How to intro salmon to baby?

[cristeen]

So the main problem is that I really don't like most fish, but I *really* don't like salmon. But because of that I'd really like to introduce the babe to it early. My main problem being that if I buy it fresh I have to cook it, and I really have trouble not overcooking it.

Does anyone have a foolproof way to cook it (from fresh/frozen) that isn't going to stink up the whole house? Should I go with canned?

How would you/did you intro it to your kids? So far his fave food is broccoli. We haven't introduced any meats yet, but I'm not terribly concerned about him not liking it - I just want to make sure I don't ruin it if I spend the money.

[JamieCatheryn]

Grilled is great, and the smell doesn't get in the house. Don't overcook it, just 5-15 minutes from thawed depending on the heat level and size of the cut. Add some lemon juice before cooking if it's on hand. Maybe you'll even like it, cooked just right. My kids love salmon, so do I now and then. If you don't like it you can always cook a few baby servings at once and stick them in the fridge or freezer for later.

[mamadelbosque]

We mostly do fresh/fresh frozen on the grill... I think usually we just put olive oil on either side, grill for a few minutes a side (usually ~ 5 minutes a side). Both my boys have loved salmon for ever (tis one of the few 'good' things that I can honestly say ds1 LOVES!). DS2 is 9.5 months now and I just flake it up into little bits and let him self feed. He too is lovin on it (course' hes at the age where he'll literally eat *anything* you put infront of him, so... )

[Ironica]

I'm a fishoholic, and love salmon... but I've never stressed over introducing my kids to foods I don't like. I've always guessed that there's a reason I don't like them, and that may be a reason they've inherited (allergy, for example).

So... I guess I'm confused why your dislike makes you want to introduce it sooner?

Canned is definitely one way to go; smoked salmon (aka lox) may be another way, but it's REALLY salty and some babes don't like that (others love it). My oldest didn't really get the hang of fish much until he was well into his second year, but now sushi is his favorite food... usually tuna or salmon nigiri. So, raw is another possibility. ;-) But only if you have a good source for it!

[cristeen]

Originally Posted by Ironica

So... I guess I'm confused why your dislike makes you want to introduce it sooner?

Because I feel like I *should* like it. And I honestly have liked it a few times - like once when I was pg and craving it, and once from my fave restaurant (this was super fresh Alaskan salmon, and if it all tasted like that I'd be eating it regularly). And daddy loves it, he just only gets it when we go out. Sushi is definitely an option that we will be exploring when he's a little older.

[mambera]

I prefer grilled or broiled but it's easier not to overcook if you poach it in boiling water with a splash of olive oil. It's done as soon as the inside goes opaque (5-10 min depending on the cut). Keep a lid on the pan and turn on the fan to keep stink down. (My DH can't stand the fish smell either, I cook it for myself and DD when he's not around.)

[Rosehip]

I broil it smeared with a mix of dijon, minced shallots, olive oil, s & p. My kids have always liked it like that. I'm terrible about timing things, so I just keep checking it and err on the side of more rare. Depending on thickness, it takes maybe 6-10 minutes? I don't flip it.

[hildare]

this is one of the first things we're feeding our baby..
make sure you use wild caught. i wouldn't do canned for a number of reasons.
we typically bake some for us (with heavy spices) and dh has started making it blackened, too. super yum. if you don't tend to like salmon, you may actually like it that way. have you tried it like that?

we cut off a tiny steaky portion and put it separately in the oven to bake, we use a small round dish with a lid ( i think it is for baked beans or apples or something, is pretty small) and it cooks very quickly-- you can put it in the oven around 7-9 mins before yours should be ready and they can be done at the same time. we don't give our dd dairy or anything like that, it's just the fish with some olive oil for her, but she truly LOVES it. i would not be opposed to putting garlic on it or basil, she's used to those things as well. if it's for a baby, if your lo is anything like mine, your lo will love it without spices. overcooking it isn't good, like a pp said, it makes it harder to mush and flake for the babe.