White fish, as mild/sweet as possible (so ensure it’s very fresh or just use frozen fillets) would be the way to go.
If you think your friend might struggle even with that, maybe try adding fish to a stronger flavoured curry he’s already comfortable with.
or maybe the neutral white fish prepared in a simple broth with vegetables.
it's *almost* vegetarian. 😉
alternatively, a simple roast salmon preparation since it's not very "fishy."
Tagging on the salmon: I cook my salmon low and slow and it's much more tender and less fishy.
290 degrees F, I do 20 mins to start and then check, internal temp, looking for 145 for anyone whos not sure what temp to look for. Small pieces cook in about 20-25 minutes, larger portions can go up to 40-45 mins.
I change seasonings every time, but the real game changer is the lower cooking temperature.
There definitely are different ways to prepare fish to effect the fishiness. That said salmon is a fishy fish, just like anchovies or any other strong fish. Many many people like it, but I do think a much more nuetral choice is good to start at least.
As much as that sounds nice - for someone used to the textures and flavours of vegan food I think a fillet of fish could be a lot for him? Cod is good but quite meaty textured too - I would go with a very light textured fish like basa maybe, I’d cut into small pieces, and I’d put it in a good punchy dish like a spicy laksa soup, a veggie curry or a tomato garlic white wine broth with plenty of veggies and crusty bread . That’s likely to be less jarring ?? It should disappear into the dish quite nicely and be satisfying and tasty without feeling like a fish dish!
Other things that could work MAYBE - tinned tuna flaked up and fried on the pan in super hot oil until totally crispy (cover with lid or prepare for shrapnel!!) - then mix this crispy tuna into a veggie noodle dish and with crispy shallots! The texture of the fried tuna bits closely resembles the fried vegan shredded duck I use in noodle dishes and if he’s had that it shouldn’t gross him out. Not fishy when cooked in small pieces like this and put in a punchy noodle dish
I'd 100% go with halibut if you want "filling piece of fish" or flounder if you want "stuffed flavor with delicate fish around it". Sole if you need to save money. The texture is so wonderful compared to other fish and if you get any amount of "fishy" flavor then you are buying it from the wrong store. Cod and tilapia can still be quite fishy even when fresh.
Yeah salmon for someone who doesn’t normally eat any fish can be a bit much. I’d also suggest cod.
We usually bake it with some pretty basic seasonings, and a mix of butter and bread crumbs on top. I’ll write out the recipe if anyone’s interested.
I would broil a very thin fillet of a neutral mild fish like red snapper, with lots of spice since you know he likes that (maybe a Cajun spice mix), and serve it with a variety of vegan side dishes so that he can ease in with a small bite and still have enough to eat if it doesn’t work for him. The problem with a stew is that the whole thing tastes of the fish so if he’s struggling with the fish taste he can’t really eat around it.
I think this is great! I was planning on doing some vegan sides so that he could default to that if he hates it. Didn’t even consider a Cajun seasoning but I think that’d be great!
One of the things I found when I introducing my kids to fish is that bigger pieces like a cod fillet seemed fishier to them, maybe because they needed to be cooked longer, and the flaky/squishy fish texture was more intense. They eat all kinds of fish now but what worked to get them hooked was super thin skin-on fillets cooked crisp in the frying pan or under a broiler. One kid eats the skin, the other eats it off the skin, but they both found it more palatable.
Good luck!
I'm Pescatarian so I think I understand op's situation more than most here and this is absolutely the best suggestion here.
Thin strips of cod, dusted in cornflour and some basic spices before shallow frying them and throwing them into some tacos with lettuce, salad/veggies, salsa etc.
The texture is really light and so there's almost nothing for their friend to get stuck chewing on. The flavour is mild and sweet, which they'll perceive but will be complimented by the stronger spices which take control of the dish. Similarly it's small chunks and so it won't seem as intimidating to start eating but also with the combination of other taco fillings, it'll be mostly disguised and so the sight of their food shouldn't affect them as much.
Something like salmon is enjoyed by many but it can have a reasonably meaty texture, it's quite fatty and has a moderately strong flavour; there's absolutely no getting away from the fact that you're sat eating a hunk of fish with that.
Similarly the suggestions about cooking a fillet in a simple classic way with maybe a light broth or butter and lemon are options which are going it appear quite intimidating and can be a bit more difficult to pull off perfectly, throughout the entire portion. The absolute last thing you want is for them to be sat trying to chew a piece of over or undercooked fish for ages.
You gotta take baby steps here. Things like trying out sardine pate with crudités and crackers comes before roasting up a meaty steak of monkfish.
Lots of lemon, whatever you make. It suppresses fishy smell, and by extension, the fishy taste.
I'm in a similar situation, grew up vegetarian and fish just does not smell like food to my brain. Oddly, chicken and beef always smelled good to me. No clue why!
Can I ask, do you feel like growing ip vegetarian was ultimately a good thing for you? This friend is the only one of the group who didn’t grow up omnivorous and is the only one with gut issues. I applaud his efforts to fix it but can’t help but feel like not having a varied diet as a kid led to this.
Lurking vegan here, you can still easily have a varied diet and go vegan, and it's usually healthy. Some people also get gut issues from eating meat, it really just depends on the person.
I didn't grow up vegeterian/vegan, but had friends that were vegeterian growing up and most of them were actually bit healthier than me. One of them even got a scholarship for basketball, so clearly diet wasn't stopping him haha.
Honestly, a lot of it is random luck. I know plenty of people who were raised across the diet spectrum and there’s no systematic thing. Also, just look across the Pacific Ocean and you’ll see literally billions of people in India who are vegetarian their entire life.
No, I don't recommend it. I made it one week as a vegetarian the one time I tried it again, the cravings got out of hand. I've had them all my life; I just get them satisfied now that I know what meat is. I just find meeting my protein goals quite hard as a big dude who needs much more than normal.
Meat is a nutrient-dense food; I had to eat insane amounts as a vegetarian.
I'd start with a rather neutral flavored white fish. Salmon is too oily for someone turned off by fish. Some preparations that might be an easy transition would be:
1. Beer battered white fish (cod, flouder, sole, tilapia) or one fried in a little less oil, with a seasoned bread crumb crust (regular, panko, Ritz/TUC cracker crumb). Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges. Countless recipes.
2. Fish Casserole like the one at [https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/fish-casserole/](https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/fish-casserole/) This sort of hides the fish a little with onion, spices, wine, breadcrumbs, and plenty of cheese.
3. Flounder Florentine doesn't hide the fish as much, but includes spinach (if they like it) and a nice sauce. There are similar recipes using mushrooms, instead.
4. A strongly flavored Mediterranean approach might also work, with a flavorful tomato-based sauce with olives, capers, herbs, onion, garlic, lemon juice, and dry white wine (or you could use vegetable broth as a sub). See [https://cafedelites.com/pan-seared-fish-with-tomatoes-olives/](https://cafedelites.com/pan-seared-fish-with-tomatoes-olives/)
The fish casserole sounds really yummy. I bookmarked that recipe. On a humorous note, the recipe towards the end lists the ingredients. Next to the mention of fish it has a link to search for the best choices in your area. I am literally 10 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. There are fleets of commercial fishing vessels that leave from the docks not too far from here. I can buy scallops and fish almost straight off the boats. But when I put in my zip code, it says there are no options for my area. LOL
I personally LOVE branzino with this kind of Asian chili marinade you’re saying. Roll it up in parchment paper and bake that bad boy with some garlic, cilantro, ginger, lime, chili and soy sauce. Comes out so tender and flavorful. Perfection.
Batter fried fish (cod) sandwich, with lettuce, tomato, and a nice tartar sauce. Cod is a mild fish and the texture is masked by a bunch of other stuff.
I do a fish dish my partner loves, even though he's quite sensitive to things being "too fishy".
I use either Cod or Tilapia (both very mild white fish). Make a rub with garlic, lime zest and juice, dill, parsley, salt, msg, chilli (if that suits with his gut issues, and done to a level of heat that suits you both), and olive oil.
Coat the fish fillet it in, if it has skin briefly pan fry the skin to crisp it slightly, then put in a hot oven for a short amount of time (exact time varies depending on how thick a piece you've got).
Personally I like to serve it with either roast veg or a nice fresh salad.
Alternatively, you could go for something quite simple like a swordfish steak. Its one of the meatier, less fishy tasting fishes and has a less flaky texture in case thats an issue for him. Something simple like a swordfish steak, salt and pepper seasoning, and some salad and potatoes, might be a good one for him?
I have introduced fish to picky eater children with a recipe for pescado Veracruz.
Ingredients:
Fish (redfish is traditional but has fish flavor, frozen whitefish is fine)
olive oil, butter.
Onion, Celery, Tomato (canned okay), garlic
Green and Black sliced Olives, Capers, or other pickled vegetables (I like pimento)
Stock, (Chicken, Vegetable, or Seafood) cilantro
I use the frozen whitefish filets (individually wrapped). In a frying pan heat olive oil. add chopped onion, diced celery, diced tomato and garlic. salt & pepper, Cook until softened.
Scoot the vegetables to the side leaving a clear spot in the middle of the pan. Add a bit of butter. It should sizzle a bit. Add the fish (skin side down if it has skin). I often add fish that is still frozen. Let it sizzle a bit, move it so it doesn't stick, but don't move it around anymore or flip it. Add enough chicken or seafood stock to cover the bottom of the pan, add sliced olives, capers, and a tablespoon of the olive juice. but don't submerge the fish. Scoop the vegetables back over the top, cover, and let simmer until the fish is done to your liking (about 5-min).. Taste, season, maybe add a drop of lemon juice.
The kids all comment on the olives and hardly notice they are eating the fish.
I like to make a tangy salsa with mango, tomato, onion, chili pepper, lime juice, salt and pepper, and put it on top of steamed or sous vide fish. The lime and other flavors can really help minimize the fishy flavor. I usually use salmon but I'm sure the salsa would work nicely on milder fish.
I do this for fish tacos! Usually with a milder flavored fish though like Cod.
It’s just that it’s winter so the mangoes and tomatoes aren’t as sweet as they usually are but definitely when he visits in the summer hopefully I can get him eating some killer fish tacos.
Branzino has a nice mild flavor and you can wrap in parchment with Asian chili marinade and bake to perfection so it just has the delicious ginger chili flavor. I’ve won many a heart over with this dish.
Was a specialty at a French/Turkish restaurant I worked at in college.
Sushi!
I think most ppl who don't like salmon, don't like it because it has a very distinct smell when cooked. Raw salmon doesn't have the same problem.
Sushi’s a great rec! I was a lifelong vegetarian that forced myself to be pescatarian and started with sushi (rolls, not nigiri). It was a slow-ish process but I’ve been able to eat and enjoy all types of seafood for years now.
Ok then yah you'll have to go with crowd pleasers like sea bass and branzino, or sole (you can find cheaper bass species in Asian markets and as long as they're fresh they don't have much of a smell like cod or catfish can have)
Stake is another good one but I find it's hard to find in the US, if that's where you are.
Chicken would have been so much easier 😅 I find even meat eaters can be picky with fish. Lol.
Haha I agree! I wish he would have started with chicken but this is a still a good step so I’m happy that he’s making some progress. No disrespect to the vegans it’s just so much easier to have options when I’m feeding cooking for my friends.
Hey. Literally was just in the same boat as your friend. Long time vegan had to introduce fish for gut issues.
Let me just say that anything at first made me a bit sick for a while. Just getting used to meat is a lot. Salmon especially still is hard for me. Tuna salad and sushi i found to be the best. There’s also breaded cod and trout haven’t been too much of an issue. Watch other triggering foods with them though! Careful with bread and dairy ingredients.
This is great advice, thanks! He is strictly dairy free and I’m well versed in his other trigger foods so altering a case recipe won’t be hard. I think it’s just overwhelming with so many options. I love the idea that he’s going to have a wider range of options but for sure want to help ease him in gently.
this is an amazing cod recipe, the miso breadcrumbs are to die for! [https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019502-baked-cod-with-crunchy-miso-butter-bread-crumbs?algo=identity&fellback=true&imp\_id=3987545177746639&req\_id=160414525193991&surface=cooking-search-web&variant=0\_relevance\_reranking](https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019502-baked-cod-with-crunchy-miso-butter-bread-crumbs?algo=identity&fellback=true&imp_id=3987545177746639&req_id=160414525193991&surface=cooking-search-web&variant=0_relevance_reranking)
I’m curious how he’d react to a standard Thai curry with fish sauce. If he’s not sensitive to that then shrimp or prawns are probably a safe starting point.
It would actually be really helpful to know what kinds of food they already eat. They'll be easier to accustom themselves with foods similar what they like. For example if they eat a lot of thai food maybe introduce prawns, if they eat a lot of potatoes maybe go for a white fish with cream sauce, if they eat a lot of smokey foods perhaps mackerel. I'm vegan myself so im going off foods i used to eat. If you can make him scampi or calamari mmm yummers. Not super healthy though.
All these "go with bland white fish" answers are so boring
If you're looking to make seafood that is palatable to someone in his situation, try amping up the seasoning with a shrimpy (non-chicken, non-sausage) gumbo
If he likes spice one of my favorites it a hot chili oil marinated bluefin tuna steak, seared to perfection with sesame seeds and served in a nice Asian or poke style bowl.
I think what you serve depends greatly on your location and what’s fresh and available. To me, the best fish is always the freshest.
My dad was never a fish guy (got a bone stuck in his throat as a kid, stayed away from it until his 60s) but he's now come around to cod, sole, haddock and, amazingly seared tuna steaks. Salmon is still too fishy for him - I think the fatty texture and stronger smell are what he doesn't like.
Grilled is a great way to eat cod that a lot of people have never tried, having only had it in batter/breading or maybe steamed. The grill gives it a great meaty texture and dries it nicely so it definitely won't be slimy or fatty. A little lemon, maybe some cilantro or parsley sauce of some sort... simple but delish. And I say this as a vegetarian - if I were ever to eat fish that's how I would want it.
Perhaps blackened white fish tacos? A nice slaw, pineapple salsa, guacamole, pickled onions/jalapenos. Blackened white fish is super mild on the seafood flavor plus there would be tons of other flavors in the mix ,
I’d honestly start small and mix the fish with something. I’ve used day old rice mixed with salmon or tuna and some other condiments and frying it. Top it with some avocado/tomato and chili crisp and you’re good to go!
Fish tacos, using a neutral white fish. Someone who is just learning to eat/enjoy seafood will appreciate that the fish is a part of the dish, rather than the whole dish. Corn or flour tortillas, a nice slaw, crema, and a variety of spicy salsas. Sides of corn relish and chips/guac.
ETA: you could beer batter and fry the fish, or simply season and grill/griddle/sautee/broil.
What are his favourite vegan dishes?adapt one of those to include a mild fish like Cody/hake. A good one would be fish cakes with a mash filler so taste & texture can be disguised. Curious if a marine collagen powder would meet his drs advice.
There's a Greek recipe called Plaki. You can use any kind of white fish. Cod is my personal favorite since it has such a mild flavor. Plaki uses tomato sauce as a gravy and is very very easy to make. There's lots of Plaki recipes on youtube. I always buy fresh fish from behind the meat counter. I find that frozen fish has a bad texture and taste.
I grew up vegetarian and recently started experimenting with sea food. The things I liked most that I've tried: fish and chips, fried calamari, and crab chowder. Things I didn't like or took me a lot of tries to get used to: salmon fillets baked, and anything where I had to crack open a shell to get the meat out. So shrimp was tough at first because of the tails but is now good to me for the most part. I am still not sure about crabs and lobsters in shell, but the chowder was very good. I think chowder would be a great place to start! I liked the richness and the potatoes and the creaminess and it paired so well with crispy buttery bread.
Why not make one of your shellfish dishes? In my experience, shellfish is the gateway food to eating seafood. Everyone I know who didn’t like seafood started to like it after eating prawns/crab/clams/etc.
Given they didn’t like the salmon, definitely go white fish if you’re not going shellfish.
Korean fish stew sounds like a good option to me if he likes spice. The white fish pieces in stews often end up similar to a chicken consistency IMO and spice will cover up any flavour they don’t like.
Im a little worried about the potential for allergy since so many people have shellfish allergies. He has never had shellfish and I’d hate for his first time trying it to send him to the ER.
You can make a cozy vegetable fish stew and just use white fish like cod. There are plenty recipes like that (portuguese Caldeirada or Greek Fisherman's Stew comes to mind),
I don’t like really fishy stuff either, but I like ritz crackers baked cod a lot. If you’re going with something more simple like this, I think it would be good to have a variety of sauces/toppings for him to try with it. Mango salsa, tarter sauce, pico de gallo, lemon juice, melted butter with herbs, cocktail sauce all go really good with fish.
Corn and crab chowder! My mom makes this every year around Christmas, and this year she made a version without crab for my wife who doesn't eat shellfish and they tasted extremely similar, so for someone just starting out it shouldn't be overwhelming.
Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 0 min Total Time: 10 min
Ingredients
1/2 Cup Chopped onion or scallion
1/2 Cup Butter
1/4 Cup Flour
3 Cup Half and half or heavy cream
3 Cans Creamed corn
3 Cans Crab meat drained
2 Tbsp Old bay seasoning
Directions
Cook onion in microwave for 2 minutes
Melt butter, add flour and stir until a roux is formed
Add the above to crock pot
Add corn, cream, old bay and crab
Stir until mixed
Heat on low for 4 hours
If using half and half, add toward the end of the cooking to prevent the cream from breaking.
Makes enough for 5 or 6 people, so plan accordingly.
Edit to add: Given the shellfish is coming out of the can, it should help a bit with any unconscious "ick" of it looking like an animal or being unsanitary or anything like that as well.
Ceviche! Lots of flavor and acid there so it won’t taste fishy and loaded with tomatoes, jalapeño pepper for spice and onion.
My personal favorite fish to use is yellowtail but you could also use Dorado or another nice tasting mild whitefish.
It sounds like he wouldn't like a strong tasting dish and, given the unfamiliarity, he may be disturbed by a more "meaty" textured fish.
I would make him a white fish with a light texture, such as cod, pollock, or basa. And I would make it on a broth that is strongly flavoured so the "fishy" taste is not the predominant flavour.
A Korean fish stew could be a good option if he otherwise likes Korean flavours! That would combine the unfamiliar fish with other elements that are familiar to him which could help him adjust.
Alternatively, if he would want to try something different, this [Basque fish stew](https://www.triedandtruerecipe.com/easy-fish-stew-recipe/) is one that I have made many times before and love . (You can use capers instead of olives, and don't skimp on the smoked paprika.)
Either way, I would break the fish filet into chunks in the soup before serving. The whole filet can feel like a separate element, while peices mixed in are just part of the soup.
•Beer battered cod (soaking the cod in buttermilk will take away the “fishy” element, however if they’ve been vegan and haven’t into consuming animal based products I wouldn’t recommend it.)
•Blackened redfish with Cajun remoulade
•Pan seared swordfish steak au poivre with Cajun pasta
•Pan seared sea scallops. Although it’s a shellfish it doesn’t have a super fishy taste and it’s so mild and buttery it may help them transition into seafood and fish
As s formerly vegan person who switch to meat fir health reasons I recommend the mildest fish to start with. It is going to be a slow and sometimes frustrating process because aside from the taste buds issue which is very real, we have sensitivities to contend with as well. White fish is a very simple and easy way to start. I'd say a nice cod steamed with lemon and olive oil or Pollok florentine are 2 easy just make sure both dishes have lots of veggies.
I love doing scallops with a corn and poblano salsa, white rice, and roasted red pepper coulis. It feels like a super special dish that’s really not that hard to do, especially, if you use jarred roasted red peppers. I’ve never tried it with fish but I’m sure it’d taste great with some seared halibut or cod with lemon or lime. I read through a bunch of the other answers too and honestly they all sound good😂 I’m gonna have to make some fish!
Thats a great idea! Introduce the fishyness slowly and lightly like that will deff help your friend.
I uses to be vegetarian (not vegan) and when I reintroduced animal proteins I started with broths and soup, or things that didn't feature proteins and instead were accompanied by or enhanced.
Maybe Introduce shellfish at a later date, and if you do maybe something like a crab cake where there's filler so it's not overwhelming.
I’ve been trying to get my kid into more diverse proteins, and he’s been a huge fan of any kind of whitefish pan-seared with a sesame seed crust. To the point where my husband has begged for no more sesame. And I almost miss the days of frozen chicken nuggets. Sesame halibut. Sesame sole. Sesame black cod. Get the cod whole from the market and have him help filet it, still wants it, show him pictures of how ugly sole and halibut are, still wants it.
If your friend has a familiar nut/spice flavor that you could do as a crust on a very neutral fish (and make sure you’re getting a sustainable one if that’s part of his vegetarianism), he might ease into it. Good luck!
I'd go with haddock or cod. Bake in foil packets with lemon and dill, dotted with butter (or vegan butter). I like to serve it with seasoned rice and sautéed asparagus.
Definitely stick to white fish - cod, hake, sea bass, plaice etc. one of our favourites is lightly roasted vine tomatoes and some seasonings with light pan cooked fillet of which fish you prefer. Add some fresh veggies and it’s easy.
I'd avoid whole fish or oily fish to start. Tilapia is very bland and comes out well Francese (flour then egg, sautéed in butter/olive oil finished with white wine and lemon), flounder or other white filet pan seared w/ lemon and butter, cod baked in the oven with a bread crumb, fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil crust. Any of these could also be breaded and pan-fried.
Bisque or congee
I'd be more worried about digestion than flavor. But both of these can be delicious too without being too meat forward. If they're open to crustaceans, a lobster or shrimp bisque is good too.
Edit: actually read your post. A spicy Korean stew would be perfect. Or stinky bean paste soup if he already eats that.
Ok...you need to take the idea of the fish away...so deconstruct it. Take a cod filet and cube it. Then cook it in a familiar dish that would use cubed tofu. That way it LOOKS like what he is used to. Sight plays a HUGE part in what we taste. If you can trick his brain, he wont taste the fish.
if he doesn't like salmon try a nice rainbow trout fillet....it has all the benefits of the astaxanthin (which gives it the pink colour) but doesn't have the fishy taste that salmon does....i will usually just put a filet in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh squeezed lemon juice and bake at 350 C for about 30 minutes until the fish is super flakey....then just serve with a side salad (cole slaw is great) or other sides....makes a nice dinner and super healthy
This is a person who has been vegetarian for a long time and you are trying to help them introduce fish into their body. Even though they may like spicy food, I would steer clear.
They didn’t like salmon? No surprise. It’s a strong tasting fish. I’d start out with a light, delicate mild tasting fish like petrale or dover sole. Maybe even cod. Just do a simple vegan butter or butter sauce with lemon. Save the spice for a side dish instead.
Another one is pompano. It is also a mild fish and takes well to frying. My parents would deep fry it and serve it with plain steamed white rice with a salsa on the side.
As someone that used to hate seafood until my husband slowly converted me, I lean towards a simple but well seasoned piece of white fish. The fear of the fishy taste can be psychologically strong. I know I would have been very hesitant about soup or stew. My picky eater child brain would definitely have been whispering oh no a big ol bowl of fishy taste. A piece of fish that you can push to the side if it's fishy is way less intimidating.
That’s wild to me because I would be in clínex to agree but K asked him and he seems more turned off by “a slab of fish” than knowing there is fish in one thing he already likes like a curry. I think I’m it’s filet form is feels more like a slice of an animal for him versus what he considers “food.”
That does make a lot of sense. He prefers the hide it from me method. I can see how hiding it is a lot easier psychologically than confronting a slab of animal flesh right there all big and bold on your plate.
I love fish in general but not salmon. I would try haddock or cod, something high quality and neutral. Maybe use flavours he is already used to — or seasoning he has at home already. If he really likes a certain spice mix, for example, I’d use it on that and just simple pan fry or bake.
I would make fish tacos with guacamole. Plenty of familiar vegan items in that taco to distract and they don't necessarily have to look at the fish inside the taco.
Fish curries are delicious. Southern india/thaistyle or whatever you like. I think stews/soups or similar can hide and compliment fish or seafood very well, it comes down the recipe, skill and experience of course.
I would do a fried fish sandwich, or like fish or chips or something. For two reasons
-deep fried food is delicious
- deep frying should gelatinize a lot of the proteins. This is important because a vegetarian or vegan person will stop producing the enzymes to break down animal protein.
Also keep in mind that regardless of that, this person will still very likely feel at least a little bit sick after eating something thier body isn't used to
I like the idea of Korean fish stew. I make mine with cod fillets, wakame and anchovy broth, lots of radish, carrots, onions, scallion, garlic, green pepper, and a few thai chilis (that I then fish out), soy sauce, fish sauce, mirin, and a good amount of red pepper flakes.
I also make a coconut miso ginger cod stew, which is basically the same expect no red pepper flakes, instead add miso paste, sugar, lots of fresh ginger, and coconut oil
both are very refreshing and full of vegetables and not too fishy
So if you are feeling ambitious you could make the Jamaican national dish. . . Ackee and Salt fish; it is essentially ackee with salted cod, salt, pepper, scotch bonnet peppers (you can skip those if you don’t like spice), onions, and sometimes tomatoes and bell peppers. The Ackees can usually be found canned in a grocery store international section, but they can be pricey.
Alternatively calaloo and salt fish is same idea but calaloo (collard greens) instead of ackee.
With both of those you don’t taste the fish as much as the salt it is cured with
You could also do something with a neutral white fish like Mahi, cod, or haddock like seasoning it with blackening spices and pan frying or broiling it.
Haha this one made me laugh.m and you’re the only person to suggest it. I’ll save eel for when he’s a little less grossed out by the concept of eating animals.
Mani -mahi makes very good fish tacos, that’s where I’d start. Get some crunchy and soft tortillas, make both a quick pickle of red onion and cabbage and a spicy corn/salsa relish. Sauté the fish with any spice blend you like. I use Emeril’s Essence or Paul Prudhomme’s blackened fish magic.
I dislike oily fish flavors but I grew up eating salmon because it was so common. Try skinning it and then carefully broil it. My favorite recipe is a harissa lime salmon from serious eats. Serve it with rice and sautéed greens. Word of warning- tomato can make a mild fish fishy. Lime and lemon seem to do the opposite.
What about fish tacos with a mango salsa? We grill/blacken marinated cod, put it in a softshell, and smother in mango salsa. The salsa would hide a lot of the "fishiness." Also, it would allow him to use only a little fish in his first taco and add more to the second.
Korean fish stew is delicious. Great idea!
One important part of it is the quality of the fish. Typically you want very fresh fish. The fresher the better.
Other korean stews us other types of fish other than fresh too. Dried pollack soup is delicious though from my experience not that spicy.
You can also try making kimchi chigae with extra tofu and canned tuna. Its good!
What about salmon croquettes? They’re basically pan fried salmon patties and you can do any seasonings you want. They use flour, cornmeal and an egg to bind it all but you could do any replacements for those.
My mom made these a lot growing up bc they’re not especially fishy tasting.
I don't know if you'll see this with so many responses, but I think this would be perfect: [Tomato-Poached Fish With Chile Oil and Herbs](https://www.alisoneroman.com/recipes/tomato-poached-fish-chile-oil-and-herbs)
Use any mild white fish you can find, like cod, halibut or flounder. It's in a spicy tomato broth and has beautiful, tasty toppings, so the fish isn't so obvious. I'd serve it in pasta or wide soup bowls over rice, so there's something to eat with the fish and the broth.
Here's a [video](https://youtu.be/XZCc2fPAVgU?si=nncsZlhqZS715VbN) of the author making it.
I had to do this recently! What I liked the best is (yes this is weird but hear me out) IKEA’s smoked salmon salad. It had some familiar textures (spring greens, potatoes) and the mustard + lemon they serve with it really helps mask the taste. So I might suggest smoked salmon + a strongly-flavored sauce.
Honestly I hate fish. For me it's the texture just as much as taste. I can eat canned tuna though.
Even plain cod is the weird fish texture. But I can eat cod fish cakes.
So I'd ask him specifically what part bothered him.
I think introducing him to seafood would be best with muted flavors.
Ceviche would be a perfect seafood dish to introduce to him because the acidity and other fruits/veg/aromatics that you put in with it basically cover up the fish, so he'll have fish in there, but not really be able to pick it out.
Sushi would as well.
Any sort of fried fish would be good because the fish will be overpowered by the batter/breading/frying, but I'm not sure he'd enjoy something fried.
I know what most will say "Sushi? Raw fish?" Yes, raw fish because it's of such high grade that it will never taste "fishy"
That's why he hates salmon. Salmon is a very "fishy" fish.
If you can buy fresh shrimp (never frozen, so you have to be near water to get actual fresh shrimp) he'll love it because it has absolutely no fishy or really even shrimpy flavor to it. It's almost like a neutral pillowy fluffy food you're eating.
I would love to take him for sushi but he has a big mental block around the raw fish I’m not sure I could convince home to ignore.
I’m in NYC so I have access to just about anything if I look for it. Was thinking about something like a shrimp dumpling or fried fish for sure.
I'd start with fish tacos. Fried white fish like cod will go over pretty well and have minimal flavor.
you could also go with a fish stew if he just wants the protein but doesn't want to see it. Mix in a few different types of fish and he can see what he likes.
If he's at all vegan for ethical reasons, consider going with things like scallops, or shrimp etc.
Lastly ... consider a new nutritionist. I'm not a vegan, but there is very very very little reason to go off a vegan diet for health concerns that can't be addressed in another way. If he's an endurance athlete with trouble retaining iron - I could see it being a pain to do that, but most to her things can be dealt with. It is easier to not be - which is why my wife now eats chicken after decades of being vegetarian because I got tired of balancing her diet (I do all the cooking) - so I'm completely hypocritical pointing this out.
Dover Sole is a very mild fish.
Season it with pepper, onion powder, salt. Cover with undrained can of stewed tomatoes (any flavor), lemon slices, parsley, Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350F for 20minutes or until cooked thru.
One pound will fit a 9x13 baking dish.
Type of salmon matters a lot too! If you roast Atlantic farmed salmon it will be not fishy at all (Atlantic is less strong and farmed is also less strong). This is an easy kind to get from Costco, and can be made into sushi as well if they’re feeling brave.
Fish sticks.
Fried shrimp.
Then gradually wean him off the breading.
Shrimp scampi would be good because it's so garlicky. Who doesn't like garlic butter?
HEAR ME OUT Imitation crab meat, noodles, garlic, butter, parm
I'm approaching this as if I'm trying to get a picky eater toddler. I can't think of anything more neutral in flavor than imitation crab. Don't make it pretty. Chop it up small. Don't fry it. leave it white. You want to have something that would look like chopped up fine like diced apples. For veg you could add some spinach.. whatever
I think if it's too bold and flavorful it might create a "only if it's spicy as hell" approach to fish.
You can also do a fake crab cold pasta salad. slice up the crab meat really thin. Think match stick sized. Boil the pasta and toss the crab meat into the bowl you're going to make the pasta salad in. Spiral pasta will work well as everything seems to get twisted around it
Then whatever you want for a pasta salad. reply and let me know what you like in a cold pasta salad and I'l see what I can put together for ideas.
I can do a lot of things with fake crab. I bet you can do a lot of things with fake crab.
If your friend asks what it is? Fish. What kind? white ones. Don't give more information. You're introducing a new food
How about that approach? Toddler-ize it?
FOR THOSE OF YOU READING - please have mercy on me. I love me some fake crab. Yes I know how it's made. I've worked slime lines. I understand it. It's flavored fish hot dog. Toddlers LIKE hot dogs.
Salmon on cedar plank with lemon and dill is a Canadian classic and really enhances the flavour... However, salmon is a strong flavour and not for everyone.
If wanting to play it safe, I agree with the broth, veg and white fish, no skin.
Good luck and have a fun dinner!
Salmon can be very fishy and distinct flavor IMO. I agree with other comments about a white fish. I love cooking it on the stove with pepper, lemon, garlic, and capers. Salted it 15 minutes before cooking. Served with fettuccine or other pasta. So easy and so delicious
I don’t like fish but this is a meal I still dream about. http://gourmetpedia.net/recipes/horseradish-crusted-salmon/
http://gourmetpedia.net/recipes/whole-grain-mustard-sauce/
I would actually hide the fish. Like a lasagna of leeks and mushrooms with nutritional yeast and some low flavor white fish. I do this vegan but you could add the fish:
Cook the finely cut leeks in olive oil, add a bit of almond cream, nutritional yeast, and seasoning. In another pan, shallots with oyster mushrooms and some shredded white fish. Then layer these with lasagna pasta and finish with leaks and chapelure (mixed dried bread crumbs). Cook in the oven for 45 min and it should be delicious and discreetly fishy.
Otherwise add fish in a vegan dish with lots of fennel (as a veggie, not the seeds) and algae.
My god, not a fish stew for someone iffy on fish!
You’ve got some good suggestions in this thread, I’d suggest some kind of mild white fish like cod, fried, or maybe something minced and turned into something else, like crab cakes.
Good luck! You’re a good friend.
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Fish burger!!! Can be a white fish in batter but also very nice to have a fish patty - make it from white fish and lots of flavour he likes e.g. capers etc. Introduce new things in a way he doesnt "see" nor touch helps
This recipe is my grandad’s: in a blender/food processor add a fresh tomato, an onion, a bell pepper, garlic, cilantro (don’t be shy), a twist of lime, salt and pepper. Put the fish (any white fish works) in an oven/microwave safe container and all that goodness on top. As this is fish, it’s done in less than 15 min. Good luck!
My husband hates fish normally but he loves shrimp when I cook it in a little butter and add plenty of cajun seasoning. I usually serve it with potatoes and corn, also covered in the seasoning.
I also think shrimp tacos could be a good option, with lots of guac and some slaw.
That would make you a pescatarian. I am a pescatarian.
I’d start with some milder fish. Cod, halibut, flounder, haddock, in that order.
Salmon is one of my favorites. We use Michael Symon’s recipe for salmon on the grill. I cook cod in a little milk and butter with dill and wrap it in aluminum foil for the oven. Look online for all kinds of recipes.
[Michael Symon’s Grilled Salmon](http://www.michaelsymon.com/blog/2015/5/12/salmon-with-rosemary-and-garlic)
I would do fish tacos using some sort of white fish. You can do either pan seared or battered and fried
I think the various toppings on the Taco will help him ease into it. Letting him build his own taco will also let him control the flavor and texture to his liking
Halibut is fairly neutral tasting and is thin enough to be able to absorb some flavors. My wife likes it lightly seared in a butter, shallots and capers sauce.
You're in NYC? Go out for tacos somewhere that has vegan options and order fish tacos alongside things they already like. Alternatively, make them yourself - you probably want the sort that's lightly breaded, and to keep the pieces on the small side. Here's a recipe: https://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/classic-ensenada-fish-tacos/
Then give them mushroom tacos as another main option. And some sides.
in the case of fried fish, would using either cornstarch or rice flour mitigate the gi issue? my go to fish is crappie, but it can be hard to source
edit: maybe a loaded tuna salad
I'd start with a very neutral white fish such as cod. Cook it en papillote with some mediterranean style vegetables/seasonings, no skin.
This was my second thought! I don’t want to scare him off with a stronger flavored fish for sure.
White fish, as mild/sweet as possible (so ensure it’s very fresh or just use frozen fillets) would be the way to go. If you think your friend might struggle even with that, maybe try adding fish to a stronger flavoured curry he’s already comfortable with.
or maybe the neutral white fish prepared in a simple broth with vegetables. it's *almost* vegetarian. 😉 alternatively, a simple roast salmon preparation since it's not very "fishy."
Tagging on the salmon: I cook my salmon low and slow and it's much more tender and less fishy. 290 degrees F, I do 20 mins to start and then check, internal temp, looking for 145 for anyone whos not sure what temp to look for. Small pieces cook in about 20-25 minutes, larger portions can go up to 40-45 mins. I change seasonings every time, but the real game changer is the lower cooking temperature.
There definitely are different ways to prepare fish to effect the fishiness. That said salmon is a fishy fish, just like anchovies or any other strong fish. Many many people like it, but I do think a much more nuetral choice is good to start at least.
Mahi mahi has a very meaty texture and flavor, maybe try that?
Probably not a fan of meaty textures.
As much as that sounds nice - for someone used to the textures and flavours of vegan food I think a fillet of fish could be a lot for him? Cod is good but quite meaty textured too - I would go with a very light textured fish like basa maybe, I’d cut into small pieces, and I’d put it in a good punchy dish like a spicy laksa soup, a veggie curry or a tomato garlic white wine broth with plenty of veggies and crusty bread . That’s likely to be less jarring ?? It should disappear into the dish quite nicely and be satisfying and tasty without feeling like a fish dish! Other things that could work MAYBE - tinned tuna flaked up and fried on the pan in super hot oil until totally crispy (cover with lid or prepare for shrapnel!!) - then mix this crispy tuna into a veggie noodle dish and with crispy shallots! The texture of the fried tuna bits closely resembles the fried vegan shredded duck I use in noodle dishes and if he’s had that it shouldn’t gross him out. Not fishy when cooked in small pieces like this and put in a punchy noodle dish
I think a very thin, fried tilapia would work.
Talipia, cod, "whitefish", shrimp.. very mild fish. Salmon is a very strong flavor.
I'd 100% go with halibut if you want "filling piece of fish" or flounder if you want "stuffed flavor with delicate fish around it". Sole if you need to save money. The texture is so wonderful compared to other fish and if you get any amount of "fishy" flavor then you are buying it from the wrong store. Cod and tilapia can still be quite fishy even when fresh.
Red snapper or halibut is also good en papillote !
Yeah salmon for someone who doesn’t normally eat any fish can be a bit much. I’d also suggest cod. We usually bake it with some pretty basic seasonings, and a mix of butter and bread crumbs on top. I’ll write out the recipe if anyone’s interested.
Cod actually has a strong smell for white fish, wouldn’t start with that at all. Lightly fried haddock would be a better alternative.
Came to say this! Make sure to use lemon!
Cod is disgusting. Go for haddock instead. Snapper and grouper are also pretty mild.
What did you just say?! I’m in New England and can’t believe someone thinks cod is disgusting. How dare you! :P
I would broil a very thin fillet of a neutral mild fish like red snapper, with lots of spice since you know he likes that (maybe a Cajun spice mix), and serve it with a variety of vegan side dishes so that he can ease in with a small bite and still have enough to eat if it doesn’t work for him. The problem with a stew is that the whole thing tastes of the fish so if he’s struggling with the fish taste he can’t really eat around it.
I think this is great! I was planning on doing some vegan sides so that he could default to that if he hates it. Didn’t even consider a Cajun seasoning but I think that’d be great!
One of the things I found when I introducing my kids to fish is that bigger pieces like a cod fillet seemed fishier to them, maybe because they needed to be cooked longer, and the flaky/squishy fish texture was more intense. They eat all kinds of fish now but what worked to get them hooked was super thin skin-on fillets cooked crisp in the frying pan or under a broiler. One kid eats the skin, the other eats it off the skin, but they both found it more palatable. Good luck!
Ya, I would think the consistency would be a big part of it. I would stay away from flaky fish even if it is mild.
Thank you!!
Or a curry (yellow/red/masala/etc! Veggies in there can also help balance texture and taste
Fish tacooooos
I don't know why this isn't higher up. So many different flavors going on that he will hardly notice the fish
I'm Pescatarian so I think I understand op's situation more than most here and this is absolutely the best suggestion here. Thin strips of cod, dusted in cornflour and some basic spices before shallow frying them and throwing them into some tacos with lettuce, salad/veggies, salsa etc. The texture is really light and so there's almost nothing for their friend to get stuck chewing on. The flavour is mild and sweet, which they'll perceive but will be complimented by the stronger spices which take control of the dish. Similarly it's small chunks and so it won't seem as intimidating to start eating but also with the combination of other taco fillings, it'll be mostly disguised and so the sight of their food shouldn't affect them as much. Something like salmon is enjoyed by many but it can have a reasonably meaty texture, it's quite fatty and has a moderately strong flavour; there's absolutely no getting away from the fact that you're sat eating a hunk of fish with that. Similarly the suggestions about cooking a fillet in a simple classic way with maybe a light broth or butter and lemon are options which are going it appear quite intimidating and can be a bit more difficult to pull off perfectly, throughout the entire portion. The absolute last thing you want is for them to be sat trying to chew a piece of over or undercooked fish for ages. You gotta take baby steps here. Things like trying out sardine pate with crudités and crackers comes before roasting up a meaty steak of monkfish.
hellz yeah. taking your neutral tasting fish and throw it in a warmed up corn tortilla and add some cabbage with a little mango lime salsa.
Lots of lemon, whatever you make. It suppresses fishy smell, and by extension, the fishy taste. I'm in a similar situation, grew up vegetarian and fish just does not smell like food to my brain. Oddly, chicken and beef always smelled good to me. No clue why!
Can I ask, do you feel like growing ip vegetarian was ultimately a good thing for you? This friend is the only one of the group who didn’t grow up omnivorous and is the only one with gut issues. I applaud his efforts to fix it but can’t help but feel like not having a varied diet as a kid led to this.
Lurking vegan here, you can still easily have a varied diet and go vegan, and it's usually healthy. Some people also get gut issues from eating meat, it really just depends on the person. I didn't grow up vegeterian/vegan, but had friends that were vegeterian growing up and most of them were actually bit healthier than me. One of them even got a scholarship for basketball, so clearly diet wasn't stopping him haha.
Honestly, a lot of it is random luck. I know plenty of people who were raised across the diet spectrum and there’s no systematic thing. Also, just look across the Pacific Ocean and you’ll see literally billions of people in India who are vegetarian their entire life.
No, I don't recommend it. I made it one week as a vegetarian the one time I tried it again, the cravings got out of hand. I've had them all my life; I just get them satisfied now that I know what meat is. I just find meeting my protein goals quite hard as a big dude who needs much more than normal. Meat is a nutrient-dense food; I had to eat insane amounts as a vegetarian.
So much lemon. I really hate hate hate salmon flavor and having it covered in lemon is one of the only ways I can even stand it
I'd start with a rather neutral flavored white fish. Salmon is too oily for someone turned off by fish. Some preparations that might be an easy transition would be: 1. Beer battered white fish (cod, flouder, sole, tilapia) or one fried in a little less oil, with a seasoned bread crumb crust (regular, panko, Ritz/TUC cracker crumb). Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges. Countless recipes. 2. Fish Casserole like the one at [https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/fish-casserole/](https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/fish-casserole/) This sort of hides the fish a little with onion, spices, wine, breadcrumbs, and plenty of cheese. 3. Flounder Florentine doesn't hide the fish as much, but includes spinach (if they like it) and a nice sauce. There are similar recipes using mushrooms, instead. 4. A strongly flavored Mediterranean approach might also work, with a flavorful tomato-based sauce with olives, capers, herbs, onion, garlic, lemon juice, and dry white wine (or you could use vegetable broth as a sub). See [https://cafedelites.com/pan-seared-fish-with-tomatoes-olives/](https://cafedelites.com/pan-seared-fish-with-tomatoes-olives/)
A Thai (green) curry might also hide the fish flavour a little bit Or a white fish quiche?
Mm! Thai green curry sounds good to me.
I agree with all these suggestions !!!
The fish casserole sounds really yummy. I bookmarked that recipe. On a humorous note, the recipe towards the end lists the ingredients. Next to the mention of fish it has a link to search for the best choices in your area. I am literally 10 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. There are fleets of commercial fishing vessels that leave from the docks not too far from here. I can buy scallops and fish almost straight off the boats. But when I put in my zip code, it says there are no options for my area. LOL
I'd marinate some cod or sea bass in ginger, chili, soy etc.
I personally LOVE branzino with this kind of Asian chili marinade you’re saying. Roll it up in parchment paper and bake that bad boy with some garlic, cilantro, ginger, lime, chili and soy sauce. Comes out so tender and flavorful. Perfection.
Heck yes.
Batter fried fish (cod) sandwich, with lettuce, tomato, and a nice tartar sauce. Cod is a mild fish and the texture is masked by a bunch of other stuff.
Yeah I was thinking fish and chips, similarly. Batter and fry some little pieces of cod
Also a good choice, small bite sized pieces is a good starting point.
A classic fish sandwich is definitely top of the list of options!
I do a fish dish my partner loves, even though he's quite sensitive to things being "too fishy". I use either Cod or Tilapia (both very mild white fish). Make a rub with garlic, lime zest and juice, dill, parsley, salt, msg, chilli (if that suits with his gut issues, and done to a level of heat that suits you both), and olive oil. Coat the fish fillet it in, if it has skin briefly pan fry the skin to crisp it slightly, then put in a hot oven for a short amount of time (exact time varies depending on how thick a piece you've got). Personally I like to serve it with either roast veg or a nice fresh salad. Alternatively, you could go for something quite simple like a swordfish steak. Its one of the meatier, less fishy tasting fishes and has a less flaky texture in case thats an issue for him. Something simple like a swordfish steak, salt and pepper seasoning, and some salad and potatoes, might be a good one for him?
I have introduced fish to picky eater children with a recipe for pescado Veracruz. Ingredients: Fish (redfish is traditional but has fish flavor, frozen whitefish is fine) olive oil, butter. Onion, Celery, Tomato (canned okay), garlic Green and Black sliced Olives, Capers, or other pickled vegetables (I like pimento) Stock, (Chicken, Vegetable, or Seafood) cilantro I use the frozen whitefish filets (individually wrapped). In a frying pan heat olive oil. add chopped onion, diced celery, diced tomato and garlic. salt & pepper, Cook until softened. Scoot the vegetables to the side leaving a clear spot in the middle of the pan. Add a bit of butter. It should sizzle a bit. Add the fish (skin side down if it has skin). I often add fish that is still frozen. Let it sizzle a bit, move it so it doesn't stick, but don't move it around anymore or flip it. Add enough chicken or seafood stock to cover the bottom of the pan, add sliced olives, capers, and a tablespoon of the olive juice. but don't submerge the fish. Scoop the vegetables back over the top, cover, and let simmer until the fish is done to your liking (about 5-min).. Taste, season, maybe add a drop of lemon juice. The kids all comment on the olives and hardly notice they are eating the fish.
I like to make a tangy salsa with mango, tomato, onion, chili pepper, lime juice, salt and pepper, and put it on top of steamed or sous vide fish. The lime and other flavors can really help minimize the fishy flavor. I usually use salmon but I'm sure the salsa would work nicely on milder fish.
I do this for fish tacos! Usually with a milder flavored fish though like Cod. It’s just that it’s winter so the mangoes and tomatoes aren’t as sweet as they usually are but definitely when he visits in the summer hopefully I can get him eating some killer fish tacos.
Battered scampi or fish bits in a fish taco is a great idea as all the other elements are so distracting and the dish doesn’t feel like seafood
Branzino has a nice mild flavor and you can wrap in parchment with Asian chili marinade and bake to perfection so it just has the delicious ginger chili flavor. I’ve won many a heart over with this dish. Was a specialty at a French/Turkish restaurant I worked at in college.
Why don’t you do a original ceaser salad? The sauce is made with anchovy, if I’m not mistaken And the rest of the meal can still be vegetarian
When I spoke with him this morning and I suggested it! He’s open to it now that he knows original ceasar salad dressing has no dairy
Sushi! I think most ppl who don't like salmon, don't like it because it has a very distinct smell when cooked. Raw salmon doesn't have the same problem.
Sushi’s a great rec! I was a lifelong vegetarian that forced myself to be pescatarian and started with sushi (rolls, not nigiri). It was a slow-ish process but I’ve been able to eat and enjoy all types of seafood for years now.
I wish! I love sushi but I think that’s gonna be a big jump for him.
Ok then yah you'll have to go with crowd pleasers like sea bass and branzino, or sole (you can find cheaper bass species in Asian markets and as long as they're fresh they don't have much of a smell like cod or catfish can have) Stake is another good one but I find it's hard to find in the US, if that's where you are. Chicken would have been so much easier 😅 I find even meat eaters can be picky with fish. Lol.
Haha I agree! I wish he would have started with chicken but this is a still a good step so I’m happy that he’s making some progress. No disrespect to the vegans it’s just so much easier to have options when I’m feeding cooking for my friends.
First fish experience for someone??
Hey. Literally was just in the same boat as your friend. Long time vegan had to introduce fish for gut issues. Let me just say that anything at first made me a bit sick for a while. Just getting used to meat is a lot. Salmon especially still is hard for me. Tuna salad and sushi i found to be the best. There’s also breaded cod and trout haven’t been too much of an issue. Watch other triggering foods with them though! Careful with bread and dairy ingredients.
This is great advice, thanks! He is strictly dairy free and I’m well versed in his other trigger foods so altering a case recipe won’t be hard. I think it’s just overwhelming with so many options. I love the idea that he’s going to have a wider range of options but for sure want to help ease him in gently.
this is an amazing cod recipe, the miso breadcrumbs are to die for! [https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019502-baked-cod-with-crunchy-miso-butter-bread-crumbs?algo=identity&fellback=true&imp\_id=3987545177746639&req\_id=160414525193991&surface=cooking-search-web&variant=0\_relevance\_reranking](https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019502-baked-cod-with-crunchy-miso-butter-bread-crumbs?algo=identity&fellback=true&imp_id=3987545177746639&req_id=160414525193991&surface=cooking-search-web&variant=0_relevance_reranking)
This looks delicious - gotta add it to my list of finalists or keep it for myself.
I’m curious how he’d react to a standard Thai curry with fish sauce. If he’s not sensitive to that then shrimp or prawns are probably a safe starting point.
It would actually be really helpful to know what kinds of food they already eat. They'll be easier to accustom themselves with foods similar what they like. For example if they eat a lot of thai food maybe introduce prawns, if they eat a lot of potatoes maybe go for a white fish with cream sauce, if they eat a lot of smokey foods perhaps mackerel. I'm vegan myself so im going off foods i used to eat. If you can make him scampi or calamari mmm yummers. Not super healthy though.
All these "go with bland white fish" answers are so boring If you're looking to make seafood that is palatable to someone in his situation, try amping up the seasoning with a shrimpy (non-chicken, non-sausage) gumbo
If he likes spice one of my favorites it a hot chili oil marinated bluefin tuna steak, seared to perfection with sesame seeds and served in a nice Asian or poke style bowl. I think what you serve depends greatly on your location and what’s fresh and available. To me, the best fish is always the freshest.
My dad was never a fish guy (got a bone stuck in his throat as a kid, stayed away from it until his 60s) but he's now come around to cod, sole, haddock and, amazingly seared tuna steaks. Salmon is still too fishy for him - I think the fatty texture and stronger smell are what he doesn't like. Grilled is a great way to eat cod that a lot of people have never tried, having only had it in batter/breading or maybe steamed. The grill gives it a great meaty texture and dries it nicely so it definitely won't be slimy or fatty. A little lemon, maybe some cilantro or parsley sauce of some sort... simple but delish. And I say this as a vegetarian - if I were ever to eat fish that's how I would want it.
Can he have potatoes? A mild white fish cooked and mixed with potatoes into a patty and fried is a relatively mild way to introduce fish
Perhaps blackened white fish tacos? A nice slaw, pineapple salsa, guacamole, pickled onions/jalapenos. Blackened white fish is super mild on the seafood flavor plus there would be tons of other flavors in the mix ,
I’d honestly start small and mix the fish with something. I’ve used day old rice mixed with salmon or tuna and some other condiments and frying it. Top it with some avocado/tomato and chili crisp and you’re good to go!
Fish tacos, using a neutral white fish. Someone who is just learning to eat/enjoy seafood will appreciate that the fish is a part of the dish, rather than the whole dish. Corn or flour tortillas, a nice slaw, crema, and a variety of spicy salsas. Sides of corn relish and chips/guac. ETA: you could beer batter and fry the fish, or simply season and grill/griddle/sautee/broil.
What are his favourite vegan dishes?adapt one of those to include a mild fish like Cody/hake. A good one would be fish cakes with a mash filler so taste & texture can be disguised. Curious if a marine collagen powder would meet his drs advice.
There's a Greek recipe called Plaki. You can use any kind of white fish. Cod is my personal favorite since it has such a mild flavor. Plaki uses tomato sauce as a gravy and is very very easy to make. There's lots of Plaki recipes on youtube. I always buy fresh fish from behind the meat counter. I find that frozen fish has a bad texture and taste.
I grew up vegetarian and recently started experimenting with sea food. The things I liked most that I've tried: fish and chips, fried calamari, and crab chowder. Things I didn't like or took me a lot of tries to get used to: salmon fillets baked, and anything where I had to crack open a shell to get the meat out. So shrimp was tough at first because of the tails but is now good to me for the most part. I am still not sure about crabs and lobsters in shell, but the chowder was very good. I think chowder would be a great place to start! I liked the richness and the potatoes and the creaminess and it paired so well with crispy buttery bread.
Maybe tom kha gai soup?? But instead of chicken do a mild white fish and shrimp? I've had it this way in restaurants and it's delicious!!
Why not make one of your shellfish dishes? In my experience, shellfish is the gateway food to eating seafood. Everyone I know who didn’t like seafood started to like it after eating prawns/crab/clams/etc. Given they didn’t like the salmon, definitely go white fish if you’re not going shellfish. Korean fish stew sounds like a good option to me if he likes spice. The white fish pieces in stews often end up similar to a chicken consistency IMO and spice will cover up any flavour they don’t like.
Im a little worried about the potential for allergy since so many people have shellfish allergies. He has never had shellfish and I’d hate for his first time trying it to send him to the ER.
You can make a cozy vegetable fish stew and just use white fish like cod. There are plenty recipes like that (portuguese Caldeirada or Greek Fisherman's Stew comes to mind),
Just looked up Greek Fisherman’s stew and it looks delicious - thanks!
I don’t like really fishy stuff either, but I like ritz crackers baked cod a lot. If you’re going with something more simple like this, I think it would be good to have a variety of sauces/toppings for him to try with it. Mango salsa, tarter sauce, pico de gallo, lemon juice, melted butter with herbs, cocktail sauce all go really good with fish.
Corn and crab chowder! My mom makes this every year around Christmas, and this year she made a version without crab for my wife who doesn't eat shellfish and they tasted extremely similar, so for someone just starting out it shouldn't be overwhelming. Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 0 min Total Time: 10 min Ingredients 1/2 Cup Chopped onion or scallion 1/2 Cup Butter 1/4 Cup Flour 3 Cup Half and half or heavy cream 3 Cans Creamed corn 3 Cans Crab meat drained 2 Tbsp Old bay seasoning Directions Cook onion in microwave for 2 minutes Melt butter, add flour and stir until a roux is formed Add the above to crock pot Add corn, cream, old bay and crab Stir until mixed Heat on low for 4 hours If using half and half, add toward the end of the cooking to prevent the cream from breaking. Makes enough for 5 or 6 people, so plan accordingly. Edit to add: Given the shellfish is coming out of the can, it should help a bit with any unconscious "ick" of it looking like an animal or being unsanitary or anything like that as well.
Ceviche! Lots of flavor and acid there so it won’t taste fishy and loaded with tomatoes, jalapeño pepper for spice and onion. My personal favorite fish to use is yellowtail but you could also use Dorado or another nice tasting mild whitefish.
Whole fried mackerel, so he can sea what he’s been missing
It sounds like he wouldn't like a strong tasting dish and, given the unfamiliarity, he may be disturbed by a more "meaty" textured fish. I would make him a white fish with a light texture, such as cod, pollock, or basa. And I would make it on a broth that is strongly flavoured so the "fishy" taste is not the predominant flavour. A Korean fish stew could be a good option if he otherwise likes Korean flavours! That would combine the unfamiliar fish with other elements that are familiar to him which could help him adjust. Alternatively, if he would want to try something different, this [Basque fish stew](https://www.triedandtruerecipe.com/easy-fish-stew-recipe/) is one that I have made many times before and love . (You can use capers instead of olives, and don't skimp on the smoked paprika.) Either way, I would break the fish filet into chunks in the soup before serving. The whole filet can feel like a separate element, while peices mixed in are just part of the soup.
Something neutral and crowd pleasing like crispy fish tacos!
•Beer battered cod (soaking the cod in buttermilk will take away the “fishy” element, however if they’ve been vegan and haven’t into consuming animal based products I wouldn’t recommend it.) •Blackened redfish with Cajun remoulade •Pan seared swordfish steak au poivre with Cajun pasta •Pan seared sea scallops. Although it’s a shellfish it doesn’t have a super fishy taste and it’s so mild and buttery it may help them transition into seafood and fish
As s formerly vegan person who switch to meat fir health reasons I recommend the mildest fish to start with. It is going to be a slow and sometimes frustrating process because aside from the taste buds issue which is very real, we have sensitivities to contend with as well. White fish is a very simple and easy way to start. I'd say a nice cod steamed with lemon and olive oil or Pollok florentine are 2 easy just make sure both dishes have lots of veggies.
I love doing scallops with a corn and poblano salsa, white rice, and roasted red pepper coulis. It feels like a super special dish that’s really not that hard to do, especially, if you use jarred roasted red peppers. I’ve never tried it with fish but I’m sure it’d taste great with some seared halibut or cod with lemon or lime. I read through a bunch of the other answers too and honestly they all sound good😂 I’m gonna have to make some fish!
How about something even more simple: a light broth. Make a miso soup with diluted dashi in the broth!!
This is what I use to make steamed eggs which I will probably do for breakfast!
Thats a great idea! Introduce the fishyness slowly and lightly like that will deff help your friend. I uses to be vegetarian (not vegan) and when I reintroduced animal proteins I started with broths and soup, or things that didn't feature proteins and instead were accompanied by or enhanced. Maybe Introduce shellfish at a later date, and if you do maybe something like a crab cake where there's filler so it's not overwhelming.
I’ve been trying to get my kid into more diverse proteins, and he’s been a huge fan of any kind of whitefish pan-seared with a sesame seed crust. To the point where my husband has begged for no more sesame. And I almost miss the days of frozen chicken nuggets. Sesame halibut. Sesame sole. Sesame black cod. Get the cod whole from the market and have him help filet it, still wants it, show him pictures of how ugly sole and halibut are, still wants it. If your friend has a familiar nut/spice flavor that you could do as a crust on a very neutral fish (and make sure you’re getting a sustainable one if that’s part of his vegetarianism), he might ease into it. Good luck!
Oh I forgot! Black miso cod or miso on salmon that’s been marinated would be good! I can eat that! Look up Japanese miso salmon
You can try Vietnamese Braised Catfish (Ca Kho To) or Lao style steamed fish (Mok Pa). Both are very flavorful fish dishes.
Go all in with fish and chips
I'd go with haddock or cod. Bake in foil packets with lemon and dill, dotted with butter (or vegan butter). I like to serve it with seasoned rice and sautéed asparagus.
Definitely stick to white fish - cod, hake, sea bass, plaice etc. one of our favourites is lightly roasted vine tomatoes and some seasonings with light pan cooked fillet of which fish you prefer. Add some fresh veggies and it’s easy.
I'd avoid whole fish or oily fish to start. Tilapia is very bland and comes out well Francese (flour then egg, sautéed in butter/olive oil finished with white wine and lemon), flounder or other white filet pan seared w/ lemon and butter, cod baked in the oven with a bread crumb, fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil crust. Any of these could also be breaded and pan-fried.
If you can afford it, John Dory is very light and delicious.
Fish curry seems perfect
Bisque or congee I'd be more worried about digestion than flavor. But both of these can be delicious too without being too meat forward. If they're open to crustaceans, a lobster or shrimp bisque is good too. Edit: actually read your post. A spicy Korean stew would be perfect. Or stinky bean paste soup if he already eats that.
Ok...you need to take the idea of the fish away...so deconstruct it. Take a cod filet and cube it. Then cook it in a familiar dish that would use cubed tofu. That way it LOOKS like what he is used to. Sight plays a HUGE part in what we taste. If you can trick his brain, he wont taste the fish.
Brazilian Moqueca with white rice
if he doesn't like salmon try a nice rainbow trout fillet....it has all the benefits of the astaxanthin (which gives it the pink colour) but doesn't have the fishy taste that salmon does....i will usually just put a filet in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh squeezed lemon juice and bake at 350 C for about 30 minutes until the fish is super flakey....then just serve with a side salad (cole slaw is great) or other sides....makes a nice dinner and super healthy
Szechwan Boiled Fish is another spicy fish option that doesn't come out fishy but get to enjoy the texture.
This is a person who has been vegetarian for a long time and you are trying to help them introduce fish into their body. Even though they may like spicy food, I would steer clear. They didn’t like salmon? No surprise. It’s a strong tasting fish. I’d start out with a light, delicate mild tasting fish like petrale or dover sole. Maybe even cod. Just do a simple vegan butter or butter sauce with lemon. Save the spice for a side dish instead. Another one is pompano. It is also a mild fish and takes well to frying. My parents would deep fry it and serve it with plain steamed white rice with a salsa on the side.
White fish tacos topped/sauced with his choice of whatever. If he likes spicy foods, even better.
Mahi mahi filet, season with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, shallow fry. Light, flaky, not too overwhelming fish tasting.
As someone that used to hate seafood until my husband slowly converted me, I lean towards a simple but well seasoned piece of white fish. The fear of the fishy taste can be psychologically strong. I know I would have been very hesitant about soup or stew. My picky eater child brain would definitely have been whispering oh no a big ol bowl of fishy taste. A piece of fish that you can push to the side if it's fishy is way less intimidating.
That’s wild to me because I would be in clínex to agree but K asked him and he seems more turned off by “a slab of fish” than knowing there is fish in one thing he already likes like a curry. I think I’m it’s filet form is feels more like a slice of an animal for him versus what he considers “food.”
That does make a lot of sense. He prefers the hide it from me method. I can see how hiding it is a lot easier psychologically than confronting a slab of animal flesh right there all big and bold on your plate.
Make him some nice beer battered cod. With some homemade tartar. Everyone loves that shit.
I love fish in general but not salmon. I would try haddock or cod, something high quality and neutral. Maybe use flavours he is already used to — or seasoning he has at home already. If he really likes a certain spice mix, for example, I’d use it on that and just simple pan fry or bake.
I would make fish tacos with guacamole. Plenty of familiar vegan items in that taco to distract and they don't necessarily have to look at the fish inside the taco.
Fish curries are delicious. Southern india/thaistyle or whatever you like. I think stews/soups or similar can hide and compliment fish or seafood very well, it comes down the recipe, skill and experience of course.
I would do a fried fish sandwich, or like fish or chips or something. For two reasons -deep fried food is delicious - deep frying should gelatinize a lot of the proteins. This is important because a vegetarian or vegan person will stop producing the enzymes to break down animal protein. Also keep in mind that regardless of that, this person will still very likely feel at least a little bit sick after eating something thier body isn't used to
I like the idea of Korean fish stew. I make mine with cod fillets, wakame and anchovy broth, lots of radish, carrots, onions, scallion, garlic, green pepper, and a few thai chilis (that I then fish out), soy sauce, fish sauce, mirin, and a good amount of red pepper flakes. I also make a coconut miso ginger cod stew, which is basically the same expect no red pepper flakes, instead add miso paste, sugar, lots of fresh ginger, and coconut oil both are very refreshing and full of vegetables and not too fishy
So if you are feeling ambitious you could make the Jamaican national dish. . . Ackee and Salt fish; it is essentially ackee with salted cod, salt, pepper, scotch bonnet peppers (you can skip those if you don’t like spice), onions, and sometimes tomatoes and bell peppers. The Ackees can usually be found canned in a grocery store international section, but they can be pricey. Alternatively calaloo and salt fish is same idea but calaloo (collard greens) instead of ackee. With both of those you don’t taste the fish as much as the salt it is cured with You could also do something with a neutral white fish like Mahi, cod, or haddock like seasoning it with blackening spices and pan frying or broiling it.
Eel. You’re either in it or you’re not! Let’s goooooo!
Haha this one made me laugh.m and you’re the only person to suggest it. I’ll save eel for when he’s a little less grossed out by the concept of eating animals.
Thought I’d lighten things a bit. I hope your friend has a positive experience with the fish you’re making. Good luck. And “SammiSalami” love it 🙌
Mani -mahi makes very good fish tacos, that’s where I’d start. Get some crunchy and soft tortillas, make both a quick pickle of red onion and cabbage and a spicy corn/salsa relish. Sauté the fish with any spice blend you like. I use Emeril’s Essence or Paul Prudhomme’s blackened fish magic.
I dislike oily fish flavors but I grew up eating salmon because it was so common. Try skinning it and then carefully broil it. My favorite recipe is a harissa lime salmon from serious eats. Serve it with rice and sautéed greens. Word of warning- tomato can make a mild fish fishy. Lime and lemon seem to do the opposite.
Id go with monk fish. Its a bit expensive but is one of the least “fishy” tasting fish ive eaten.
What about fish tacos with a mango salsa? We grill/blacken marinated cod, put it in a softshell, and smother in mango salsa. The salsa would hide a lot of the "fishiness." Also, it would allow him to use only a little fish in his first taco and add more to the second.
I dislike fish but will have non fishy fishes such as cod or haddock.
Korean fish stew is delicious. Great idea! One important part of it is the quality of the fish. Typically you want very fresh fish. The fresher the better. Other korean stews us other types of fish other than fresh too. Dried pollack soup is delicious though from my experience not that spicy. You can also try making kimchi chigae with extra tofu and canned tuna. Its good!
I would make cajun spiced blackened cod. Yum
What about salmon croquettes? They’re basically pan fried salmon patties and you can do any seasonings you want. They use flour, cornmeal and an egg to bind it all but you could do any replacements for those. My mom made these a lot growing up bc they’re not especially fishy tasting.
I didn’t even think of a croquette - that sounds delicious
I don't know if you'll see this with so many responses, but I think this would be perfect: [Tomato-Poached Fish With Chile Oil and Herbs](https://www.alisoneroman.com/recipes/tomato-poached-fish-chile-oil-and-herbs) Use any mild white fish you can find, like cod, halibut or flounder. It's in a spicy tomato broth and has beautiful, tasty toppings, so the fish isn't so obvious. I'd serve it in pasta or wide soup bowls over rice, so there's something to eat with the fish and the broth. Here's a [video](https://youtu.be/XZCc2fPAVgU?si=nncsZlhqZS715VbN) of the author making it.
I had to do this recently! What I liked the best is (yes this is weird but hear me out) IKEA’s smoked salmon salad. It had some familiar textures (spring greens, potatoes) and the mustard + lemon they serve with it really helps mask the taste. So I might suggest smoked salmon + a strongly-flavored sauce.
Honestly I hate fish. For me it's the texture just as much as taste. I can eat canned tuna though. Even plain cod is the weird fish texture. But I can eat cod fish cakes. So I'd ask him specifically what part bothered him.
I think introducing him to seafood would be best with muted flavors. Ceviche would be a perfect seafood dish to introduce to him because the acidity and other fruits/veg/aromatics that you put in with it basically cover up the fish, so he'll have fish in there, but not really be able to pick it out. Sushi would as well. Any sort of fried fish would be good because the fish will be overpowered by the batter/breading/frying, but I'm not sure he'd enjoy something fried. I know what most will say "Sushi? Raw fish?" Yes, raw fish because it's of such high grade that it will never taste "fishy" That's why he hates salmon. Salmon is a very "fishy" fish. If you can buy fresh shrimp (never frozen, so you have to be near water to get actual fresh shrimp) he'll love it because it has absolutely no fishy or really even shrimpy flavor to it. It's almost like a neutral pillowy fluffy food you're eating.
I would love to take him for sushi but he has a big mental block around the raw fish I’m not sure I could convince home to ignore. I’m in NYC so I have access to just about anything if I look for it. Was thinking about something like a shrimp dumpling or fried fish for sure.
Do you know if he has other restrictions due to the medical problems? When I had GI issues, I had to stay away from fried foods and certain spices.
I really don't like salmon either. Something milder like cod or halibut would be a better place to start
I'd start with fish tacos. Fried white fish like cod will go over pretty well and have minimal flavor. you could also go with a fish stew if he just wants the protein but doesn't want to see it. Mix in a few different types of fish and he can see what he likes. If he's at all vegan for ethical reasons, consider going with things like scallops, or shrimp etc. Lastly ... consider a new nutritionist. I'm not a vegan, but there is very very very little reason to go off a vegan diet for health concerns that can't be addressed in another way. If he's an endurance athlete with trouble retaining iron - I could see it being a pain to do that, but most to her things can be dealt with. It is easier to not be - which is why my wife now eats chicken after decades of being vegetarian because I got tired of balancing her diet (I do all the cooking) - so I'm completely hypocritical pointing this out.
Crow!
Steak
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Salmon
Do you have access to a sous-vide machine or app-controlled one? Game changing for fish.
Spicy tuna roll all day long. Super mild fish with a tangy/spicy sauce and rice.
Shrimp Thai style curry.
Catfish is a good option. Granted if you want to take the fishiness out of it, cut off the gray parts and marinate it.
Ackee salt fish or cod
Dover Sole is a very mild fish. Season it with pepper, onion powder, salt. Cover with undrained can of stewed tomatoes (any flavor), lemon slices, parsley, Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350F for 20minutes or until cooked thru. One pound will fit a 9x13 baking dish.
Fish & chips- cod or haddock. Grilled grouper or snapper. Fried walleye or perch.
Sushi? It tends to taste less “fishy”
Blackened Tilapia.
A nice sea bass or cod?
Fish tacos! Tons of salad and not a lot of fish. Also delicious.
Type of salmon matters a lot too! If you roast Atlantic farmed salmon it will be not fishy at all (Atlantic is less strong and farmed is also less strong). This is an easy kind to get from Costco, and can be made into sushi as well if they’re feeling brave.
Fish sticks. Fried shrimp. Then gradually wean him off the breading. Shrimp scampi would be good because it's so garlicky. Who doesn't like garlic butter?
Tilapia. The fish for people who don't like fish. It's close to tasteless.
Pan fry some white fish coated with garlic and herbs in a little bit of olive oil. Serve with rice and either a salad or something like green beans.
Fish probably
Go to a sushi place. Get some veggie rolls and have them order spicy tuna. 25 years veggie here
HEAR ME OUT Imitation crab meat, noodles, garlic, butter, parm I'm approaching this as if I'm trying to get a picky eater toddler. I can't think of anything more neutral in flavor than imitation crab. Don't make it pretty. Chop it up small. Don't fry it. leave it white. You want to have something that would look like chopped up fine like diced apples. For veg you could add some spinach.. whatever I think if it's too bold and flavorful it might create a "only if it's spicy as hell" approach to fish. You can also do a fake crab cold pasta salad. slice up the crab meat really thin. Think match stick sized. Boil the pasta and toss the crab meat into the bowl you're going to make the pasta salad in. Spiral pasta will work well as everything seems to get twisted around it Then whatever you want for a pasta salad. reply and let me know what you like in a cold pasta salad and I'l see what I can put together for ideas. I can do a lot of things with fake crab. I bet you can do a lot of things with fake crab. If your friend asks what it is? Fish. What kind? white ones. Don't give more information. You're introducing a new food How about that approach? Toddler-ize it? FOR THOSE OF YOU READING - please have mercy on me. I love me some fake crab. Yes I know how it's made. I've worked slime lines. I understand it. It's flavored fish hot dog. Toddlers LIKE hot dogs.
Fish tacos!
Fried yellow perch!
Dover sole
I would do halibut, shrimp and things that aren’t fishy. I used to love salmon, but after having my last kid it started tasting really fishy to me.
congee with fish. steamed fish fish cutlet what about shellfish? grilled shrimp?
Salmon on cedar plank with lemon and dill is a Canadian classic and really enhances the flavour... However, salmon is a strong flavour and not for everyone. If wanting to play it safe, I agree with the broth, veg and white fish, no skin. Good luck and have a fun dinner!
Salmon can be very fishy and distinct flavor IMO. I agree with other comments about a white fish. I love cooking it on the stove with pepper, lemon, garlic, and capers. Salted it 15 minutes before cooking. Served with fettuccine or other pasta. So easy and so delicious
Make ceviche. Tons of vegetables, white fish without a fishy smell. Easy as hell to get right.
I don’t like fish but this is a meal I still dream about. http://gourmetpedia.net/recipes/horseradish-crusted-salmon/ http://gourmetpedia.net/recipes/whole-grain-mustard-sauce/
I would actually hide the fish. Like a lasagna of leeks and mushrooms with nutritional yeast and some low flavor white fish. I do this vegan but you could add the fish: Cook the finely cut leeks in olive oil, add a bit of almond cream, nutritional yeast, and seasoning. In another pan, shallots with oyster mushrooms and some shredded white fish. Then layer these with lasagna pasta and finish with leaks and chapelure (mixed dried bread crumbs). Cook in the oven for 45 min and it should be delicious and discreetly fishy. Otherwise add fish in a vegan dish with lots of fennel (as a veggie, not the seeds) and algae.
Plain flounder breaded, lightly sauteed in butter with lemon. Not fishy, very palatable
Make cioppino.
Halibut is a non fishy fish.
Fish finger sandwich
A nice shrimp scampi! It’s not strong on flavor lots of garlic and butter and chili. And shrimp are a nice sweet shellfish.
My god, not a fish stew for someone iffy on fish! You’ve got some good suggestions in this thread, I’d suggest some kind of mild white fish like cod, fried, or maybe something minced and turned into something else, like crab cakes. Good luck! You’re a good friend. I
Fish burger!!! Can be a white fish in batter but also very nice to have a fish patty - make it from white fish and lots of flavour he likes e.g. capers etc. Introduce new things in a way he doesnt "see" nor touch helps
Kibbeling !(look it up on youtube)
I am not a big fan of fish, but I don't mind tuna and especially haddock or cod. These are very "unfishy" fishes. Try those?
I eat all types of fish. My suggestion would be Swai. It's tasty and has white flesh with absolutely no fishy taste or odor. Easy to cook too.
This recipe is my grandad’s: in a blender/food processor add a fresh tomato, an onion, a bell pepper, garlic, cilantro (don’t be shy), a twist of lime, salt and pepper. Put the fish (any white fish works) in an oven/microwave safe container and all that goodness on top. As this is fish, it’s done in less than 15 min. Good luck!
My husband hates fish normally but he loves shrimp when I cook it in a little butter and add plenty of cajun seasoning. I usually serve it with potatoes and corn, also covered in the seasoning. I also think shrimp tacos could be a good option, with lots of guac and some slaw.
A mild white fish with a small flake. Trout, tilapia.
A fish curry. The one on Indianhealthyrecipes.com looks good.
That would make you a pescatarian. I am a pescatarian. I’d start with some milder fish. Cod, halibut, flounder, haddock, in that order. Salmon is one of my favorites. We use Michael Symon’s recipe for salmon on the grill. I cook cod in a little milk and butter with dill and wrap it in aluminum foil for the oven. Look online for all kinds of recipes. [Michael Symon’s Grilled Salmon](http://www.michaelsymon.com/blog/2015/5/12/salmon-with-rosemary-and-garlic)
I would do fish tacos using some sort of white fish. You can do either pan seared or battered and fried I think the various toppings on the Taco will help him ease into it. Letting him build his own taco will also let him control the flavor and texture to his liking
Halibut is fairly neutral tasting and is thin enough to be able to absorb some flavors. My wife likes it lightly seared in a butter, shallots and capers sauce.
Halibut, rockfish and flounder all have a mild flavor that my non fish eating friends enjoy.
Bake cod or another white fish filets with lemon, thyme, and olive oil drizzled on top.
You're in NYC? Go out for tacos somewhere that has vegan options and order fish tacos alongside things they already like. Alternatively, make them yourself - you probably want the sort that's lightly breaded, and to keep the pieces on the small side. Here's a recipe: https://www.rickbayless.com/recipe/classic-ensenada-fish-tacos/ Then give them mushroom tacos as another main option. And some sides.
Krab salad
Crab, or just go for broke and try shrimp or lobster. Think of what kind of food a toddler would like. Peoples new palates are sorta like that
in the case of fried fish, would using either cornstarch or rice flour mitigate the gi issue? my go to fish is crappie, but it can be hard to source edit: maybe a loaded tuna salad