Fish and seafood are great protein choices for a busy family. It’s low in calories and fat, and provides plenty of essential nutrients.
But, finding healthy and easy seafood recipes that kids will actually eat isn’t always easy.
Luckily, there are still ways to ensure your family enjoys the many health benefits of seafood.
Try these easy seafood recipes that kids will be excited to eat, along with some tips on sticking to a budget when shopping for fish and seafood.
Fresh vs. Frozen Seafood
If you’re not sure whether fresh or frozen seafood is the best option, you’re not alone!
It’s a common misconception that fresh is always best, but that’s not actually the case. So, why opt for frozen seafood?
First, it’s a more affordable way to enjoy a high-quality product. Since seafood is frozen at peak freshness, both flavor and nutrients are locked in.
Frozen seafood is also quick to prepare. Frozen boneless fish fillets, for example, can be cooked in less than 30 minutes, even without defrosting first.
Finally, there’s simply no beating the health benefits that come from adding frozen seafood to your family’s dinner rotation.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients, seafood is a powerhouse that supports brain development and overall health.
Easy Seafood Recipes Kids Will Love
While you may already know your family should be eating more seafood, finding recipes that kids will enjoy can be a challenge!
So, if you’re looking for delicious ways to use your favorite seafood in a dinnertime recipe, look no further!
These four healthy and easy seafood recipes are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. As an added bonus, they’re easy on the wallet, too!
Easy Fish Tacos
Transform frozen whitefish fillets into a fun and interactive meal with fish tacos.
Lightly season your frozen fillets, pan-sear or bake them, then flake the fish onto warm tortillas.
Top with coleslaw, of cabbage, carrots, and a splash of lime juice for a crunchy, zesty twist.
This meal is not only easy to customize with various toppings, it also packs a nutritional punch.
Shrimp Stir-Fry
Perfect for using up all those extra vegetables in the fridge, you can’t go wrong with the bright colors and crisp textures of a shrimp stir-fry.
Sauté frozen shrimp with bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, carrots, and any other vegetables your family enjoys.
Add your favorite homemade stir-fry sauce or a bottle of store-bought sauce, and you’re done!
Serve your shrimp stir-fry with brown rice or quinoa for an easy and hearty meal that’s ready in a flash.
One-Dish Mexican Fish Casserole
One-dish meals are a staple in busy households, and this Pico de Gallo Mexican Fish Casserole recipe is a perfect example of why.
Fish fillets are layered on top of cooked quinoa, and topped with a homemade Pico de Gallo salsa to add flavor and nutrition.
Topped with cheese and baked in the oven, it’s a no-fuss way to serve up a delicious seafood dinner with a fun Mexican twist.
Seafood Noodle Bowls
For a quick Asian-inspired dinner, Vietnamese noodle bowls are sure to become a new family favorite.
Start with rice vermicelli noodles, and top with your favorite vegetables, thawed frozen cooked shrimp, and a tangy Vietnamese sauce.
The best part of this easy and economical meal is that it can be served either hot or cold, making it a great choice during the warm summer months.
Saving Money On Seafood Meals
Fish and seafood can be one of the more expensive protein choices for families, but there are still ways to incorporate it into your meals without spending a fortune!
Here are a few tips to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck when shopping for seafood:
Choose Budget-Friendly Fish Varieties
Fish and seafood can have a wide price range depending on the varieties you choose.
To get the best value, choose budget-friendly and versatile fish varieties like tilapia and cod.
Shrimp is consistently less expensive than crab or lobster, and canned fish and seafood choices like tuna, mackerel, and sardines can be delicious budget options.
Shop Sales and Use Coupons
Sales and coupons can make a big difference in your grocery budget, especially when you’re shopping for more expensive items like fish and seafood.
Consider using price-matching apps and digital coupons to save even more, and ensure you’re getting the best possible price.
Finally, don’t forget to look into bonus savings offered by loyalty programs. Many stores may have members-only deals that you can combine with other savings.
Batch Cook and Freeze
For the most part, meals using fish and seafood are at their best when they’re first made. But, there are a few dishes that can be made ahead in bulk and frozen.
Fish cakes are a great choice for batch cooking and freezing. Freeze the cakes individually and then pack them in a large Ziplock bag, so you can take out the amount you need for each meal.
Seafood gumbo or chowder is another great option. Choose recipes that don’t use milk or cream for the best results when freezing.
Finally, simply buying frozen seafood in bulk can help save money. When you’re stuck for dinner ideas, pull out a few fillets, toss them in a quick marinade, and bake, grill, or fry until cooked.
Making seafood a regular part of your family’s diet offers some unique nutritional benefits that are hard to get any other way.
And with a little planning and creativity, there are plenty of ways to cook up easy seafood recipes that are a hit with kids and easy on the wallet.
Remember, the key to successful meal planning on a budget is creativity and flexibility—frozen seafood is just one of the many tools in your culinary arsenal to keep meals exciting and affordable.