Simple and Delicious Teriyaki Fish Recipe for Kids in Bali
Looking for a quick, nutritious, and tasty meal to prepare for your kids while you’re in Bali?
This Bali-style Teriyaki Fish recipe is a perfect solution! Combining locally sourced ingredients like fresh fish, coconut oil, and Balinese spices, this recipe offers a healthy and delicious meal for your little ones.
Whether you’re visiting Bali for vacation or living here, this simple yet flavorful dish is ideal for both lunch and dinner.
The tropical twist on the classic teriyaki flavor makes it a hit with kids and a favorite for family mealtime!
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What Makes Teriyaki Fish a Kid-Friendly Dish?
Teriyaki fish is a nutritious and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for picky eaters.
The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze is a favorite among children, and when paired with fresh fish, it becomes a wholesome meal packed with protein and essential nutrients.
In this Bali-style recipe, we add a tropical flair to the classic dish, making it even more exciting for families to enjoy together.
How Bali Inspires This Teriyaki Fish Recipe
Bali offers a rich variety of fresh, local fish that make the perfect base for a teriyaki fish recipe. Here are the ingredients we use to give this dish a Bali-inspired twist:
Fresh Fish: Bali is known for its fresh seafood. Use local fish like snapper or mahi-mahi for a mild and tender taste.
Coconut Oil: A common cooking fat in Bali, coconut oil adds a tropical flavor and is healthier for kids.
Lime: Bali’s lime adds a refreshing tang to the sauce, making it even more kid-friendly.
Local Spices: Adding a hint of Balinese spices brings out the full flavor of the dish, creating a perfect fusion of Indonesian ingredients.
Essential Ingredients for 4 Kids’ Teriyaki Fish
4 small fillets of fresh white fish (snapper or mahi-mahi work best)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lime juice
Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds
These ingredients are easy to find in Bali’s local markets and provide the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Steps to Prepare Bali-Style Teriyaki Fish
Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious Bali-style teriyaki fish for your kids. The combination of teriyaki glaze, fresh fish, and a tropical touch will make this dish both delicious and fun to prepare.
Prepare the Fish:
Start by rinsing the fresh fish fillets under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
This step ensures that the fish will cook properly, absorbing all the flavors from the teriyaki sauce.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, palm sugar, rice vinegar, and a small amount of coconut oil. You can also add grated ginger and garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
Stir the sauce until the sugar dissolves completely, and taste to adjust the balance of sweet and salty.
Marinate the Fish:
Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over them.
Make sure the fish is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors. Marinating it for a longer period (up to 2 hours) will enhance the flavor even more.
Cook the Fish:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a bit of coconut oil for frying.
Once hot, place the marinated fish fillets in the pan. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is golden brown and the glaze has thickened. For extra crispiness, you can cook the fish for an additional minute per side.
Serve the Fish:
Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving plate.
Drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the fish. For a finishing touch, garnish with chopped cilantro, chili flakes, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Accompany with Rice:
Serve the teriyaki fish alongside a generous portion of steamed white rice or fried rice.
You can also add a side of fresh vegetables such as tomato, lettuce, and cucumber to balance out the rich flavors of the fish.
Tips for Perfect Bali-Style Teriyaki Fish
When making the perfect Bali-style teriyaki fish, a few key tips can enhance the flavor, texture, and presentation. Below are some important suggestions to ensure your dish is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Use Fresh, Local Fish: Fresh fish, like snapper or mackerel, is widely available in Bali. The fresh, tender meat absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully, giving it a rich and juicy texture.
If fresh fish isn’t available, high-quality frozen fish can be used, but fresh will always yield the best results.
Balance the Sweet and Salty: To create the perfect teriyaki glaze, it’s important to find the right balance between sweet and salty flavors.
The Bali-style twist comes with the addition of palm sugar, which adds a unique tropical sweetness that contrasts with the salty soy sauce.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less palm sugar based on your preference.
Presentation with Local Garnishes: For an authentic Bali-style presentation, serve the teriyaki fish with fresh cucumber slices, tomato, and baby spinach.
These not only add vibrant color but also bring a refreshing crunch to the dish. To plate, place the fish fillet on a large plate and garnish with finely chopped fresh cilantro or mint for an added herbal touch.
Serve with Rice or Noodles: While white rice is a staple, you can elevate the meal by serving it with fried rice or noodles. If you’re in Bali, opt for nasi goreng (fried rice), which is a perfect accompaniment to teriyaki fish.
You can also add a sprinkle of fried shallots for an extra crispy and flavorful texture.
Incorporate Local Spices: To truly make this dish Bali-inspired, try incorporating balinese spice blends like bumbu bali or sambal (spicy chili paste).
A touch of these ingredients added to the sauce can give the dish a deeper, more authentic Bali flavor.
Nutrition Facts for Teriyaki Fish Recipe (Per Serving for 4 Kids)
Calories: 190
Fat: 7g (3g saturated fat)
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 10g (7g sugars, 1g fiber)
Protein: 20g
This dish is packed with protein and essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for children.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use local Balinese fish for this recipe?
A: Yes, snapper and mackerel are both widely available in Bali and are perfect for this teriyaki fish recipe. These fresh, local fish absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Q2: How can I make this recipe spicier in true Bali style?
A: You can add sambal oelek or finely chopped bird’s eye chilies to the teriyaki sauce for an authentic Bali-style kick. Balinese cuisine often incorporates bold, spicy flavors to enhance dishes.
Q3: Is it possible to use other tropical fruits like mango or papaya?
A: Absolutely! Mango or papaya can add a refreshing sweetness that pairs well with the teriyaki fish. Try topping the dish with thin slices of mango for a delicious tropical twist.
Q4: Can I use coconut milk in the sauce for a richer flavor?
A: Yes! Incorporating coconut milk into the teriyaki sauce will give it a creamy, tropical touch that complements the Bali-style flavors. This addition is common in Balinese cooking to add richness to dishes.
Q5: How do I serve this dish with a Balinese touch?
A: To make it more Bali-inspired, serve the teriyaki fish with nasi goreng (fried rice), a popular Balinese side dish, or gado-gado, a mixed vegetable salad with peanut sauce. Garnish the fish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a perfect presentation.
Q6: Can I substitute palm sugar with another sweetener?
A: If palm sugar is not available, you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar. However, palm sugar adds a unique tropical sweetness that is essential for creating the authentic Balinese flavor.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
A: Yes, this dish is kid-friendly! The mild teriyaki sauce is perfect for younger palates, but you can adjust the sweetness and saltiness to suit your child’s preferences. Serve it with steamed rice or vegetables to balance out the flavors.
Q8: Can I prepare the fish in advance?
A: Yes, you can marinate the fish for up to 2 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish, making it even more delicious when cooked.
