Good Friday has quietly become one of my favourite days for cooking.
There’s something about it that feels slower. Simpler. More intentional.
No pressure for anything overly formal — just good food, shared, and a bit of time to enjoy it.
Some years we’ve kept it very simple with prawns and oysters on ice, fresh lemon, and something cold to drink. Other years… I’ve gone a little further and turned it into a full seafood spread that rolls through the afternoon.
And that’s the beauty of it — it can be as easy or as elevated as you like.
If you’re planning your Good Friday menu, here are some ideas that feel a little bit special without being complicated.
🌍 Seafood Ideas to Mix and Match
1. Spanish Squid Ink Paella (Arroz Negro)
A proper centrepiece.
Rich, bold, and full of flavour — squid, garlic, smoked paprika, and that deep inky colour. Serve straight from the pan with lemon wedges and let everyone dig in.
2. French Bouillabaisse
Comforting, but still a bit impressive.
A mix of fish and shellfish with fennel, tomato, and saffron. Best served with crusty bread to soak up the broth and something garlicky on the side.
3. Thai Coconut Fish Curry
Fragrant, warming, and easy to make ahead.
Monkfish works beautifully here, but any firm white fish will do. Serve with rice and a handful of fresh herbs.
4. Fresh Ceviche (Light & Zingy)
Perfect to start.
Fish marinated in lime juice with onion, chilli, and herbs. Add avocado if you have it. Simple, fresh, and always a crowd favourite.
5. Banana Leaf Fish (BBQ or Oven)
One of those “looks impressive, actually easy” dishes.
Wrap fish in banana leaves with lime, garlic, and spices, then cook gently. Keeps everything moist and full of flavour.
6. Classic Prawns & Oysters Platter
Sometimes this is all you need.
No cooking, no fuss — just fresh seafood, lemon wedges, and a simple sauce. Serve it cold and let people help themselves.
7. Seared Salmon (Japanese-Inspired)
Quick, fresh, and slightly different.
Lightly seared and sliced with soy, sesame oil, ginger, and spring onion.
8. Baked Stuffed Squid
A bit more rustic.
Filled with breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and baked in tomato. Rich, simple, and very satisfying.
9. Mediterranean Baked Fish
A reliable crowd-pleaser.
Fish baked with tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs. Serve with a simple salad and potatoes.
10. Something a Little Different (If You Feel Like It)
If you enjoy trying new things, dishes like Portuguese salt cod or seafood rice can be a nice way to mix it up.
But honestly — you don’t need ten dishes.
👉 Pick 2–3 and do them well.
💡 How to Keep It Easy
- Mix simple with special – A platter + one cooked dish is often enough
- Prep ahead where you can – Ceviche, sauces, salads
- Use what’s fresh and available – especially locally
- Add something from the garden – herbs or greens make everything better
🐟 How to Avoid Overcooking Seafood
This is where most people go wrong — and it’s an easy fix.
- Cook it quickly – Most seafood prefers high heat and short cooking
- Take it off early – It keeps cooking after you remove it from heat
- Watch prawns closely – Pink and curled into a loose “C” = done
- Squid rule – Very quick or very slow, nothing in between
- Ceviche – Once it turns opaque, it’s ready
👉 When in doubt, undercook slightly — it’s far better than overcooked
Final Thoughts
Good Friday doesn’t need to be complicated.
It’s about:
- Fresh food
- Simple cooking
- Sharing a table
Whether you go all out or keep it very relaxed, there’s something special about slowing down and making a meal that feels a little different from the everyday.