Getting your kids to eat fish can be a challenge, especially if they’re picky eaters. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delicious and kid-friendly fish recipes that are sure to please even the most finicky palates. From crispy baked fish sticks to hidden veggie fish cakes, we’ve rounded up a variety of tasty and easy-to-make dishes that are perfect for families on-the-go.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, these recipes are sure to become family favorites. And the best part? They’re all packed with nutrients and protein from the fish, making them a great way to get your kids eating healthier.
So grab some fresh fish and let’s dive in! In our next section, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite kid-friendly fish recipes that are perfect for picky eaters. Stay tuned!
Crispy Baked Fish Sticks
Crispy Baked Fish Sticks Recipe
A healthier twist on a classic favorite, these crispy baked fish sticks are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a snack for game day. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy crunchy, flavorful fish without the guilt.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or haddock fillets, cut into stick shapes
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Dip each fish stick into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
5. Place coated fish sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon zest.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cheesy Tuna Quesadillas
These cheesy tuna quesadillas are a twist on the classic Mexican dish, packed with tuna salad, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla. Perfect as a quick lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of chopped onion
– 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
– 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 large tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together tuna, mayonnaise, onion, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on half of the tortilla.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of tuna salad on top of the cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy, flipping halfway through.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (4 quesadillas)
Fish Finger Tacos with Avocado
A twist on traditional tacos, these bite-sized morsels combine crispy fish fingers, creamy avocado, and a hint of spice for a flavorful and fun meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish fingers (any white fish works well)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 2 ripe avocados, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place fish fingers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by placing fish fingers, sliced avocado, cilantro, and lime juice on each tortilla.
7. Add optional toppings as desired.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Simple Salmon Pasta with Peas
A flavorful and healthy pasta dish that combines the richness of salmon with the sweetness of peas. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
– 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the salmon fillet to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Add the peas to the pan with the salmon and cook until tender, about 2 minutes.
5. Combine the cooked pasta, salmon, and peas in a large serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top (if using) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Golden Fish Nuggets with Honey Mustard Dip
Brighten up your snack time with these crispy and flavorful Golden Fish Nuggets, paired with a sweet and tangy Honey Mustard Dip.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish nuggets (white fish or cod)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Honey Mustard Dip:
+ 2 tablespoons honey
+ 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
+ 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
+ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip fish nuggets in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry coated fish nuggets until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve hot with Honey Mustard Dip.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your crispy Golden Fish Nuggets with a drizzle of sweet and tangy Honey Mustard Dip!
Tuna and Corn Fritters
A delicious twist on traditional fritters, these tuna and corn treats are perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna in water (drained)
– 1 cup of corn kernels
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together tuna, corn kernels, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until a thick batter forms.
4. Using a spoon, drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil, about 1/4 cup each.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil with paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Hidden Veggie Fish Cakes
A healthier twist on traditional fish cakes, this recipe sneaks in some nutritious veggies to boost the flavor and nutritional profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or haddock fillets, flaked
– 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
– 1/4 cup grated carrot
– 1/4 cup grated zucchini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine flaked fish, chopped onion, grated carrot, zucchini, garlic, egg, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each part into a patty.
4. Coat each patty with whole wheat breadcrumbs.
5. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rainbow Trout with Lemon Butter
A bright and citrusy twist on traditional trout recipes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 Rainbow Trout fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place trout fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley.
5. Spread the lemon butter mixture evenly over each trout fillet.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fish and Sweet Potato Mash
A comforting and flavorful dish that combines the tenderness of pan-seared fish with the sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well, such as cod or tilapia)
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Pan-fry fish in olive oil for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Drain sweet potatoes and mash with garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve fish on top of mashed sweet potatoes.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Panko-Crusted Cod Bites
Elevate your appetizer game with these crispy and flavorful Panko-crusted cod bites, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound cod fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Panko breadcrumbs, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each cod piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated cod pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tips:
– For an extra crispy coating, chill the coated cod in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
– Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Quick Tuna Melt Sandwiches
Get a delicious meal on the table in no time with these easy-to-make tuna melt sandwiches.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of chopped onion
– 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– 2 slices of cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the tuna, mayonnaise, onion, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
3. Butter one side of each bread slice.
4. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet.
5. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the tuna mixture onto the bread.
6. Top with a slice of cheese and another bread slice (butter-side up).
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per sandwich
Fun Fishy Pizza with Tuna and Cheese
This recipe combines the classic flavors of tuna salad with melted cheese on a crispy pizza crust, perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying this fun twist on traditional pizza in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup of chopped onion
– 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
3. Spread the tuna salad mixture evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top of the tuna.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Salmon and Cucumber Sushi Rolls
A refreshing twist on traditional sushi rolls, this recipe combines the delicate flavor of salmon with the crunch and coolness of cucumber.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup short-grain Japanese rice (sushi rice)
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup smoked salmon, sliced
– 1 sheet nori seaweed
– Sesame seeds and soy sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Cut the nori sheet in half lengthwise.
3. Place a thin layer of sushi rice onto the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Arrange the sliced avocado, cucumber, and salmon horizontally across the middle of the rice.
5. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat or your hands, applying gentle pressure.
6. Slice into individual pieces and serve with soy sauce and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (including preparation)
Fish Chowder with Soft Breadsticks
A comforting and flavorful fish chowder paired with soft breadsticks, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
For the Fish Chowder:
– 1 pound cod or haddock fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soft Breadsticks:
– 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup warm water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, combine fish, potatoes, onion, garlic, clam juice, and milk. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, prepare breadsticks by mixing yeast, flour, salt, and olive oil in a bowl. Add warm water and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes; place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake breadsticks for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time:
Fish Chowder: 10 minutes
Breadsticks: 12-15 minutes
Mini Fish Pies with Puff Pastry
A delicious and elegant appetizer or snack that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 pound cod or tilapia fillets, flaked
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together fish, onion, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Cut into squares, about 3 inches (7.5 cm) per side.
5. Spoon a small amount of fish mixture onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
6. Brush edges with beaten egg and fold other half of pastry square over filling to form a triangle or square shape. Press edges to seal.
7. Place pies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between each pie.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Fish Skewers with Pineapple
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with these flavorful and easy-to-make grilled fish skewers, perfectly paired with sweet and tangy pineapple.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound firm white fish (such as tilapia or mahi-mahi), cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes)
– 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread fish, mixed vegetables, and pineapple onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, and honey. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the skewers.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until fish is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Fish and Cheese Stuffed Potatoes
A delicious twist on traditional baked potatoes, these fish and cheese stuffed spuds are a perfect blend of savory and sweet.
Ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1 pound cod or haddock fillets, flaked
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
3. While potatoes are baking, mix flaked fish, cheese, scallions, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Once potatoes are cooked, slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh to make room for the filling.
5. Stuff each potato with the fish and cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four potatoes.
6. Drizzle tops with olive oil and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (potatoes), 10-15 minutes (assembling and baking)
Tuna Pasta Salad with Hidden Veggies
A refreshing twist on a classic pasta salad, this recipe packs a punch of protein and veggies while keeping things light and satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., bow tie or penne)
– 1 can of tuna in water (drained and flaked)
– 1 cup cooked carrots (hidden veggie!)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 1 tsp. lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked carrots, tuna, cherry tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until the noodles are coated with the tuna mixture.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If using feta cheese, crumble on top before serving.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including pasta cooking time)
Fish and Cornbread Muffins
Savory and sweet, this recipe combines the flaky goodness of fish with the warmth of cornbread muffins.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cod or tilapia fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 cup milk
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, milk, eggs, and cornbread mix to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Fold in fish pieces and honey.
5. Pour batter into greased muffin tin cups or a 12-cup muffin pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Sour Fish Balls
A delicious twist on traditional fish balls, this sweet and sour recipe adds a tangy and flavorful dimension to the classic dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish paste (such as cod or pollock)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Mix fish paste, flour, egg, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the fish balls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove the fish balls from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cooking Time:
– Frying time: 6-8 minutes
– Total preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your sweet and sour fish balls with a side of steamed rice or noodles!
Summary
Get your kids to love fish with these 20 delicious and kid-friendly recipes! From crispy fish sticks to tasty tuna quesadillas, and even fun fishy pizzas, we’ve got you covered. Our list includes a range of options that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With creative twists on classic dishes and hidden veggies galore, you’ll be serving up healthy meals in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or just looking for new ideas, this article is packed with inspiration for making fish a family favorite.
