Once I developed the homemade low sodium teriyaki sauce/glaze recipe, the first thing that came to mind was “I MUST try it with salmon!” So here we are ;). Easy salmon recipe for babies also happens to be one of the most popular requests that I receive on Instagram so I’m super excited to share this simple recipe with you!
Is salmon healthy for babies?
Absolutely! Salmon is packed with essential nutrients, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which is super important for baby’s brain development. It’s also low in mercury. You can introduce it as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. I recommend looking for wild-caught Alaskan salmon because it contains less toxins, is more flavorful, I recommend looking for wild-caught Alaskan salmon because it contains less toxins, is more flavorful, and is raised sustainably. Canned is also a great choice. Look for ones that are labeled no-salt-added or low-sodium and BPA free.
Ingredients
Salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each). I personally love the wild-caught Alaskan salmon from Costco. The fillets are individually packaged and I can easily pull out however many I need whenever I need to. Low sodium teriyaki sauce
How to cook salmon for babies (and family)
I love to cook over the stove like I did here as it’s SO easy and fast. It’s a great way to get a delicious weeknight meal on the table. While you can pan-fry, what I’ve found is that by covering the pot, salmon gets extra moist and perfectly cooked. Just right for our babies. So if your salmon ends up dry, overcooked or perhaps undercooked, give this method a try! I have a feeling it will become your favorite way to cook salmon! You can also steam or bake in the oven. I’ve found most success baking salmon (skin-side down) at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes. If you want to be absolutely certain, use a thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit. And don’t forget about canned salmon! You should totally try this salmon quiche. You should totally try poaching fish too!
Step-by-step Instructions
Make the baby-friendly teriyaki sauce. I like to do this in advance so I can easily make this dish even on the busiest days. Heat pan or skillet over medium heat. Add oil and pan sear salmon for about 3-4 minutes. Add the teriyaki sauce on top. Cover the pan to steam the salmon. Remove from heat and drizzle more sauce, if desired.
What to serve with this easy teriyaki glazed salmon
An Asian meal is not complete without rice, is it? If you’re looking to add more variety to plain rice, check out this multigrain rice with lentils and beans! I like to add sesame oil (a little goes a long way) and finely chopped green onion and shape into balls to make it easier for babies to eat. Such an easy way to incorporate more flavor! This recipe also begs for some vegetables ;). Broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts, cabbage, zucchini, sweet potatoes, carrots…so good! And if you’re wondering how to cook vegetables for babies so they’re the perfect texture, try steam roasting! Sauteed vegetables are delicious too!
How to serve to babies
Remove all the bones and cook until it’s cooked through and flaky. Offer finger-shaped, 1-2 finger-width pieces of the cooked fish. This will make it easier for baby to grab with their palm. You can also flake the cooked salmon into tiny pieces for younger babies. If you’re doing baby led weaning, these small pieces are hard to pick up for babies who haven’t developed the pincer grasp yet. Therefore, mix into oatmeal, rice, yogurt, mashed vegetables, etc to make it easier for the baby to eat. I believe what you’ll appreciate about this recipe is that you have full control over how much teriyaki sauce to add. You can add as little or as much as you wish, although I wouldn’t go overboard ;). If you’re looking for a large plate like the one you see here with the most powerful suction, I can’t recommend this product enough!!
How to serve to toddlers
You can serve strips or flaked. My toddler for whatever reason prefers to see his salmon in smaller pieces on his plate My toddler for whatever reason prefers to see his salmon in smaller pieces on his plate. Again, you have full control over how much sauce to add. Mine really loves it and always asks to have some on his rice as well. You’ll see that there’s only one broccoli on my son’s plate. That’s because he’s been refusing it. But because I know exposure is everything, I’m not going to stop serving it. Instead, I make it less intimidating for him by serving just one piece. And if he refuses, I don’t pressure him. I calmly tell him “you don’t have to eat it,” while I continue to enjoy my plate full of broccoli. And I try again later. I wanted to share this to encourage you to do the same. Let’s play the long game! Now, if your child freaks out at even the mere sight of whatever food they’re refusing,, then introduce a “no thank you” plate. Even touching and moving the food around counts as exposure. And every single one of them counts!
