Being Korean, I so want to expose my baby to our cuisine from early on. However, there’s this mammoth of a challenge – making the dishes low-sodium. Honestly, I didn’t realize just how much sodium there is in our go-to condiments, like soy sauce, fermented soybean paste, fish sauce, chili paste, etc. Here’s why you want to be mindful of your baby’s sodium intake and added sugar. It’s just something I never paid attention to…until I became a mom. I scoured the web for baby-friendly Asian recipes and discovered there’s a desperate need for them! Therefore, I took on the challenge that has felt so impossible at times. But after many.many trials, I am proud and excited to share these low-sodium Asian recipes that you can enjoy with your baby and the rest of the family! So many of you have told me how you made these thinking only your baby would eat them but then your husband gave their seal of approval too. Mission accomplished! I can’t wait for you to enjoy these easy to make recipes for babies (and the entire family!)
A round up of low sodium Asian recipes
Beef Vegetable Rice Porridge
Especially great for when your baby is teething or feeling sick. Along with the recipe, learn how to significantly reduce arsenic from rice while preserving its nutrients.
Baby-friendly Korean Bulgogi
You will not believe that there’s not a drop of soy sauce!
Chicken Bulgogi
Instant Pot Korean Chicken and Potatoes
An iconic Korean dish made in the Instant Pot – just as flavorful while saving you a lot of time!
Kid-Friendly Asian Turkey and rice meatballs
Such a delicious way to repurpose leftover rice! And you really can use whatever ground meat you wish. You’ll also learn the secret to baking the most moist meatballs.
Sushi Bake
Think of this as a sushi roll in casserole form with layers of rice, fillings, and seasonings that get baked into perfection! This is such a fun and interactive that your kid(s) will fall in love with.
Jumeokbap or Korean Rice Balls
These Korean rice balls are incredibly easy to make and a fun and tasty way to get the kids to try a mix of foods in one bite. They are highly customizable so hope you have fun coming up with your own family favorite combinations.
Ground Turkey Stir-Fry
Serve with a bowl of rice or noodles, and you’ve got a satisfying, complete meal with minimal prep time. And the leftovers taste even better!
Peanut Butter Chicken
The rich peanut butter sauce perfectly covers the chicken and veggies for a meal that tastes better than takeout!
Healthy Orange Chicken
You can create restaurant-quality Orange Chicken at home for way less than takeout! And it’s absolutely delicious.
Miso Tofu
This recipe is sure to turn you into a tofu lover, if you’re not already!
Asian shrimp tofu cakes
Super easy to make, a great finger food for babies 6 months and up, freezer-friendly, and delicious!
Korean vegetable pancakes
Kid-friendly Japchae
This dish holds a dear place in my heart because my mom seriously makes the BEST japchae eva. Growing up, whenever there was a gathering, everyone asked her to make japchae. Here’s a baby-friendly version that even she approves of!
Healthy Fried Rice with Vegetables
Learn how to make restaurant-quality fried rice with much less sodium.
Healthy sweet and sour meatball stir-fry
Sweet and sour sauce made without ANY added sugar? Yup. It is possible!
Tofu Pad Thai
If making Pad Thai at home seems a bit intimidating, I’m here to help walk you through it. And trust me, it’s easier than you think! I’m using tofu because it’s one of my kids’ favorite protein sources, but feel free to switch it up with chicken or shrimp if you prefer.
Instant pot Korean multigrain rice
Here’s a super fun and delicious way to incorporate variety into an everyday staple! Hello lentils and beans!
Instant Pot Peanut Chicken and Broccoli
Healthy Korean beef and broccoli quinoa
Here’s another scrumptious way to enjoy that bulgogi sauce!
Non-spicy Korean tofu soup
Because the traditional version is too spicy for our babes…
Korean Radish Soup
Another great soup recipe!
Low-sodium moo goo gai pan
This is such a comforting one pot meal!
Orange sesame chicken with vegetables
A beloved Americanized Chinese fast food gets a healthy, baby-friendly makeover!
Low sodium teriyaki sauce
Check out this very unusual addition to a beloved sauce! There’s a cooking demo that I believe you’ll find super helpful!
Teriyaki glazed salmon
Here’s one quick and easy way to enjoy salmon!
Easy Miso Pasta
A handful of simple pantry ingredients and 20 minutes are all you need to whip up this miso pasta!
Asian Salad Dressing
Bibimbap with Beet Sauce
Here’s a super easy, delicious, and versatile no-recipe recipe!
Miso Aubergine
If you are a fan of rich umami with a hint of sweetness, you will love this dish! It’s one of the few ways my kids (and I) will eat this nutritious vegetable!
Helpful resources for starting solids
If you are considering doing baby led weaning, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s what you need to know to get started. Perhaps you’ve started on purees but need help with moving forward with texture! If so, allow me to help you. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more tips as well as videos of my baby enjoying all the recipes you see here on my blog! Or perhaps you’re looking for the ULTIMATE step-by-step guidance:
