9 Family Friendly Seafood Recipes Even the Pickiest Kids Will Love

9 Family Friendly Seafood Recipes Even Kids Will Eat

Getting kids to eat seafood can sometimes feel like trying to convince them that broccoli is magical. But family dinners are important, and seafood is a powerhouse of nutrition that can benefit everyone at the table—including your picky little ones! If you’re looking to make your family dinners both healthier and more exciting, we’ve got you covered with nine kid-approved seafood recipes that are as delicious as they are simple to prepare. 

From classics like fish sticks to fun dishes like shrimp tacos, these recipes will have your family asking for seconds. 

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Why Seafood is Great for Kids

Seafood packs a nutritional punch, making it an excellent addition to your family’s regular meals. Here’s why you should incorporate it into your kids’ diet:

• High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for brain development and overall cognitive function. 
• Rich in Protein: Promotes muscle growth and keeps your kids full and satisfied. 
• Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: Seafood is a great source of Vitamin D, B12, iodine, and selenium, all of which contribute to healthy growth. 

Plus, introducing seafood when kids are young helps cultivate adventurous eaters who are more open to trying new flavors! 

Tips for Preparing Seafood for Kids

Getting kids on board with seafood can come with a few challenges. Here are some proven strategies to enhance everyone’s seafood experience:

• Debone Carefully: To avoid any mishaps, ensure all bones are removed from fish fillets before cooking or serving. 
• Go Easy on Strong Flavors: Stick with mild-tasting fish, like cod or tilapia, and ease into bolder flavors as kids get used to them.
• Make It Fun: Turn seafood into finger foods or interesting shapes, like skewers or patties, for added appeal. 
• Pair It with Kid Favorites: Combine seafood with more familiar ingredients like pasta, rice, or fries to make it an instant hit. 

With these tips in mind, get ready to explore these nine easy, family-friendly recipes! 

Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill 

Why You’ll Love It:
This baked salmon with lemon and dill is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. It’s healthy, quick to make, and loved by both kids and adults. The zesty lemon and fresh dill elevate the tender, flaky salmon, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or special dinners.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• 2 lemons (sliced into rounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh dill sprigs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and spread the minced garlic evenly on top.
4. Sprinkle the fillets with salt and black pepper.
5. Lay lemon slices over each fillet and add a few sprigs of fresh dill on top.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve the baked salmon with a side of your choice, like roasted veggies or a fresh salad.

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Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa 

Why You’ll Love It
These shrimp tacos with mango salsa are a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The juicy shrimp pair beautifully with the fresh, vibrant mango salsa for a dish that’s quick, healthy, and bursting with tropical vibes. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back gatherings!

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp:
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Mango Salsa:
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
• For Serving:
  • Small corn or flour tortillas
  • Shredded cabbage or lettuce (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and fully cooked. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Mango Salsa: In a bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), and lime juice. Mix well and set aside.
4. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas and fill each with a few shrimp, a spoonful of mango salsa, and optional toppings like shredded cabbage or sour cream.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lime.

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Tuna Pasta Bake 

Why You’ll Love It
This Tuna Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food! It’s quick, easy, and made with simple pantry staples. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults!

Ingredients

• 300g pasta (penne or fusilli work best)
• 2 cans tuna in olive oil, drained
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, cream, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the tuna and cooked pasta, mixing well to coat everything in the sauce.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly on top.
7. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm!

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Fish Sticks with Homemade Tartar Sauce 

Why You’ll Love It
These homemade tartar sauce and crispy fish sticks elevate a nostalgic favorite to new heights! Crispy, golden fish sticks paired with a tangy, creamy tartar sauce make for the perfect weeknight dinner or snack. They’re quick to make, kid-friendly, and so much better than store-bought versions.

Ingredients
For the Fish Sticks:

• 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for frying

For the Tartar Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp capers, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Fish Sticks:

• Cut fish fillets into strips. Season with salt and pepper.
• Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Dip each fish strip in flour, then egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.

Cook the Fish Sticks:

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry fish sticks in batches, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Make the Tartar Sauce:

• In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, capers, and fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

• Serve the fish sticks warm with a side of tartar sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

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Mini Crab Cakes 

Why You’ll Love It
These Mini Crab Cakes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with the fresh, savory flavor of crab. Perfect for appetizers, parties, or a quick seafood snack, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, gently mix the crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into small, bite-sized patties (about 1-2 inches in diameter).
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the crab cakes in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like tartar sauce or aioli.

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Seafood Paella 

Why You’ll Love It
This Seafood Paella is a flavorful, one-pan dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, fresh seafood, and aromatic spices, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Plus, it’s easy to make and brings a taste of Spain to your table!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 2 cups Arborio or paella rice
• 4 cups chicken or seafood stock
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound mussels, cleaned
• 1/2 pound calamari rings
• Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or paella pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
2. Stir in smoked paprika and saffron, cooking for 1 minute to release their aromas.
3. Add rice and stir to coat evenly with the oil and spices.
4. Pour in the stock and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
5. Add peas, shrimp, mussels, and calamari on top of the rice, without stirring. Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked and the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
6. Remove from heat, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let sit for 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with lemon wedges and freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Clam Chowder 

Why You’ll Love It:
This clam chowder is the ultimate comfort food! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with tender clams, hearty potatoes, and smoky bacon. Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving a cozy, indulgent meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups clam juice
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 cans (6.5 oz each) chopped clams, with juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the clam juice and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Add diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
6. Stir in the clams (with their juice) and the cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or oyster crackers!

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Grilled Swordfish Skewers 

Why You’ll Love It
These Grilled Swordfish Skewers are a delicious and healthy option for dinner. Perfectly charred and packed with flavor, they’re quick to make and fun to eat—especially for kids! Plus, swordfish is a great source of protein and omega-3s.

Ingredients

• 1 lb swordfish, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Add swordfish cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
4. Thread swordfish, bell peppers, and onion alternately onto skewers.
5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
6. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the swordfish is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of rice and veggies.

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Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Dip 

Why You’ll Love It
This Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Dip is the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and tangy! The golden crunchy shrimp pairs beautifully with the refreshing and zesty pineapple dip, making it an irresistible appetizer or light meal. Easy to make and bursting with tropical flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients
For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Pineapple Dip:

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • In three separate bowls, place flour mixed with salt and pepper, beaten eggs, and a mixture of coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
   • Dredge the shrimp in flour, dip in eggs, and then coat with the coconut-panko mixture. Set aside.
2. Fry the Shrimp:
   • Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
   • Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Dip:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, honey, lime juice, and mayonnaise until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
4. Serve:
   • Arrange the crispy shrimp on a platter and serve with the pineapple dip on the side. Enjoy the tropical flavors!

Read more: Summer BBQ Recipes to Try This Weekend

Bring Joy to Family Dinners 

Fresh, healthy, and totally delicious, these seafood recipes are perfect for family dinners that even picky eaters will love. Give these dishes a try, and watch your family savor every bite! 

Want more inspiration? Share your seafood creations or favorite tips in the comments below. Happy cooking! 

 

 

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