Detailed Guide: How to Make Soft, Delicious, and Safe Squid Cakes for Babies at Home

Overview of Squid Patties for Baby-Led Weaning

When researching how to make squid patties for babies, many parents often wonder: is squid suitable for young children? How should it be prepared to be both delicious and soft? It can be said that squid is one of the seafoods rich in protein and minerals, which is very good for the comprehensive development of children when chosen and prepared correctly.

However, because a baby’s digestive system is still immature, giving squid to babies, especially dishes like squid patties, requires adhering to scientific timelines, safe cooking techniques, and allergy control. Together with Ola Squid, let’s explore how to make squid patties for babies that are both delicious and nutritious!

When can babies start eating squid patties?

Generally, babies can start eating seafood from 8–12 months old, depending on each baby’s development. With squid, nutritionists recommend that mothers introduce it to babies from 10–12 months old, because squid belongs to the seafood group that is more likely to cause allergies than white fish.

The reasons are:

• Babies under 10 months have an incomplete digestive system to process squid protein, which has a complex structure.
• Squid has a natural toughness; if not processed correctly, babies may have difficulty chewing and swallowing.
• Some babies have sensitive constitutions to soft-shelled seafood, so mothers need to check for allergic reactions the first time they introduce it.

Therefore, the golden time is from 12 months old, when the baby has better chewing ability, a healthier digestive system, and can get used to new flavors without putting pressure on the body.

The nutritional value of squid for a baby’s development

Among seafoods, squid stands out for its balanced nutritional content and suitability for the needs of young children:

• High-quality protein: supports muscle and tissue growth.
• Vitamin B12: important for the nervous system and blood formation.
• Omega–3: helps develop the brain, vision, and concentration.
• Zinc, Selenium: strengthens immunity, helping babies stay healthier.
• Phosphorus: builds strong bones and teeth.

When processed into squid patties for babies, the nutrients are still well preserved, especially when using steaming instead of frying, helping the baby receive the full nutritional value while being easy to digest.

Detailed instructions on how to make squid patties for babies

Ingredients needed

To have a batch of soft, smooth, and safe squid patties, mothers should prepare:

• 200g of tube squid or squid mantle (prefer tube squid because the meat is softer)
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or rice flour to create adhesion
• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped carrots (optional, increases vitamin A)
• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped onion or chives (optional, makes the patty more fragrant)
• 1/4 tablespoon of olive oil or rice bran oil
• Do not use salt, sugar, or MSG, as the baby’s digestive system is not suitable

Note: for babies under 18 months, absolutely do not add strong seasonings like fish sauce, pepper, or scallions.

Steps to make squid patties for babies

To ensure the squid patties meet the standard of softness, fragrance, and safety, mothers should follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the squid

• Wash the squid with clean water.
• Remove the ink sac, squid eyes, and membrane.
• Use a dilute salt solution or dilute vinegar to remove the fishy smell, then rinse with clean water.
• Chop the squid small to make it easy to grind and prevent clumping during processing.

Proper preparation not only helps make the dish hygienic but also reduces the pungent smell that is sensitive to young children.

Step 2: Grind the squid correctly

• Put the squid in a blender, grind in short pulses to maintain a natural texture.
• Add cornstarch and chopped vegetables to grind together.
• Do not grind too finely, as it will make the patty lose the natural fibrous texture of the squid meat.

This is an important step to help the baby feel the texture of the food, which is an important factor in the development of chewing skills.

Step 3: Shape the squid patties

• Take small portions, roll into balls or flatten depending on the baby’s age.
• Under 1 year old: make small – thin – soft pieces for the baby to easily hold.
• Older than 18 months: can be shaped larger but still keep it soft.

Step 4: Cook the squid patties

Mothers can choose to steam or pan-fry without oil depending on the stage of weaning:

• Steaming:
  • Place the patties in a steamer for 10-12 minutes.
  • The patties are soft, easy to digest, and suitable for babies under 1 year old.
• Pan-frying without oil:
  • Use a non-stick pan, brush with a very thin layer of olive oil.
  • Pan-fry both sides for 2–3 minutes to create a light color.
  • Suitable for older babies, helping them feel a richer flavor.

How to steam or fry squid patties safely for babies

For babies, heat treatment is very important. Mothers should note:

• Do not deep-fry because it can cause bloating and indigestion.
• Do not let the patties get too dry; dry patties can cause choking.
• When steaming, place parchment paper to prevent the patties from breaking and maintain their shape.

See more: Tips for making crispy, golden, and delicious fried squid patties

How to store leftover squid patties for babies

• Refrigerator: 24 hours
• Freezer: 1–2 weeks
• When using again, mothers should steam it hot instead of frying it again to maintain moisture and avoid the baby getting overheated.

Important notes when making squid patties for babies at home

Choose fresh ingredients and ensure food safety

Fresh squid affects the quality of the dish directly. Mothers should choose:

• Squid body is pinkish white, not discolored
• Squid eyes are clear, not cloudy
• Squid has elasticity when pressed gently
• Natural sea smell, not pungent

A clean seafood source helps limit heavy metals and bacteria.

Prepare the squid correctly for babies

Incorrect preparation can leave the squid fishy, tough, or contaminated. Therefore:

• Completely remove the internal organs
• Wash with clean water
• Cut off the hard parts (like the squid bone if any)

Adjust seasonings to suit young children

• Under 1 year old: do not add salt. From 1–2 years old: you can add a very little bit of light fish sauce. The goal: keep the original flavor so the baby can get used to the original taste of the food.

Ensure the softness and size of the squid patties are safe for babies

• The patty needs to be soft and slightly elastic.
• Avoid making it too large, which can cause choking for babies who are just starting to eat.
• Always observe the baby while eating.

Check for allergic reactions in the baby

During the first 3 days of trying squid, mothers need to observe for symptoms such as:

• Red rash
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing

If it appears, stop immediately and take the baby to be checked.

Suggestions for variations of squid patties that are attractive to babies

How to make nutritious vegetable squid patties for babies

Combine squid with:

• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potato

Squid patties with vegetables help supplement vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fiber.

How to make fragrant green sticky rice squid patties for babies

Sticky rice creates softness and fragrance, making it easier for babies to chew.

• Mix dry sticky rice with ground squid
• Shape into patties
• Steam for 10 minutes

This dish is rich in carbohydrates and protein, balancing a snack.

How to make soft squid patties with minced pork for babies

Add 20g of lean pork to the squid mixture to create a soft and smooth texture like gio (Vietnamese pork paste). This recipe is suitable for babies who are picky eaters because it is easy to swallow.

How to make traditional squid patties (baby version)

Leave a portion of the squid chopped small to create a slight texture but still soft. However, make sure the size is not too large for the baby to chew.

See more: What delicious dishes can be made with squid patties?

Small tips when feeding squid patties to babies and other notes

How to cut and feed squid patties to babies appropriately for each age

• 10–12 months: cut into long strips for BLW
• 12–18 months: cut into small dice
• Over 2 years old: the baby can eat small whole pieces

Suggested menu combining squid patties with other weaning dishes

• Carrot squid patty porridge: Soft porridge combined with natural sweet carrots and diced squid patties. This dish is suitable for babies who are new to squid because it is easy to swallow, easy to digest, and has a mild flavor. Mothers just need to cook white porridge, add carrots to soften, then add squid patties and stir until cooked.
• Soft noodle soup with pumpkin sauce and squid patties: Soft boiled noodles mixed with smooth pumpkin sauce and chopped squid patties. Pumpkin creates a fatty and delicious taste, easy to eat; noodles help babies practice chewing skills. This dish is suitable for babies from 12 months and up.
• Crushed rice mixed with squid and vegetables: Softly cooked rice, mixed with steamed vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or peas, and chopped squid patties. This is a complete meal of carbohydrates – protein – vitamins, helping babies eat well without getting bored.
• Potato squid patty soup: Potatoes cooked until soft, mashed, then add chopped squid patties and cook for a few more minutes. The soup is smooth and easy to digest, very suitable for babies on light meals.

This is a way to diversify the diet while still ensuring enough protein