my own If there’s one dish that brings me right back to my childhood kitchen, it’s this — Psarosoupa Avgolemono, Greek fish soup finished with lemon and egg. Out of all the beloved avgolemono variations, this one is my absolute favourite. This soup is more than just a meal — it’s a warm memory. My mum’s recipe was always on rotation in our home, especially on cooler days or when someone needed a little extra comfort. It also happens to be the very first dish I ever made on my own — when I was just 12 years old and my mother had recently gone back to work, and from then on, dinner was no longer ready the moment I walked through the door after school. One day, I opened the fridge and spotted a beautiful large […]

Garidomakaronada – A Classic Greek Prawn Pasta Full of Coastal Charm Some dishes bring you straight to the sea — the kind of food that tastes like a warm breeze, sun on your skin, and the sound of waves just out of sight. Garidomakaronada, or Greek prawn pasta, is exactly that kind of dish. It’s light yet full of flavour, rich in tradition, and effortlessly beautiful in its simplicity. In our family, this dish has always been a go-to favourite. It’s one of those recipes that comes together quickly, using ingredients you probably already have at home — and yet it never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for two or serving it to friends on a summer evening, it feels special every time. Why You’ll Love It Garidomakaronada is more than just a seafood pasta. It’s a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. When you’ve got quality prawns and […]

Calamari me Rizi – Squid with Rice, Just Like Mum Made It Some of the most comforting dishes don’t come from restaurants or cookbooks—they come from childhood. Calamari me Rizi (squid with rice) is one of those recipes that takes me straight back to my mum’s kitchen, where simple ingredients came together to create meals full of heart and tradition. This dish is a staple in many Greek households, especially during Lent when meat is avoided, but seafood is embraced. And it’s a beautiful example of how a few honest ingredients—like tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and white wine—can bring out the very best in fresh squid. It’s rich, yet light, and always satisfying. Seafood Simplicity Done Right One of the most special things about seafood dishes like this is how little you need to make them shine. Squid has a naturally sweet, briny flavour that pairs perfectly with the acidity […]

Htapodi me Makaronia Kofto – Octopus with Pasta in Tomato Sauce, Greek Island Style There’s something magical about the way Greece does seafood. Maybe it’s the impossibly blue waters, the sun-kissed islands, or the seaside tavernas where you can sit for hours, slowly enjoying plate after plate of simple, honest food. One dish that captures that essence perfectly is Htapodi me Makaronia Kofto—tender octopus stewed in a rich tomato sauce, paired with short pasta. It’s pure Greek comfort, straight from the sea. In our home, we absolutely love octopus any way we can get it—grilled, braised, in salads, or stews. But cooked in a tomato sauce? That’s something truly special. The sweetness of the tomato, the earthiness of the bay leaves, the depth of garlic and wine—it all comes together to complement the unique, delicate flavour of octopus. The Soul of the Greek Sea, in One Pot This dish is […]

Astakomakaronada – A Taste of the Greek Islands in Every Bite If there’s one dish that truly captures the spirit of the Greek islands, it’s Astakomakaronada. This stunning lobster pasta is often the centerpiece of long summer lunches at seaside tavernas, where the sea breeze carries the scent of salt and grilled seafood. It’s elegant yet rustic, indulgent yet simple—proving that with the right ingredients, you don’t need to do much to create something unforgettable. Whether you’re dining in a small fishing village or bringing a touch of the Aegean into your own kitchen, astakomakaronada is a celebration of fresh seafood and bold Mediterranean flavours. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors This dish is built on just a few high-quality ingredients that come together to highlight the star of the show: fresh lobster. Using Australian lobsters or lobster tails, the meat is gently simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with garlic, onion, […]

Prawn Saganaki: A Deliciously Rich Tomato Sauce, White Wine, and Feta Combo Greek cuisine is known for its bold flavours, simplicity, and an incredible balance of fresh ingredients that can transform even the humblest dish into something extraordinary. Among the many beloved seafood dishes in Greece, Prawn Saganaki (Γαρίδες Σαγανάκι) is a standout. This vibrant dish features prawns cooked in a rich, savoury tomato sauce, enhanced by the warmth of white wine and finished with a generous topping of feta cheese, which is melted and slightly browned under the grill, creating a deliciously creamy, tangy topping that contrasts perfectly with the sweet prawns and rich sauce. Whether you enjoy it as part of a Greek feast, a meze platter, or as the star of a light dinner, Greek prawn saganaki is the perfect combination of flavours and textures. What is Greek Prawn Saganaki? The term “saganaki” refers to a small, […]

Kritharotto Thalassinon: A Simple Seafood Delight with Orzo Greek cuisine has a wonderful ability to elevate the natural flavours of its ingredients, combining them in such a way that each bite tells a story of the land and sea. One dish that perfectly embodies this philosophy is Kritharotto Thalassinon, a traditional Greek seafood dish made with orzo (kritharaki in Greek) cooked in a light tomato and white wine sauce. The beauty of Kritharotto lies in its simplicity, allowing the flavours of the seafood to truly shine without being overshadowed by a heavy sauce.