- Home ›
- Easy Meals ›
- Fish & Seafood
Easy Fish & Seafood Recipes for Families
Fish and seafood can make quick, flavorful family dinners without requiring a long list of ingredients. These easy fish recipes include baked salmon, skillet fish, foil packet dinners, seasoned snapper, tilapia, and other seafood ideas kids can help prepare.
Start with one of the complete fish recipes on this page, learn simple ways to cook salmon and other fish, or browse more fish and seafood recipes from around Kids Cooking Activities.
Start Here: Fish & Seafood Recipes
Choose the type of fish or seafood dinner you'd like to make, then explore recipes and cooking methods throughout the page.
- Easy fish dinner: Try Snapper with Mango Salsa, Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce, or Cheesy Baked Tilapia.
- Salmon: Make Orange Salmon or explore different ways to cook salmon.
- Foil packet dinner: Try Fish in Foil Packets with your family's favorite vegetables and seasonings.
- White fish: Use snapper, grouper, tilapia, or another mild white fish in one of the recipes below.
- Shrimp & seafood: Jump to more fish and seafood recipes for shrimp, chowder, gumbo, and other seafood dinner ideas.
- Cooking with kids: Review fish cooking skills and safety before kids help prepare a seafood dinner.
Kids Cooking Activities Teaching Materials
Teaching kids to cook? Save time with ready-made lesson plans used by parents and teachers. Browse teaching materials →
This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
On This Page
Fish & Seafood Recipes by Type
Fish and seafood can be baked, cooked in a skillet, grilled, poached, breaded, added to soups, or combined with pasta and vegetables. Use these categories to find the type of recipe or cooking method you want to try.
Choosing Fish for a Family Dinner
Mild fish such as tilapia, snapper, grouper, cod, or other white fish can be a good place to start when children are new to seafood. Salmon has a richer flavor and works well with citrus, herbs, honey, and other simple seasonings. When a recipe calls for a particular fish, another fish with a similar thickness and texture may often work, but cooking time can vary.
Fish Recipes to Try
These easy fish recipes give kids opportunities to practice measuring seasonings, mixing sauces, preparing vegetables, breading fish, and assembling dinner. Adults should supervise jobs involving raw seafood, sharp knives, the stovetop, grill, or oven.
Snapper with Mango Salsa
Mild white fish pairs with a fresh mango, tomato, and lime salsa in this colorful family dinner. Use snapper, grouper, or another firm white fish and adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 snapper or grouper fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, or to taste
- 1 large mango, peeled and diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the diced mango, tomato, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Stir gently and set the mango salsa aside while you prepare the fish.
- Pat the fish fillets dry and sprinkle both sides lightly with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the fish and cook for about 3-5 minutes on the first side, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Turn carefully and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and reaches 145F (63C).
- Serve each fish fillet topped with a generous spoonful of mango salsa.
Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can help dice softer salsa ingredients with an age-appropriate knife, squeeze the lime, measure the cilantro, and stir the salsa together. An adult should supervise cutting and cooking the fish.
Try Another Fish: This mango salsa also pairs well with other mild white fish. Choose fillets of similar thickness so the cooking time stays close to the recipe.
Orange Salmon
Fresh orange juice, honey, garlic, and soy sauce make an easy sweet and savory glaze for baked salmon. This is a simple salmon dinner for kids who can help whisk together the sauce and arrange the orange slices.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 orange, sliced
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Arrange the salmon fillets in a lightly greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the orange mixture evenly over the salmon.
- Arrange orange slices around or over the salmon fillets.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, or until the fish reaches 145F (63C).
- Spoon some of the warm orange sauce from the baking dish over each fillet before serving.
Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can measure the orange juice, soy sauce, and honey, then whisk the glaze together before it comes in contact with the raw salmon.
Make It a Meal: Serve Orange Salmon with rice and steamed broccoli, green beans, carrots, or another favorite vegetable.
Ways to Cook Salmon
Salmon can be baked, cooked on the stovetop, grilled, or gently poached. The best method depends on the recipe and the equipment you're comfortable using. Because salmon fillets vary in thickness, use cooking times as a guide and check the fish as it cooks.
Bake Salmon
Baking is one of the easiest methods for a family dinner because the fish requires very little attention once it goes into the oven.
- Place salmon fillets in a lightly greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
- Season with herbs, lemon, garlic, or a favorite sauce.
- Bake until the salmon is cooked through.
- Try our Orange Salmon for an easy baked salmon recipe.
Cook Salmon on the Stovetop
A skillet works well when you want browned edges and a quick cooking method.
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
- Add seasoned salmon fillets and allow the first side to brown before carefully turning.
- Continue cooking until the salmon is cooked through.
- Reduce the heat if needed so thick fillets can finish cooking without burning.
Grill Salmon
Salmon can also be cooked on an outdoor grill. Lightly oiling the grill grates and leaving the fish undisturbed until it releases more easily can help prevent sticking.
- Season the salmon before placing it on the grill.
- Cook over moderate heat and turn carefully.
- Thicker fillets will generally take longer than thin pieces.
- An adult should handle the grill and supervise children around the cooking area.
Poach Salmon
Poaching cooks salmon gently in liquid and can produce tender fish without needing much added fat.
- Place salmon in a shallow pan with enough water or broth to partially surround the fish.
- Add lemon, herbs, or other seasonings to the liquid if desired.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil.
- Cook until the salmon is cooked through, then carefully remove it from the liquid.
How Do You Know When Salmon Is Done?
Cooking time varies with the thickness of the salmon and the method you use. Check the thickest part rather than relying only on the number of minutes in a recipe. A food thermometer can provide a more reliable check than judging doneness by color or texture alone.
Fish in Foil Packets
Foil packets are an easy way to cook fish and vegetables together in one simple dinner. Each person can choose favorite vegetables and seasonings, making this a fun build-your-own meal for families.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets
- Assorted vegetables such as bell pepper strips, diced carrots, asparagus, or sliced onion
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garlic or other favorite seasonings, to taste
- Aluminum foil
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil and place one fish fillet in the center of each sheet.
- Arrange your choice of cut vegetables around or on top of the fish.
- Season the fish and vegetables with salt, pepper, garlic, or other favorite seasonings.
- Bring the edges of the foil together and fold them securely to seal each packet.
- Place the packets on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until the fish reaches 145F (63C).
- Carefully open the packets away from your face, as hot steam will escape.
Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can choose vegetables, arrange ingredients on the foil, and add seasonings. An adult should seal, bake, and open the hot packets because steam can escape quickly when the foil is opened.
Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce
This easy skillet fish is finished with a warm lemon butter pan sauce made with broth, fresh lemon, and thyme. Grouper works well, but another firm white fish can also be used.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound grouper or other white fish, cut into 4 pieces
- 1/4 cup vegetable, fish, or chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4-6 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
Directions
- Season the fish lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the fish and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until it releases easily from the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium, carefully turn each fillet, and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145F (63C).
- Transfer the cooked fish to a platter and keep warm.
- Pour the broth into the skillet and gently scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and thyme sprigs. Season with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the butter is melted and the sauce is heated through.
- Remove and discard the thyme stems.
- Return the fish briefly to the skillet and spoon some of the lemon butter sauce over each piece.
- Transfer to serving plates and spoon the remaining sauce over the fish. Sprinkle with feta cheese, if desired.
Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can measure the broth and butter, zest and juice the lemon with supervision, and prepare a salad or vegetable side while an adult cooks the fish.
Serving Idea: Pair this lemon butter fish with rice, roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Cheesy Baked Tilapia
This easy baked tilapia is topped with a creamy Parmesan mixture flavored with lemon, parsley, and simple seasonings. It comes together quickly and is a good mild fish recipe for an easy family dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Dash of hot sauce, optional
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the tilapia fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, stir together the Parmesan cheese, softened butter, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, onion powder, celery salt, black pepper, and hot sauce, if using.
- Spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over the tops of the tilapia fillets.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets or until the fish reaches 145F (63C) and the Parmesan topping is hot and lightly golden.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges or your favorite vegetables, if desired.
Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can measure the seasonings, squeeze the lemon, and stir together the Parmesan topping before it is spread over the raw fish. An adult should handle the fish and hot baking dish as needed.
Make It a Meal: Serve Cheesy Baked Tilapia with rice, roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad.
More Fish & Seafood Recipes
Explore more ways to serve fish and seafood, from simple fish sticks and sandwiches to shrimp dinners, chowders, and seafood stew.
More Easy Seafood Dinners
Try one of these family-friendly fish and seafood recipes for another easy dinner idea.
Homemade Fish Sticks
Make a homemade version of a kid favorite while practicing breading and baking fish.
Salmon and Veggies
Pair salmon with colorful vegetables for an easy family dinner.
Shrimp Broccoli Pasta
Combine shrimp, broccoli, and pasta for a simple seafood meal.
Shrimp Scampi
Cook shrimp with garlic and other simple flavors for a quick seafood dinner.
Fish Chowder
Turn fish into a warm, comforting chowder for a family meal.
Shrimp Skewers
Thread seasoned shrimp onto skewers for a simple seafood recipe that's fun to assemble.
Cooking Fish with Kids
Fish and seafood recipes can teach kids useful kitchen skills without requiring complicated preparation. Children can help measure seasonings, mix sauces, prepare toppings, assemble foil packets, and choose side dishes while adults supervise jobs involving raw seafood and heat.
Good Jobs for Kids
- Measure herbs, spices, and sauce ingredients.
- Squeeze and zest lemons, limes, or oranges with supervision.
- Mix marinades, glazes, and toppings before they touch raw fish.
- Prepare mango salsa and other toppings.
- Arrange vegetables for foil packet dinners.
- Brush or spoon sauces onto fish with supervision.
- Choose vegetables, rice, potatoes, or other side dishes to complete the meal.
Fish & Seafood Safety
- Wash hands before and after handling raw fish or seafood.
- Keep raw seafood and its juices away from ready-to-eat foods.
- Use separate or thoroughly cleaned cutting boards, knives, plates, and utensils after contact with raw seafood.
- Have an adult supervise the oven, stovetop, grill, and other hot cooking equipment.
- Use care when opening foil packets because hot steam can escape quickly.
- Use a food thermometer when needed rather than relying only on cooking time or appearance.
Turn Dinner Into a Cooking Lesson
Let kids compare different ways of flavoring mild fish. Try citrus and herbs, a fruit salsa, Parmesan topping, or a simple sauce. Talk about how the same basic ingredient can taste very different depending on the seasonings and cooking method used.
Submit your favorite kids recipe
Do you have a favorite recipe your kids love to make? Or a recipe your kids ask you to make again and again? Share it with us!
Reader's Submitted Recipes
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Fish Filet Sandwiches
Golden Fish Filet Sandwiches Make crispy homemade fish sandwiches with tender white fish coated in seasoned cracker crumbs and pan-fried until golden. …
Frequently Asked Questions About Fish & Seafood Recipes
Foil packet fish, baked salmon, cheesy baked tilapia, and fish served with a simple sauce or salsa are good choices for cooking with kids. Children can measure seasonings, mix sauces, prepare toppings, and assemble ingredients while an adult handles raw seafood and hot cooking equipment as needed.
Mild white fish such as tilapia, cod, snapper, or grouper can be a good place to start because their flavor is generally less pronounced than stronger-tasting fish. Pairing fish with familiar flavors such as lemon, Parmesan, fruit salsa, or a favorite seasoning can also make it more approachable.
Fish should reach an internal temperature of 145F (63C) in the thickest part. Cooking time varies depending on the type of fish, thickness of the fillet, and cooking method, so use recipe times as a guide rather than the only test. Check with a food thermometer when possible.
Often you can substitute a similar fish. Mild white fish such as cod, tilapia, snapper, and grouper can work in many of the same recipes. Try to choose fillets with a similar thickness and texture, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Lemon, lime, garlic, parsley, dill, thyme, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and citrus-based sauces all pair well with fish. Mild fish is especially useful for showing kids how different herbs, spices, sauces, and toppings can change the flavor of a meal.
Rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, salad, steamed vegetables, roasted vegetables, or fresh fruit can all turn a fish recipe into a complete family meal. Choose simple sides that complement the flavors already used on the fish.
Younger children can work on ingredients that have not touched raw seafood, such as measuring seasonings, mixing sauces, preparing vegetables, or making salsa. Older children who are ready to handle raw fish should have close adult supervision and learn proper hand washing and cleanup.
Leftover cooked fish can be used in fish tacos, sandwiches, wraps, salads, rice bowls, or other simple meals. Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator and use them as part of an easy lunch or dinner.
Get Free Kids Recipe Cards + Cooking Printables
Join Kids Cooking Activities for fun recipes, cooking ideas, and printable resources for kids, families, and classrooms.
Follow Kids Cooking Activities too:
© Debbie Madson, Madson Web Publishing, LLC — All rights reserved.
The material on this site is for educational purposes only.
