These are difficult times we’re experiencing worldwide – due to the many cases of COVID-19 (or coronavirus) – forcing cities across the globe to go on lockdown. Companies are either closing or transitioning to ‘smart working,’ meaning that adults are having to stay home for many more hours than usual working remotely. But it doesn't get any better for children, either: most of the schools are closed and days are spent at home doing homework sent remotely from teachers. Not fun at all. Basically, we’re all stuck at home. A situation that changes the everyday routine and brings the family together… even for meals – if you’re able to see the glass half-full!
The challenge now is inventing different daily menus, considering you’ll need to invent two meals every day. And then there's the need to vary the kids’ diets, something that the school cafeteria usually helps with.
By making meals with healthy ingredients like fish, we are helping them with their essential daily nutrient intake. But getting them to eat it? Well, that all starts with a fluffy bun and hamburger-like patty for the fish meat. Served this way, any kid will love it!
Check out our five delicious recipes for the kids below!
The Hulk Burger
The Hulk Burger is obviously green… because contains spinach! We thought this was the perfect name for this burger, but you could also opt for another character like Shrek or Popeye. Just depends on your kids’ favorite character!
Making this burger is simple. Just mix 4 oz. cod fillet with one egg, 3.5 oz of boiled and well-squeezed spinach, one boiled (and mashed) potato, salt and pepper.
Add some breadcrumbs to the mixture and then make hamburger patty shapes. Brush them with milk and dip them into the breadcrumbs (making sure they’re covered). Cook them in a pan with a drizzle of oil or in the oven.
The Pink Burger
Girls are gonna go crazy for the pink burger! The main ingredient is salmon, which already has a beautiful pink color – but to add some extra color (and flavor), we suggest adding steamed red turnips.
After removing the fishbones from the salmon, blend a salmon fillet with a red turnip.
Add a large egg (or two small ones), a pinch of salt and pepper, chopped parsley and just enough breadcrumbs to reach the perfect ‘patty’ consistency.
Once the mixture is ready, leave it in the fridge for an hour and then make the burgers.
They are excellent cooked in a pan, but you can bake them, too!
The Nemo Burger
It's technically not a burger… because you actually don't have to cook anything!
The Nemo burger is made with canned tuna and boiled potatoes – called The Nemo Burger because it’s shaped like a fish!
Mix 2 oz well-drained tuna with 6 boiled (and mashed) potatoes.
Add some chives and a handful of roughly chopped capers, salt, pepper and grated lemon rind.
Leave the mixture in the fridge for a couple of hours and then make some small fish shapes that you can serve in a classic bun or on a plate with a strip of warm pita bread.
Tuna Burger
A cooked version of The Nemo Burger.
Tuna is an ingredient that children always love – especially combined with potatoes! So here’s the solution:
For the tuna burgers, add an egg and a bit of parmesan cheese to the previous recipe. Make some burgers that will be breaded on the outside. To bake in the oven or cook on the stove.
Sole Burger
If your children like more delicate tastes, then a sole burger is perfect!
Sauté a sole fillet with a drizzle of oil in a pan and clean it thoroughly of any bones. Blend it with a large egg, parsley, salt, some parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs to taste.
Fish burgers: Ideal pairings
Bread and focaccine
Real burgers come with a bun, a soft and round American-style bread covered with sesame seeds. But we can also opt for the ‘Italianized’ version, too – by using focaccine!
Sandwich bread also works, but be careful –these bread slices can get soggy easily so once you assemble the burger, it should be eaten immediately! Especially if there are sauces, too.
Pita bread is another excellent alternative, especially with the addition of fresh raw vegetables and yogurt sauce.
Homemade sauce
What about the sauces? What goes well with fish burgers? Obviously, you can never go wrong with good homemade mayonnaise. Need a good recipe? We’ve got you covered! Ketchup is always a good idea and you can even make this one at home, too! If you want something a little more on the light side, opt for a simple yogurt sauce with lemon juice and chopped mint. It goes very well with fatty fish like salmon.
How to assemble the burger
At this point, the burger is ready and the sauces are ready… all that's left? Assembling the burger (or the focaccine, depending on the situation).
If your children love vegetables, use classic lettuce and a slice of tomato. Otherwise, seve it plain with sauce only.
And obviously, since we’re talking about fish burgers, a slice of cheese is a must!