How to Grow Herbs for Fish Recipes

New Blog Post Herb Gardening for Fish Image: terracotta pots with herbs and fish recipe book

There’s something magical about combining fresh herbs with a perfectly cooked fish dish. Aromatic, flavourful, and simple, herbs can elevate seafood meals from average to extraordinary. Even better, growing your own herbs ensures they’re always fresh, chemical-free, and conveniently within reach when you’re preparing dinner.

Herbs That Pair Perfectly with Fish Dishes

The secret to enhancing fish dishes lies in using the right herbs. The freshness and aroma of herbs complement the delicate flavour of fish. Below are some of the best herbs to use, along with a deep-dive into their unique characteristics:

1. Dill

Flavour and Benefits

With its feathery leaves and light, citrusy scent, dill is a classic herb for seafood. Its bright, aniseed-like flavour pairs beautifully with salmon, trout and cod. Dill also boasts digestive and antibacterial properties, making it as healthy as it is tasty.

Recipe Ideas

  • Baked Dill Salmon: Coat a salmon fillet with olive oil, sprinkle fresh dill on top, and bake at 190°C for 15–20 minutes.
  • Dill Yogurt Sauce: Mix chopped dill with Greek yogurt, lemon juice and garlic for a quick homemade dipping sauce.

2. Parsley

Flavour and Benefits

Parsley is a staple in many kitchens, known for its fresh, slightly peppery flavour. Both curly and flat-leaf parsley work wonderfully with fish, especially when used as a garnish or in sauces. Parsley is rich in vitamins A and C, adding a nutritional boost to your dishes.

Recipe Ideas

  • Grilled Sea Bass with Parsley Butter: Combine butter, garlic, parsley and lemon to create a luscious sauce that melts beautifully over grilled fish.
  • Chimichurri for White Fish: Blend parsley with olive oil, garlic, vinegar and red pepper flakes to create a bright, tangy chimichurri sauce.

3. Coriander (Cilantro)

Flavour and Benefits

Coriander’s citrusy and slightly spicy notes offer a tantalising twist to many fish dishes, particularly those with an Asian or Mexican influence. Its unique taste complements prawns, tilapia and even ceviche. Coriander is packed with antioxidants and can help lower blood sugar levels.

Recipe Ideas

  • Coriander Lime Prawns: Marinate prawns in lime juice, olive oil and chopped coriander, then grill until pink.
  • Thai Coriander Fish Curry: Use coriander as a garnish to lift the flavours of a coconut-based curry with cod or tilapia.

4. Basil

Flavour and Benefits

Basil, with its sweet, slightly peppery undertones, works wonders in Mediterranean fish recipes. It’s a great match for tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, making it perfect for dishes featuring red mullet or haddock. Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties are an added bonus.

Recipe Ideas

  • Basil and Lemon Crusted Haddock: Mix chopped basil, breadcrumbs and lemon zest, then coat haddock fillets before baking.
  • Tomato Basil Fish Stew: Simmer chunks of white fish with tomatoes, garlic, onion, and fresh basil for a hearty, flavour-packed stew.

5. Thyme

Flavour and Benefits

Thyme’s earthy, herby aroma complements richer fish like mackerel or tuna. It holds its flavour well during cooking, making it ideal for slow-roasting or grilling. It’s also known for its antibacterial and immune-boosting properties.

Recipe Ideas

  • Roasted Cod with Thyme and Garlic: Lay cod fillets on a baking tray with sprigs of fresh thyme and chopped garlic, drizzle with olive oil and roast until the fish flakes easily.
  • Thyme-Infused Fish Soup: Add fresh thyme to a pot of fish stock, vegetables and your favourite seafood for a warming soup.

How to Grow Your Own Herbs

Don’t have a green thumb? No problem! Growing herbs at home is surprisingly easy, whether you have a garden, balcony, or just a sunny windowsill. Here’s how you can cultivate the essential herbs mentioned above.

1. Dill

  • Where to Grow: Dill thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It’s excellent for outdoor gardens or large pots.
  • Tips: Sow dill seeds directly into the soil as it doesn’t transplant well. Since it can grow up to 60cm tall, ensure it has enough space.

2. Parsley

  • Where to Grow: Parsley loves partial shade and can grow well indoors or outside in pots.
  • Tips: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and harvest regularly to encourage new growth.

3. Coriander

  • Where to Grow: Coriander appreciates cooler climates and grows well in small pots or in the garden with partial shade.
  • Tips: Sow seeds every few weeks for a continuous harvest, as coriander tends to bolt quickly.

4. Basil

  • Where to Grow: Basil thrives in full sun and warm conditions, making it perfect for a windowsill or sunny patio.
  • Tips: Pinch off flowering shoots to encourage leafy growth and keep the plant bushy.

5. Thyme

  • Where to Grow: Thyme grows best in full sun and dry, sandy soil, making it perfect for rock gardens or pots with good drainage.
  • Tips: Thyme is low maintenance and drought-tolerant, so water sparingly and avoid overwatering.

To make the process smoother, consider grabbing an indoor herb-growing kit or planting them in stackable planters if space is tight.

Add Freshness to Every Dish

Growing your own herbs and using them in fish dishes is an easy way to elevate your culinary experience. Dill, parsley, coriander, basil and thyme are the dream team for any seafood enthusiast, providing a balance of flavour, aroma and health benefits. Pairing them with the right fish and recipes can transform a simple dish into something memorable. And with these growing tips, you can enjoy the full farm-to-table experience right from your kitchen.

Further Reading: BBC Good Food Beef Recipes, Grow Herbs for French CookingHow to Grow Herbs for Italian Cooking at HomeHerb Gardening for Chicken Recipes

Try our Grow your Own Herb Sets here