Seafood is a rich source of protein, zinc, selenium, iodine, and many other nutrients growing children need. Unfortunately, it’s not always so easy to get kids to try new foods. Many are naturally picky eaters, and anything outside of their favorite meals tends to earn an upturned nose. If you’re trying to introduce healthy seafood options, use the tips below for more success.

How to Encourage Your Kids to Try Seafood

1. Make It Dippable

You’ve likely noticed your kid gets more excited about their food when they can dunk it in a sauce. This doesn’t end with chicken nuggets and fries. Maybe you’ve convinced them to try broccoli or carrots with a ranch dipping sauce. Use the same mindset when it comes to seafood. Show them how you dip shrimp in cocktail sauce or crab meat into butter, and they’re sure to get curious.

2. Fry It

When first introducing your child to a new variety of seafood, give it to them fried. The appearance and texture of fried oysters, catfish, or shrimp are similar to breaded chicken and fish sticks your kids likely already enjoy, which will reduce any anxiety they might have and make them more amenable to at least sampling the food. If they end up liking a particular type, they’ll be more open to trying it in different, healthier forms.

3. Add It to Foods They Already Love

Serving crab or shrimp by itself might be off-putting to picky taste buds. You can get around this by incorporating the new textures and flavors into foods they already love. For instance, if they eat tacos, add some crab in place of beef or chicken. You can also try substituting shrimp in chicken Alfredo. 

To introduce your child to different varieties of seafood at a restaurant, head to Cajun King in Aiea, HI. Their menu includes many fresh dishes, including fried oysters, crab legs with butter, and Cajun fries, good for peaking a child’s interest in seafood. This family restaurant has served area residents in the Waimalu Shopping Center between Shiro’s and Palama Market since 2013. Visit their website to view the rest of their menu options, and call them at (808) 484-2221 with any questions.