Sweet and savory flavors are the way to go when trying to sell your toddler on salmon, but don’t neglect texture: you’ll want both an exterior that crackles and an interior that’s melt-in-your mouth–in other words, you want teriyaki salmon for kids just like you’d get at a grill or Japanese restaurant. While no easy feat without the high heat burners of a restaurant kitchen, with a bit of time and a willingness to utilize multiple cooking methods you can quickly blaze and glaze fish–or chicken–with less difficulty than you might have guessed. Are there a lot of steps? Perhaps more than you might have expected or wanted for a (supposedly) simple teriyaki salmon for kids–but do it once and you’ll never need or want to do it any other way again. The method has never failed us; our child has never failed to eat a full portion of salmon when cooked this way. Red gold, this.
What is the best type of salmon to use for kids? More important than the type of salmon is the cut: look for "center cut" salmon, which will be thicker and more evenly cut--and, hence, more forgiving when cooking.
Can I make teriyaki salmon for kids in the air fryer instead of a pan? Yes. You can air fry the whole filet first to crisp the skin, then follow the cubing and glazing steps. However, the stovetop provides a superior "crackle" on the skin.
Is teriyaki sauce safe for toddlers? Most commercial sauces are fine in moderation, but be mindful of sodium content. You can always use a reduced-sodium version or make a quick honey-and-soy glaze at home to control the ingredients.
My salmon is sticking to the pan. What happened? The most common culprits are a pan that isn't hot enough or a filet that still has surface moisture. Ensure the oil is shimmering and the fish is bone-dry before it hits the heat.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, use a toaster oven or air fryer for 1-2 minutes to maintain the texture; microwaving often makes the fish rubbery.
Can I use frozen salmon? Absolutely. Just ensure it is fully thawed and then dried thoroughly with paper towels before starting the prep steps.
And check out all of our great toddler dinner ideas!
This teriyaki salmon for kids uses a unique double-cook method to achieve a perfect crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth center. It is the ultimate way to serve fish to picky toddlers who love sweet and savory flavors.
We serve over rice, with various accoutrements to add to the bowl: avocado, roasted seaweed strips, cucumbers, etc.
You can use the same approach with another sauce type–say, hoisin or barbecue. To make teriyaki chicken, heat half a pot of water until boiling; place chicken pieces into pot, turn off heat, and cover, letting thighs sit in pot for eight minutes and breasts for ten minutes. Remove from water, dry and cool; cut into small pieces and coat in teriyaki sauce. Heat a pan with just a tiny bit of oil in it to Medium High; when hot, add in chicken pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until outside darkens and crisps, 60-90 seconds.
Servings 4
Serving Size roughly 2 ounces of cooked salmon
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
