While some people consider seafood meals worthy of devouring, others only see a pungent dish of confusing flavors. But with the right cooking methods and a little creativity, it’s easy to convert any nay-sayer into a believer. Here are 20 simple seafood dishes that even picky eaters will love.
1. Seafood Pizza
Seafood pizza is a smooth transition for any picky eater. Topping a well-loved dinner option with seafood like shrimp, scallops, or crab gives nay-sayers the best of both worlds. All that cheese and sauce can help disguise any new flavors, too.
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2. Clam Chowder
Chowder often scares away picky eaters (we think it’s the name), but it’s so much more than a bowl of fish. Clams are combined with potatoes, onions, bacon, and a creamy broth for the ultimate comfort food. Sure, it tastes a little fishy, but it’s part of a perfect medley.
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3. Lobster Mac and Cheese
Everyone loves mac and cheese—even lactose-intolerant people—which is exactly why this dish does wonders for picky eaters. Tossing chunks of lobster into such a familiar dinner helps smooth the transition.
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4. Stuffed Peppers
Picky eaters have a much easier time accepting new food when it’s mixed in something else, especially flavors they know and love. That said, swap out lean beef for tuna with this seafood spin! Tuna is far more inviting when combined with rice, cheese, and seasoning.
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5. Shrimp Scampi
Pasta is a classic, versatile dinner option, and a bed of noodles is an ideal canvas for seafood. Sauté shrimp in a light garlic sauce and serve it over a bed of linguine. The simple combo easily appeals to those wary of seafood.
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6. Baked Cod With Veggies
Herbs transform a dish—whether it’s fish fillets or juicy chicken breasts, a sprinkle of seasoning hides new flavors from picky eaters. Give baked cod a whirl alongside fresh veggies for a healthy, tasty meal anyone can enjoy.
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7. Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
Okay, so maybe that dry rub didn’t quite do the trick. That’s okay because you can always turn to sauce! Brush salmon fillets with a sweet teriyaki glaze, pair them with fresh veggies, and amaze picky eaters.
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8. Shrimp Alfredo
Alfredo sauce is strong enough to disguise new flavors, making this the perfect introductory meal. Lost in a bed of fettuccine and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s easy to mask the taste of shrimp. Don’t forget to shred some parm on top!
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9. Tuna Melt Sandwiches
Nothing beats a good sandwich, even those stuffed with fish. Picky eaters can sink their teeth into this hearty mix of canned tuna, mayo, spices, and melted cheese. With so many other familiar flavors, it’s easier to enjoy.
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10. Popcorn Shrimp
Just about any food’s better when it’s breaded. Popcorn shrimp often come in a seasoned coating perfect for dipping, so picky eaters have every opportunity to hide the flavor! Though, we hope they enjoy it.
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11. Fish and Chips
Fish and chips have the same breaded appeal as popcorn shrimp…with the added bonus of beer batter. Though the combo isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, most picky eaters can indulge in crispy fillets doused with their favorite ale.
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12. Parmesan Crusted Salmon
It’s cheese to the rescue again! This dinner option combines parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs with salmon fillets—it’s a cheesy, crispy meal that makes fish far more approachable.
13. Fish Tacos
Mild white fish often go farther with picky eaters, so use cod or tilapia for this dish. Stuffed between soft tortillas and then slathered in tangy sauce? Even the pickiest of eaters won’t find much to complain about.
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14. Seafood Paella
We know, we know, a seafood medley seems like the last thing picky eaters want. However, tossing shrimp and squid alongside saffron-infused rice makes all the difference. Those rich, savory flavors make this a mouth-watering dish for any hesitant diner.
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15. Fish Sticks and Tartar Sauce
This classic combo won’t be beat, even by picky eaters! Whether breaded or fried, it’s hard to go wrong with strips of white fish. The taste is mild enough and can then be masked further with a tangy tartar sauce.
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16. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Toss it in pasta or eat them plain—however you choose to indulge, garlic butter shrimp is perfect for picky eaters. The mild, butter taste satisfy any tastebuds, even with those who often shy away from seafood.
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17. Crab Cakes
When you think about it, it’s easy to see why crab cakes are so popular. Crab meat blended with breadcrumbs, mayo, and fresh seasoning? What’s not to like? And picky eaters will wind up thinking the same thing.
Photo by Alexandra Tran on Unsplash
18. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
This traditional seafood dish is beloved by many, and it’s one we think picky eaters should indulge in, too. They don’t take long to make and it’s an easy way to convert even the most stubborn nay-sayers.
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19. Salmon Caesar Salad
This appetizer could do with a seafood infusion! Swap out the grilled chicken for grilled salmon instead, letting picky eaters indulge in common flavors while also dipping their toes in the water. It’s also easier to stomach with all that bacon and cheese.
Photo by Shameel mukkath on Pexels
20. Coconut Shrimp
Coconut and shrimp make a beautiful pair—a delicious blend of sweet and crunchy, this simple dinner is a good choice for anyone wary of seafood. Don’t forget the breadcrumbs and fresh seasoning, though.
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