The Best Sautéed Green Beans (Kid-Approved Favourite)

These are simply the best sautéed green beans for kids, guaranteed to tempt the pickiest of eaters. Lightly steamed and sautéed with olive oil, freshly chopped garlic, sliced almonds, and a dash of garlic salt, these kid-friendly green beans are delicious! They have the perfect crunch, guaranteed to fly off the plate. They’re a favourite side dish in our house.

These Are The Best Kid-Friendly Green Beans

This simple green bean recipe is one of my families favorite veggie recipes and let me tell you my house is not filled with veggie lovers! There’s so much to love:

This is a healthy way to cook green beans – steaming maximises the nutrients in the cooked beans

Ideal as finger food for little ones – perfect if you’re looking for green beans for toddlers and babies

Quick, easy recipe – 15 minutes to make from start to finish

If you’re looking for green beans kids will eat, this recipe is the one to try, transforming plain green beans into a crave-worthy side dish that the whole family will love.

Prepping Ahead

You can trim and prep the beans ahead of time, so it will be even quicker to prepare come dinner time. Simply wash, snip the ends and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for a couple days.

Not only does this recipe make a great side dish, there’s a few other ways my family enjoys these. If you have any left over for the next day, here’s a few ways to use them.

The Benefits Of Eating Green Beans

You’re probably aware that green beans are good for kids – all vegetables are, that’s why we keep banging on about them to our little ones! However, you may not realise exactly what the benefits are, so here you go.

Green beans are nutrient dense, rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene (responsible for their vibrant green), folate and potassium.

One cup of raw green beans contains:

• about 2 grams of plant protein
• 2.7 g of fiber or 4.0 g when cooked
• zero cholesterol

What’s not to love! The key is making them tasty enough to get your kids to eat them – this kid-friendly green bean recipe is your answer.

A Quick Side Dish Recipe With Only 5 Ingredients

To make these green beans for kids, you’ll need:

• fresh green beans
• olive oil (or sub butter)
• chopped fresh garlic
• sliced almonds
• Lawyr’s garlic salt (I use this garlic salt for just about everything, personal favorite)

Substitutions & Additions

• try yellow beans or French beans instead of regular green beans (French beans are smaller and thinner so will need a little less steaming and sautéing)
• add some crispy fried onions or a teaspoon of onion powder
• add sesame seeds for some extra nutrition and for even more of a crunchy texture, or use these instead of sliced almonds if catering for nut allergies
• experiment with different oils – sesame oil is a tasty alternative

A Healthy Side Dish Kids Can Help Make

This kid-friendly green bean recipe is also a great way to get your kids cooking with you in the kitchen. It’s easy, safe and fun too. When it’s time to prepare this quick side dish, my 9 year old is by my side in the kitchen. He loves being my hands on helper, and it’s pretty much his job now. (Besides eating them all, LOL.)

How Do I Get My Toddler To Eat Green Beans

I’m super lucky that my kids became great eaters and eat their vegetables. But it didn’t start off that way – as toddlers they went through several fussy stages…. But I was persistent and consistency and I think these are key.

I always served veggies with every meal, even at breakfast! Even if I knew the veggies would probably be left, I’d add a few anyway. I’d also offer their favourite sauce for them to dip their veggies into as a way of encouragement.

Lastly, I was always looking for tasty ways to prep and cook veggies, and these sautéed green beans was one such winning recipe.

Now their favorite’s are peas, broccoli, artichokes and, of course, these kid-friendly green beans.

How To Make Sautéed Green Beans For Kids

1. Prep your ingredients

• Trim and wash fresh green beans, chop or grate some fresh garlic, and measure out the other ingredients.

2. Steam the beans

• Place the trimmed beans in a wok or large skillet and add 2 tablespoons of water. Place a lid on top and bring to boil on a medium high heat. (Use a steamer basket if you prefer but I like to keep it simpler and minimise washing up by using the same wok/skillet used for sautéing.)
• Steam for 5 minutes until green beans are firm, and not soft. They will continue to cook with the next steps.
• Remove the lid, and drain any extra water.

3. Cook with olive oil & seasoning until crispy

• Set pan back on the heat and add the olive oil, garlic, sliced almonds, and salt. Using tongs toss the beans so they’re well coated with olive oil and seasoning.
• Cook until the garlic and almonds start to brown and turn crisp. This will take 5-7 minutes – check for your desired texture.
• Remove from heat and enjoy!

Steps To Make Kid-Friendly Green Beans

Here are picture instructions to making green beans for kids.

This Side Dish Recipe Will Go Great With

• Best 3 Bean Chili
• Healthy Turkey Burges (Without Breadcrumbs)
• Grilled Shrimp Skewers
• Baked Chicken Nuggets – Panko Breadcrumb Recipe
• The Best Grilled Steak Fajitas
• Hidden Veg Turkey Burger Sliders

Can You Trim Green Beans In Advance?

Yes, it’s a great idea to trim the green beans in advance so you can reduce prep time later on. If you do, keep the trimmed beans refrigerated, in an air tight container or ziplock baggie.

Use your pre-cut green beans within 1-2 days for best freshness.

Can I Make Green Beans For Kids In Butter Or Olive Oil?

You can sauté the green beans in either butter, olive oil, or a combination of both. This is personal preference for flavor. I usually only use the olive oil, so I don’t add any extra calories but butter adds an extra element of flavor, that’s oh-so-good!

Do You Need To Blanch Green Beans?

No, you do not need to blanch them first. Blanching green beans is when you boil the green beans until half cooked, i.e. very firm, then put them in ice-cold water to stop them from cooking any further. This would give them a crisp texture before sautéing them.

In this kid-friendly green bean recipe I prefer to lightly steam them, then add the other ingredients while the green beans are bright green, and crisp. They turn out perfectly every time. Check the recipe card below for cooking instructions.

Why Did My Green Beans Turn Brown When Cooked?

The green beans will go through color variations during the cooking process. They start green, and as they cook will turn a vibrant bright green, to a brownish color, then to a very drab green. They lose their vibrancy, and crisp texture the longer they cook.

In addition, adding something acidic like vinegar or lemon juice will turn green vegetables a brownish, muddy color.

How Do I Kow If My Green Beans Are Bad?

You can easily test green beans for freshness through their color, and texture. If you break them in half, you should hear a snapping sound and they should be a strong green colour. These are both indications that they’re still fresh.

On the other hand, beans with brown spots, stringy beans or soft, mushy and, more obviously, mouldy beans, are indications that they are past their best or have gone bad. Green beans with any of these signs won’t taste good.

Tips For The Perfect Best Sautéed Green Beans

Here are my top tips for making these delicious green beans for kids – so they actually eat them!

• Use a wok – best for crispiness and crunch. Just toss the steamed green beans in for perfect even cooking.
• Add only the recommended amount of water stated in the recipe (2 tablespoons) – you don’t want them to over steam. Remember, the steaming isn’t about fully cooking them, the green beans will finish cooking in the wok.
• Only steam the beans until they are bright green, and still firm and crisp. They will continue to cook in the wok once you’ve added olive oil, and other ingredients.
• Make sure to get a light toast on the garlic, and sliced almonds. They taste the best with a crunch. Mmmmm!

Ideas For Leftover Sautéed Green Beans

• Heat them up by sautéing in a wok with a couple minutes and have them another day
• Turn them into a salad and eat them cold. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or try adding cucumber and feta cheese, my personal favorite!
• Add to you child’s lunch box (if their school allows nuts)
• Turn into a main meal with the addition of some cooked and sliced chicken tenders

Need something for after?

Whatever dish these kid-friendly green beans are accompanying, here are some treat ideas for after:

• Frozen Banana Bites
• 2 Banana Choc Chip Banana Bread
• Strawberry Cake Balls
• Blueberry Heart Pie Pops
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

Ready To Dive Into This Easy Kid-Friendly Green Bean Recipe?

You may have tried cooking green beans for your kids before and struggled to get them enthusiastic, or even eating a single one! Plain boiled or steamed beans just didn’t cut it with my lot..

But add flavour with garlic and olive oil, some almond crunchiness and sauté until nice and crisp in a hot skillet and hey presto! A fun vegetable recipe and healthy side dish for kids that they will truly enjoy!