A relatively lean source of protein, fish is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, unsaturated fats that keep the heart healthy and may also stave off type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Many of the fish species we eat are experiencing population declines at alarming rates -- through overfishing and habitat-destroying farming practices that threaten to wipe out certain types of fish -- so it's important to make smart decisions about the seafood you buy. Look for labeling indicating the fish you buy is sustainably caught or farmed. And check out the following slides for delicious ways to cook it.

Steaming helps retain foods' vital nutrients. Line the bottoms of steamer baskets with lettuce, herbs, or parchment paper before putting in the char and green beans,  to ensure that nothing drips through.

Try serving this fiery-red spiced soup of white fish with brightly colored saffron rice for a colorful, satisfying dinner on a cool evening.

Tuna steaks are perfect for the grill, quickly searing to a crisp outside while remaining moist inside.

Although omega-3 fatty acids are present in all fish, they are most abundant in cold-water species such as mackerel.

By moving the frying pan from the stove top to the oven, you'll eliminate unwanted fat this classic fish-fry dish without sacrificing a bit of flavor.

With its smooth and buttery texture, mild flavor, fine flaky flesh, few bones, and low fat content, butterfish is an excellent choice for a simple, healthy, grilled main course.

Protein-packed halibut gets a flavor boost from cabbage, radishes, cilantro, and scallions in these tacos full of taste and texture.

Try this easy, Asian-inflected tuna burger with a Caesar salad made of bitter treviso, a relative of radicchio.

Browning shiitake mushrooms and tossing them with barley elevates grains into a may-I-please-have-more side dish for sauteed fish.

Parsley has a fresh, bright flavor that brings out the best of cod -- and it has high levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, beta carotene, and iron, to boot.

No-cook goes fusion in this Latin-Asian mashup. Try these handfuls of fish and veggies for a substantive lunch or light dinner.

In addition to the beneficial omega-3s provided by halibut, the green tea in this dish contains a powerful antioxidant shown to help prevent cancer.

With a subtle wine flavor, lady apples cook well with fish. Trout's high levels of omega-3s are thought to promote healthy heart function.

Sardines are incredibly rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Look for the boneless, olive-oil-packed variety for even more beneficial fats.

Chop an entire Meyer lemon with olives and roasted fennel to make a flavorful topping for whole mackerel.

At the height of summer, take advantage of peak-of-season corn, tomato, and basil in this simple striped bass recipe.

Ceviche is a South American classic. Marinate the scallops in lime juice to "cook" them; they'll become firm, opaque, and flavorful.

Mint can do far more than freshen up a table. On the plate, mint can star in both sweet and savory creations -- such as this platter of mint-stuffed striped bass.

Green cabbage, radishes, scallions, and cilantro team up in a crunchy antioxidant-rich garnish to accompany smoky grilled snapper.

Black cod is among the best sources of heart-friendly omega-3 fatty acids. Here, the fish combines with bok choy, which contains antioxidants and fiber. Brush the hoisin mixture on top of the fish before broiling for a quick barbecue sauce.

To tuna's healthy omega-3s, add beans' folate, iron, and fiber. Tomatoes have lycopene, a substance that may help prevent macular degeneration.

This light dish is reminiscent of Japanese takeout. The ginger-carrot dipping sauce gives a dose of antioxidants.

Delicious, supernutritious shiitake mushrooms help lower cholesterol, boost immunity, and help fight cancer. Cook them with cod and rosemary for a dish with an earthy, vibrant flavor.

The best way to prepare sea scallops has to be the simplest: Just season with salt and pepper, and grill.

Braised flounder over cabbage is a Chinese favorite. Try serving with two others: stir-fried rice and sesame string beans.

Asparagus is a cooling vegetable that turns down your inner heat. Pair it with crab for a light, summery salad.

Cauliflower and kale boast plenty of antioxidant, cancer-fighting, and heart-healthy properties. Sardines provide a lot of briny flavor, and a surprising amount of calcium.

This Basque seafood stew features bay scallops, red snapper, and clams in their shells; tomato wedges, tiny Spanish olives, and a garnish of chopped fresh parsley round out the flavors.

Served with a simple side dish of couscous tossed with fresh asparagus and tender arugula, this grilled tuna dish is a delicious, easy meal.

A little fat consumed with lycopene-rich red grapefruit -- such as the olive oil these scallops are cooked in -- helps the body absorb the heart-healthy, cancer-fighting antioxidant.

The main ingredients of this hearty Asian soup -- shrimp, scallops, and noodles -- simmer in a broth of sake, shiitake mushrooms, and ginger.

This colorful main course of papaya, crab, and sugar snap peas reinterprets spa food beautifully.

Fruit and seafood, including lobster, broil exceptionally well. For an extra wallop of flavor, add just a few drops of excellent olive oil before serving.

Most firm, mild-flavored white fish work well in this dish; black beans add more protein, while chili powder brings spice.

Sardines don't require a lot of preparation: Just toss in a little olive oil, grill, and drench in fresh lemon juice. The bed of arugula here will soften with the warmth of the fish.

Lobster and late-summer vegetables join tubular penne in this easy, satisfying one-dish meal.

Seared tuna with an orange-peel-and-fennel-seed crust sits atop red-leaf lettuce; the orange vinaigrette complements the tuna's spices.

Fatty, cold-water fish, such as mackerel and sardines, are rich in heart-healthy omega-3s. The fish is particularly tasty served crispy with a grainy mustard vinaigrette.

An herb paste coats the firm, white-fleshed fish (such as hake or black cod) and the zucchini, which can be roasted side by side on the same baking sheet.

Smoked and canned fish don't have to be cooked, so serving sardines with a simple sauce over pasta adds nutritional value and meaty texture to even the most basic dishes.