25 Seafood Recipes Your Kids Won’t Whine About

Getting kids to eat seafood can feel like an impossible task. They turn up their noses at anything that swims, but we all know it’s good for them. So, here’s the plan: sneak it into dishes they won’t whine about. From crispy fish sticks to shrimp that’s basically candy, these seafood recipes might just change their tune. They’re easy, tasty, and might even have the kids asking for seconds—no promises, though.

Shrimp lo mein

Shrimp lo mein is a quick and tasty way to bring takeout flavors home. With Chinese egg noodles, juicy shrimp, and vegetables in a savory sauce, this 20-minute meal is sure to become a dinner-time favorite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp lo mein

Air fryer salmon bites

Air fryer salmon bites are marinated in a garlic ginger soy sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Served with a dipping sauce made from the marinade, these bites are great for weeknight dinners that need to be quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Air fryer salmon bites

Bacon wrapped salmon

Bacon wrapped salmon combines the rich flavor of salmon with the irresistible taste of bacon. This dish feels like a restaurant-quality meal but is simple enough to make at home, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Bacon wrapped salmon

General Tso shrimp

General Tso shrimp is a quick and easy takeout-style dish that’s made in just one skillet. The sweet and slightly spicy sauce coats the shrimp perfectly, making this a meal that kids will enjoy just as much as the grown-ups.
Get the Recipe: General Tso shrimp

Popcorn shrimp

Popcorn shrimp is a fun, bite-sized treat that’s perfect for snacking. These shrimp are coated in a creamy seasoned mayo mixture, rolled in breadcrumbs, and baked until golden and crispy. They’re a great choice for parties or as a kid-friendly appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn shrimp

Dijon almond crusted tilapia

Dijon almond crusted tilapia is pan-fried for a crispy coating and ready in just 10 minutes. This healthy, grain-free option is a great way to make seafood more appealing to kids, with the dijon adding just the right amount of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Dijon almond crusted tilapia

Watermelon feta salad with fried scallops

Watermelon feta salad gets a boost with crispy cornmeal-fried bay scallops and a tangy balsamic drizzle. This mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy is a fun way to introduce kids to seafood in a refreshing summer dish.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon feta salad with fried scallops

Crunchy baked homemade gluten-free fish sticks

Crunchy baked homemade gluten-free fish sticks offer a healthier take on a kid-favorite dish. With just four ingredients and a quick bake time, these fish sticks are perfect for weeknight dinners that won’t leave anyone whining.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy baked homemade gluten-free fish sticks

Chili lime tuna fishcakes

Chili lime tuna fishcakes are packed with flavor and bake up nicely in the oven. The hint of lime adds a fresh twist that might just get your kids excited about seafood.
Get the Recipe: Chili lime tuna fishcakes

Oven baked crab stuffed shrimp

Oven baked crab stuffed shrimp brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home. These jumbo shrimp, stuffed with flavorful crab, make for an impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and sure to win over even the toughest critics.
Get the Recipe: Oven baked crab stuffed shrimp

Tuna burgers

Tuna burgers are a fast and easy meal option that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Whether served on a bun or as patties, they’re a budget-friendly way to get kids to enjoy seafood.
Get the Recipe: Tuna burgers

Easy New Orleans-style skillet barbecue shrimp

Easy New Orleans-style skillet barbecue shrimp is a flavor-packed dish that’s ready in no time. The savory mix of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and lemon makes it a great choice for kids who might be hesitant about seafood.
Get the Recipe: Easy New Orleans-style skillet barbecue shrimp

Creamy salmon in coconut lime garlic sauce

Creamy salmon in coconut lime garlic sauce is a simple, pan-seared dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The creamy coconut and lime sauce makes salmon more appealing to kids who might usually turn their noses up at fish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy salmon in coconut lime garlic sauce

Baked cod with pesto

Baked cod with pesto is a quick and easy meal that uses frozen fish and a bright, herby pesto. It’s a great way to serve seafood that kids will actually enjoy, especially on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Baked cod with pesto

Easy mahi mahi with lemon garlic sauce

Easy mahi mahi with lemon garlic sauce is a straightforward dish that highlights the mild flavor of mahi mahi. The light lemon garlic sauce makes this meal both kid-friendly and quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Easy mahi mahi with lemon garlic sauce

Crab cakes

Crab cakes are a classic that combines lump crab meat with just the right amount of seasoning. Pan-fried to a crispy golden crust, they make a great snack, appetizer, or light meal that kids won’t complain about.
Get the Recipe: Crab cakes

Teriyaki salmon

Teriyaki salmon is a flavorful, grilled dish that can be cooked on the stovetop or in the oven. The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze makes it an easy way to get kids to enjoy salmon.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki salmon

Salmon patties from canned salmon

Salmon patties from canned salmon are an easy weeknight meal that turns pantry staples into something special. With a mix of dried spices and lemon zest, these patties are a great way to get kids to eat seafood without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Salmon patties from canned salmon

Fish sticks with sweet mayo

Fish sticks with sweet mayo are a homemade take on a classic kid favorite. These crispy, golden fish sticks come with a sweet dipping sauce that adds a fun twist, making them way better than the frozen version.
Get the Recipe: Fish sticks with sweet mayo

Tuna and corn pasta salad

Tuna and corn pasta salad is a high-protein dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Tossed with a cottage cheese dressing and fresh vegetables, this pasta salad is easy to make and kid-approved.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and corn pasta salad