Even Picky Eaters Liked These 29 Seafood Recipes

Picky eaters can be brutal judges, but 29 seafood recipes passed the test. That’s not easy when the usual response is crossed arms and suspicious looks. Instead, these dishes got nods of approval. Nothing feels quite as fulfilling as watching the toughest crowd quietly finish every last bite without a single complaint.

Image of cooked air fryer cod fillets seasoned with herbs and garnished with lemon wedges and parsley on a plate.
Crispy Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Conch Fritters

A plate of golden-brown fritters garnished with chopped herbs, served with a dipping sauce and a wedge of lemon.
Conch Fritters. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Kids with strong opinions on food still reach for crispy fritters when snack trays hit the table. Conch Fritters make even seafood skeptics ask for seconds. Friends talk about their crunch. No leftovers remain when parties wrap up.
Get the Recipe: Conch Fritters

Air Fryer Shrimp

A close-up shot of seasoned, air fryer shrimp garnished with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Easy meals grab attention with simple breading on quick bites that even picky eaters enjoy. Air Fryer Shrimp brings a better option to busy weeknights. Plates empty fast with this one. School lunches get more interesting the next day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Grilled Salmon

A close-up of a cooked salmon fillet topped with a mixture of chopped herbs, garlic, and seasonings.
Grilled Salmon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Weeknight dinners change for picky eaters when salmon cooks up tender on the grill. Grilled Salmon gets praise from those who rarely choose fish. Family sets new meal traditions with this one. Clean plates mean it goes into repeat rotation.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon

Best Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole in a white baking dish.
Best Tuna Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort food comes alive at dinner when creamy noodles mix with tuna for a familiar touch. Best Tuna Casserole wins over even those who shy away from seafood. Kids want seconds after their first bite. Long after dinner, the pan is empty.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

Mango Shrimp Salad

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside.
Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Salads get a boost when shrimp shows up with a sweet twist, pleasing even the pickiest at the table. Mango Shrimp Salad finds its way onto lunch menus often. Kids help themselves twice. Requests for this one come in at every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Marry Me Salmon

Grilled salmon fillet topped with a creamy herb sauce, served next to a portion of white rice.
Marry Me Salmon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Family meals feel easier when seafood fits in without complaints from anyone. Marry Me Salmon makes its mark on dinner plans for even tough crowds. Guests keep requesting it on every visit. New meal traditions start with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Salmon

Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

A white plate holds grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Parties gain momentum when skewers show up fresh from the grill loaded with shrimp. Grilled Shrimp Kabobs prove popular with kids who normally skip seafood. Adults sneak extra servings. Not even a crumb is left for cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Crab Rangoon

A bowl of fried wontons served with a side of red dipping sauce and a small dish of chopped green onions.
Crab Rangoon. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Appetizer plates become the main event when golden pockets burst with creamy crab. Crab Rangoon pleases picky eaters at both dinners and parties. No tray lasts for more than five minutes. Friends ask for extras every time.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon

Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice with peas, eggs, and diced vegetables being stirred with a wooden spatula.
Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Home cooks switch it up when fried rice gets upgraded with shrimp and crunch. Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice keeps kids eating their veggies with no fuss. Lunch boxes fill up bright and colorful. Family requests this often for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

Tuna burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a bun, served on a white plate.
Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kids start eating fish with no complaints when sandwiches come out hot and crispy right from the kitchen. Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich turns an ordinary lunch into a fun little event that everyone looks forward to. Even the pickiest eaters tend to forget their usual rules once they take a bite. Adults usually end up asking for a second round just as quickly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

Grilled Lobster Tail

Cooked lobster tail with herbs and seasoning served on a white plate.
Grilled Lobster Tail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Even skeptical eaters usually try a bite when a platter of lobster tails lands on the table. Grilled Lobster Tail often changes opinions during special celebrations at home. Families remember the meal long after the night is over. Plates always seem to clear quickly before dessert even makes an appearance.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lobster Tail

Shrimp Fried Rice

A red plate of shrimp fried rice garnished with chopped green onions, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Shrimp Fried Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick skillet meals often help picky eaters test new flavors while still bringing comfort at dinner time. Shrimp Fried Rice pairs up well with simple side veggies and a mix of sauces. Kids usually grab extra servings without hesitation. It almost never lasts long enough to see the next meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Sushi Bake

A dish of loaded fries inspired by sushi bake, topped with avocado slices, diced cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled with sauce.
Sushi Bake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Game nights improve once sushi hits the oven instead of the takeout counter. Sushi Bake makes seafood fun for groups who like to share big pans at the table. Even picky eaters reach for seconds. The dish gets requests at potluck events.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A plate of creamy spaghetti with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta night shifts up a gear when creamy seafood lands at the center of the meal. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta pleases kids who usually dodge shrimp. Plates get cleared every time. Families make this more than once a month.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Maryland Crab Cake

Close-up of golden-brown Maryland crab cakes garnished with herbs on a white plate, complemented by a fresh parsley garnish.
Maryland Crab Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Comfort food changes up when small cakes filled with crab join family dinners. Maryland Crab Cake wins praise from people who usually skip shellfish. Kids eat without complaint for once. Friends talk about it after every meal.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

Shrimp Tempura Roll

Close-up of sushi rolls with avocado, cucumber, and rice, topped with sesame seeds and a drizzle of spicy mayo on a beige plate.
Shrimp Tempura Roll. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sushi gets a crowd excited even with picky eaters in the mix once crispy shrimp roll onto the plate. Shrimp Tempura Roll leads the lineup at birthdays and school events. Slices disappear as fast as they arrive. Requests for more keep coming in.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll

Thai Drunken Noodles

A colorful dish of shrimp stir-fry with noodles, vegetables, and sesame seeds, garnished with basil leaves and green onions. Chopsticks rest on the dish.
Thai Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Families look forward to new meals when noodles come tossed with seafood on busy nights. Thai Drunken Noodles help picky kids feel braver at dinner time. Next-day lunches become a reason to wake up early. Compliments stack up after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

Rice Paper Rolls

Close-up of sliced spring rolls filled with rice, avocado, purple cabbage, and sesame seeds, arranged on a white plate.
Rice Paper Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Even skeptical eaters want to try translucent rolls packed with crunch and seafood. Rice Paper Rolls work for lunch or dinner with a fresh bite every time. Kids enjoy dipping extras in sauce. Leftovers rarely last past the evening.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Rolls

Shrimp Scampi

Close-up of cooked shrimp seasoned with herbs and black pepper.
Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dinner feels different when shellfish comes out buttery and easy with noodles. Shrimp Scampi makes picky eaters change their minds for good. Seconds go out before anyone asks. Empty plates fill the kitchen sink every time.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Kimchi Stew

Close-up of a wooden spoon in a vibrant kimchi stew with tofu and pork, garnished with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes.
Kimchi Stew. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

New flavors enter the kitchen when seafood joins spicy stew on weeknight menus. Kimchi Stew attracts adventurous kids who usually pass on bold foods. The pot goes empty before the rice has cooled. Adults always ask for leftovers at lunch.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Shrimp Tempura

A bowl of crispy fried shrimp with slices of green onions and jalapeños.
Shrimp Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Family dinner gets more exciting when hot crispy shrimp lands right out of the fryer. Shrimp Tempura finds fans in kids and adults who never order seafood. Everyone wants an extra piece. No plate goes untouched at the table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

Salmon Deviled Eggs

Close-up of Deviled Eggs topped with a red currant and garnished with fried leeks. Fresh red currants are in the background.
Salmon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Classic appetizers turn heads on snack trays when seafood joins the filling. Salmon Deviled Eggs surprise even picky kids with a smooth bite. Friends always beg for the recipe at parties. These go first at every event.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Deviled Eggs

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail with peeled shrimp arranged on the rim of a glass filled with cocktail sauce, garnished with parsley.
Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fancy snacks feel simple at home when chilled shrimp lines up for dipping. Shrimp Cocktail finds quick fans in kids with picky lunch habits. Friends request it when planning holiday meals. The serving bowl never comes back full.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Lobster Roll

A close-up of a sandwich roll filled with chunks of seasoned lobster meat, garnished with chopped chives.
Lobster Roll. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sandwiches change up dinner at home when lobster is packed inside a soft bun. Lobster Roll is a hit for picky eaters during lunch or dinner. Slices disappear even before sides get served. Guests ask for second helpings every time.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Roll

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

A bowl of mixed salad with grilled shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Salads aren’t boring when spicy shrimp gets tossed in with creamy dressing for a quick meal. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing stays on schedules for healthy dinners. Kids love topping theirs with extras. No bite goes wasted or ignored.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Crostini Appetizers

Toasted bread topped with smoked salmon, capers, cheese, walnuts, and herbs on a decorative silver tray.
Crostini Appetizers. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Party trays look better when seafood meets crispy bread for easy finger food. Crostini Appetizers gather curious kids and adults around the table. No slice gets left behind. These arrive at holiday parties more often now.
Get the Recipe: Crostini Appetizers

Tuna Noodle Casserole

A baking dish filled with golden-brown baked tuna noodle casserole, topped with breadcrumbs and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.O

Old favorites get a lift when seafood turns creamy and comforting at dinnertime. Tuna Noodle Casserole is simple enough to please even picky eaters who prefer sticking to basics. Kids usually dig in for seconds without hesitation. Any leftovers rarely last long, often heading straight into lunch boxes the next day.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Blackened Salmon Tacos

Tacos with grilled salmon, purple cabbage, corn, jalapeño slices, cilantro, and drizzled with white sauce on tortillas.
Blackened Salmon Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Taco night brings everyone to the table with seafood that tastes smoky and bold. Blackened Salmon Tacos work for picky eaters who want something new. Crunchy toppings help each bite feel different. Crowd asks for tacos every week.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon Tacos

Crispy Air Fryer Cod

Image of cooked air fryer cod fillets seasoned with herbs and garnished with lemon wedges and parsley on a plate.
Crispy Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fish dinners get easy and crunchy once cod fillets come out golden from the air fryer. Crispy Air Fryer Cod proves that picky eaters will try seafood with no fuss. Even adults add it to their regular rotation. Leftovers fit perfectly in lunch sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Cod

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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