Green Beans For Kids

Green beans for kids start with sauteed green beans and are drizzled with a peanut butter satay that will have your whole family requesting green beans all the time. A healthy side dish perfect for kids that’s gluten-free.  

This easy side dish presents beautifully, is simple to make, and the flavor is amazing. Fresh or frozen green beans work just fine. Add to the menu rotation any night of the week. Best of all, easily teach kids how to make this simple green bean recipe on their own!

Kids also enjoy making Oreo Dip, Yogurt Fruit Dip and Banana Bread with Applesauce.

If you’re looking for ways to make green beans appealing to your kids and enhance their flavor, we’ve got you covered! Our kid-friendly green bean recipe not only incorporates delicious flavors but also provides essential nutrients.

Gone are the days of bland and unexciting green beans. Vegetables are meant to be flavorful, and our recipe takes them to the next level by introducing a simple yet delectable peanut butter satay sauce that will make your children crave green beans time and time again. This versatile sauce also works wonderfully with asparagus, broccoli, and snap peas, offering a variety of options to explore.

When it comes to cooking vegetables, there are numerous methods to choose from, such as steaming in the microwave, using an instant pot for steaming, skillet-roasting, or air frying. Each approach can yield delicious results, so feel free to experiment and find your family’s preferred cooking style.

Let this recipe serve as an inspiration to explore different spices, seasoning blends, and sauces that can elevate the enjoyment of vegetables for your loved ones. By introducing a variety of flavors, you can increase your family’s intake of these nutritious foods. Continue reading to discover tips on selecting, preparing, and storing fresh green beans, ensuring the best quality and taste.

With these strategies and our enticing recipe, you’ll transform green beans into a favorite dish that both children and adults will relish. Embrace the possibilities and let the flavors shine!

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• Fresh Green Beans: Using fresh green beans is always a great choice, as they have a crisp texture and vibrant color. Make sure to trim off the ends before cooking for better presentation and ease of eating.
• Olive Oil: The olive oil is used for sautéing the green beans. It adds a hint of richness and helps prevent sticking to the pan.
• Natural Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter adds a creamy and nutty flavor to the satay sauce. Look for peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option.
• Tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, typically made from fermented soybeans. It adds a savory and umami flavor to the satay sauce.
• Hot Water: Adding hot water to the sauce helps to thin out the peanut butter and create a smooth consistency. The amount of water can be adjusted to achieve the desired thickness of the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice provides a bright and tangy flavor to balance the richness of the peanut butter. It adds a refreshing element to the sauce.
• Sriracha or Hot Sauce: If you want to add a spicy kick to the satay sauce, you can include Sriracha or any preferred hot sauce. This ingredient is optional and can be adjusted according to the desired level of spiciness.

These ingredients come together to create a tasty satay sauce that complements the green beans. The combination of nutty, savory, tangy, and potentially spicy flavors can make this dish appealing to both kids and adults. Adjust the flavors and spice level to suit your family’s taste preferences, and enjoy this healthy and flavorful side dish.

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

How To Make

In a large skillet, heat the oil then add the green beans. Cover and stir often until tender.

Make the satay

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, hot water, tamari, lemon juice, and sriracha or hot sauce if using, and blend until smooth.

Serve

Place green beans on a serving platter and drizzle with peanut sauce. 

Serving Suggestions

Skillet green beans pair well with all the kid favorites such as burgers, corn dogs, chicken nuggets or tenders.

They can also be served alongside a scoop of rice and a source of protein like chicken, pork or beef to make a complete meal. You can even add all these ingredients to the skillet to make an easy homemade stir fry drizzled with peanut sauce.

This recipe is not only meant for mealtimes, but can be used as an after-school or weekend snack. Especially the leftovers! Kids can easily reheat leftover green beans and enjoy as a savory snack.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for preparing green beans that kids will enjoy:

• Choose Fresh and Crisp Green Beans: Look for bright green, firm green beans with no blemishes or signs of wilting. Fresh green beans will have a better texture and taste.
• Trim the Ends: Before cooking, trim off the ends of the green beans. This helps to remove any tough or stringy parts, making them more appealing and easier to eat.
• Blanch for a Crisp Texture: Blanching green beans before sautéing them can help retain their bright green color and maintain a crisp texture. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the green beans for about 2-3 minutes until they turn vibrant green. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well before sautéing.
• Peanut Butter Satay Sauce: Make a kid-friendly sauce by combining peanut butter with flavors like soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and a touch of ginger or garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Drizzle the satay sauce over the sautéed green beans before serving. The sweet and savory combination can make the green beans more appealing to children.
• Let Kids Participate: Involve your kids in the cooking process by allowing them to wash and trim the green beans, mix the sauce ingredients, or sprinkle the sesame seeds. When kids feel a sense of ownership and involvement, they may be more excited to try the dish.

Remember to consider any allergies or dietary restrictions when preparing the sauce or other ingredients. Adjust the flavors and seasonings according to your family’s preferences. By presenting green beans in a tasty and appealing way, you may encourage your kids to develop a love for this healthy side dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Fresh, uncooked green beans can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Once cooked, these kid friendly green beans are best when stored in the fridge and used within 3 days. Store in a covered container.

Reheat in a skillet or in the microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Bean Recipes for Kids

• Instant Pot Green Beans
• Air Fry Green Beans
• Brown Sugar Baked Beans
• Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans
• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
• Crockpot Refried Beans
• Black Bean Brownies

Healthy Side Dishes

• Crockpot Red Potatoes
• Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
• How To Roast Acorn Squash
• Summer Fruit Kabobs
• Easy Broccoli Salad without Mayo
• Sauteed Butternut Squash
• Brussels Sprout Apple Salad
• Parmesan Garlic-Herb Zoodles