10+ Fish Recipes for Kids: Fun and Tasty Meals They’ll Love
Fish can be a healthy and tasty addition to your family’s meals. Many fish recipes are not only nutritious but also appealing to kids. These recipes can help introduce your children to new flavors while providing important nutrients for their growth and development.
With the right preparation, fish can become a favorite at your dinner table. From quick and easy options to fun dishes, you’ll discover various ways to make fish enjoyable for the whole family.
Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
Fish tacos with mango salsa are fun and tasty for kids. They offer a mix of flavors and textures that everyone loves. The flaky fish pairs perfectly with the sweet and fresh mango salsa.
You can use corn tortillas to wrap the fish. They are easy to hold and make the tacos feel special. Top the tacos with some avocado for creaminess and color.
Making the mango salsa is simple. Just chop mango, avocado, tomato, and red onion. Mix them together with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Let the salsa chill for a bit to blend the flavors.
These tacos can be baked or fried. Baking is a healthier option and keeps everything crispy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) white fish fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking fish.
- Season the fish with olive oil and salt.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, prepare the mango salsa.
- Mix the mango, avocado, tomato, onion, lime juice, and salt in a bowl.
- Warm the tortillas in a separate pan.
- Fill tortillas with fish and top with mango salsa. Enjoy!
2) Salmon Cakes for Kids
Salmon cakes are a fun and tasty way to bring fish into your child’s diet. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a quick meal or snack. You can use either fresh or canned salmon, making them convenient for any busy day.
To start, mix cooked salmon with mashed potatoes, an egg, and breadcrumbs. This gives the cakes a nice texture that kids love. You can also add some herbs or spices for extra flavor.
Cook the salmon cakes in a skillet until they are golden brown on both sides. Bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for a few more minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
These cakes are versatile. You can serve them with a side of veggies or a dipping sauce for added fun.
Ingredients
- 1 can of salmon (or 1 cup cooked salmon)
- 1 cup mash potatoes
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Optional: herbs or spices
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix salmon, mashed potatoes, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Shape the mixture into small cakes.
- Heat oil in a skillet and cook the cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for another 6-8 minutes.
3) Cheesy Tuna Casserole
Cheesy Tuna Casserole is a fun and easy dish that kids will love. This recipe combines pasta, cheesy goodness, and tasty tuna for a meal that is both satisfying and simple to prepare.
To start, cook your favorite pasta, like shells or elbows, until it’s soft. Drain the pasta and mix it with canned tuna and cream of mushroom soup. Then, stir in cheese, such as Velveeta or shredded cheddar, for extra flavor.
Transfer everything to a baking dish and top it with more cheese or some crunchy fish crackers. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. The casserole should be bubbly and golden on top.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is easy enough for kids to help with!
Ingredients
- 16 ounces of pasta (shells or elbows)
- 1 ½ cups of Velveeta cheese, chunked
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup
- 12-18 ounces of canned tuna, drained
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and mix it with the tuna and soup.
- Stir in the cheese until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with more cheese or fish crackers.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes.
4) Fish Finger Sandwiches
Fish finger sandwiches are a fun and easy meal for kids. You can use either homemade or store-bought fish fingers. They are tasty, crunchy, and super simple to make.
Start by choosing your favorite bread. A crunchy loaf like a tiger bread works well, but a baguette or bagel can also taste great.
To add more flavor, consider using sauces like tartar sauce or ketchup. You can also add lettuce or tomatoes for some freshness.
Kids usually love the crunchy texture, especially if you opt for air-fried fish fingers. This can make them more appealing even to picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 8 fish fingers
- 4 slices of bread (any type)
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Slices of tomato (optional)
- Tartar sauce or ketchup (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the fish fingers according to package instructions or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
- Toast the bread if desired.
- Spread sauce on the bread.
- Place the fish fingers on one slice of bread.
- Add lettuce and tomato if using.
- Top with another slice of bread and serve.
5) Baked Cod Nuggets
Baked cod nuggets are a fun and healthy choice for kids. They are easy to make and taste delicious. You can use fresh cod or any white fish you like.
To start, you will need to cut the fish into bite-sized pieces. This makes them perfect for little hands. Next, dip the fish in egg and coat it with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
To cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the nuggets on a baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes. They will turn golden brown and be ready to enjoy!
These baked cod nuggets are great served with a dip or alongside some veggies. Kids will love the taste and you’ll feel good knowing they’re eating something nutritious.
Ingredients
- Fresh cod fillets
- 1 egg
- Breadcrumbs (panko works great)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut cod into bite-sized pieces.
- Dip each piece in beaten egg.
- Coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
6) Rainbow Fish Skewers
Rainbow Fish Skewers are a fun and colorful way to introduce kids to fish. You can use salmon and vibrant bell peppers for a lively dish. These skewers are not only appealing but also healthy and quick to prepare.
Start by cutting the salmon and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. You can choose red, green, yellow, and orange peppers to make it look great.
Once prepped, thread the fish and veggies onto skewers. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
You can cook these skewers either on the grill or in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the fish is cooked through and flaky.
Ingredients
- 12 oz salmon fillet
- ½ each of red, green, yellow, and orange bell pepper
- ¼ large red onion
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the salmon and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
- Thread the fish and veggies onto skewers.
- Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook in the oven or on the grill for 10-12 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
7) Fish and Chips Bites
Fish and chips bites are a fun and tasty way to introduce kids to fish. They combine crispy outer layers with soft fish inside, making each bite enjoyable.
Start by cutting fresh fish into small, bite-sized pieces. You can use any white fish like cod or haddock. Mix flour, cornflour, and seasoning for the batter.
For frying, heat sunflower oil until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Dip each fish piece into the batter and carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes a few minutes.
Serve your fish bites with fries and a side of peas for a complete meal. Kids will love the crunchy texture and the fun of dipping!
Ingredients
- 1 fillet of fresh fish
- 1/2 cup sunflower oil
- 1/2 cup cornflour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Frozen fries
- Frozen peas
Cooking Instructions
- Cut the fish into small pieces.
- Heat sunflower oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix cornflour with salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Dip fish pieces in the batter.
- Fry the fish until golden brown.
- Serve with fries and peas.
Tropical Fish Wraps
Tropical Fish Wraps are a fun and easy dish your kids will love. Using mild fish, like tilapia or cod, makes it kid-friendly. You can add colorful veggies like bell peppers and carrots for a nice crunch.
Start by seasoning the fish with a bit of lime juice, salt, and pepper. Cook it in a pan until it’s flaky and white. Then, let it cool slightly.
Next, take a tortilla and layer on some leafy greens. Add the cooked fish, then top with diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Roll up the tortilla tightly, slice it in half, and serve it with a side of fruit. This dish is quick, nutritious, and perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 tortillas
- 1 pound of mild fish (like tilapia or cod)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- Salt and pepper
- Leafy greens (like spinach)
- 1 cup diced mango or pineapple
- Shredded cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Season fish with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the fish in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C) until flaky.
- Let the fish cool slightly.
- Place leafy greens on the tortillas.
- Add the cooked fish and diced fruit.
- Roll the tortillas tightly and slice them in half.
9) Mini Salmon Sliders
Mini salmon sliders are a fun and tasty way to introduce fish to your kids. These little sandwiches are perfect for small hands and are packed with flavor. Plus, they are a great option for family meals or playdates.
You can easily customize the sliders with your favorite toppings. Some popular choices include lettuce, tomato, and a tasty sauce. A garlic lemon aioli adds a nice touch, making it even more appealing.
To make these sliders, you’ll need fresh salmon, breadcrumbs, and a few spices for flavor. Kids will love helping to assemble their own sliders, making mealtime fun.
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Slider buns
- Toppings of choice (lettuce, tomato, aioli)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix breadcrumbs, egg, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form small patties from the salmon, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Assemble the sliders with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
10) Creamy Fish Pasta
Creamy fish pasta is an easy dish that kids will love. You can use salmon, which is tasty and healthy. Plus, it’s quick to make!
Start by cooking pasta according to the package instructions. While it cooks, you can prepare the sauce. In a pan, sauté some leeks until they’re soft. Then add cream for that rich taste.
Next, add cooked salmon and frozen peas. Mix everything together with the pasta. This makes for a cheerful and colorful meal. Kids can help by adding ingredients or stirring.
Serve it up warm, and watch your family enjoy. It’s a great way to introduce fish into their diet without any fuss.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (150 g) cooked salmon, flaked
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
- 1 leek, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- In a pan, sauté the chopped leek until soft.
- Add the creamy mixture and stir.
- Fold in the salmon and peas.
- Combine with the pasta and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.