How to Prepare Seafood for a Finicky Eater

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Seafood, some love it, some hate it. There is no denying the inherent health benefits of fish, a protein with plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids. However, some dislike it's strong scent, which usually cooks off when prepared properly. If you love seafood and wish you could turn a finicky eater into a fan, learn to prepare "non-fishy" seafood.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fish
Butter
Seasoning, such as salt, pepper and garlic powder
Flat leaf parsley or chives
Lemon

Step1

Choose white fish. It tends to taste lighter and has a fluffy texture when cooked. Go for sea bass, trout or even cod. Redder fish, such as salmon tend, to be more oily, thus adding to their stronger flavor. Buy fish that doesn't smell fishy. The stronger the smell, the more likely it is to be not as fresh.

Step2

Pick fish that looks healthy. The eyes should be clear without too much red. Look for a plump, shiny appearance and ask the store clerk for the freshest fillets he has to offer.

Step3

Bake the fish. If you like fried fish, then by any means, cook it this way. However, sometimes a seafood hater just doesn't want to smell the fish while it's cooking. Opt to bake the fish, which will reduce the odor wafting through the house.

Step4

Season. Dunk the fish in melted butter or olive oil, then add some salt and pepper. You can even douse it with garlic powder or fresh lemon.

Step5

Use fresh herbs when possible. Fresh, flat leaf parsely is a great choice for white fish, and chives work just as well. By adding fresh herbs, olive oil, and a little fresh-squeezed lemon juice to your uncooked fish, you create an aromatic effect even the finickiest of eaters can't resist.

Step6

Batter some cod or halibut and deep fry it. You could even serve it with lemon, tartar sauce, and malt vinegar if you wish. Your finicky friend or relative may not have ever tried traditional "fish and chips," which is a whole lot easier to eat. Think of it as baby steps in turning them into seafood lovers.

Tips & Warnings

The longer you bake fish, the softer it will get. You don't have to worry about it overcooking (just keep temperatures reasonable, as the outside of the fish could still burn).