15 kid-approved recipes that’ll have even the pickiest eaters at the table

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Mealtime can be a challenge when trying to please everyone, especially kids with picky tastes. These 15 recipes take the guesswork out of what to cook, offering kid-approved options that make dinnertime smoother and more enjoyable. With simple preparations and flavors that kids love, these dishes are bound to bring everyone happily to the table without the usual fuss.

Low angle shot of crispy beef on a plate.
Crispy Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Beef Birria

low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Families searching for a comforting dish this fall will find Beef Birria a hit. It’s a recipe that brings warmth with every spoonful, making chilly evenings more enjoyable. Kids will love the tender beef, which makes it easy for even the pickiest eaters to enjoy. Plus, it offers a great way to introduce new flavors to their dinner routine without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Air Fryer Pork Belly

Stack of air fryer pork belly strips in hoisin glaze.
Air Fryer Pork Belly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re aiming for a dish that’s both quick and delicious, Air Fryer Pork Belly stands out. This recipe transforms the kitchen into a place where kids can look forward to mealtime, with its crispy exterior and juicy inside. It’s a simple yet effective way to make weeknight dinners exciting. Getting dinner on the table is now faster, leaving more time for family moments.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly

Quesabirria Tacos

Overhead shot of quesabirria tacos with lime wedges.
Quesabirria Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For those who enjoy a bit of hands-on eating, Quesabirria Tacos makes mealtime both fun and memorable. Kids will be fascinated by the colorful presentation and the unique combination of flavors packed into each taco. It’s a creative way to get everyone involved in the meal, from assembling their tacos to enjoying them together. This dish proves that interactive eating can be both easy and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

Char Siu

Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Char Siu offers a departure from the ordinary, featuring a dish that’s aromatic and appeals to all ages. This recipe is a fantastic method for introducing a bit of international flair to the dinner table, with its rich flavors and succulent texture. It’s unexpectedly simple to prepare, making it a great addition to the weekly meal rotation. This is the kind of recipe that could quickly become a requested favorite.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bring a bit of seaside flair to dinner with Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. This recipe is beloved for its simplicity and the quickness with which it comes together, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings. It’s a light yet fulfilling option that has a knack for winning over seafood skeptics, especially among the younger crowd. Sharing this dish might just turn into a cherished family memory.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Hoisin Beef

A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side.
Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hoisin Beef is a splendid choice for those evenings when you want something both straightforward and rich in flavor. The recipe allows for a wonderful blend of sweetness and savory, presenting a meal that’s appealing to kids and adults alike. It’s a fantastic way to spruce up the dinner routine without straying too far from familiar tastes. Each bite promises a comforting embrace of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The perfect answer to the quest for a quick, nutritiously balanced, and flavorful lunch option is Bombay Sandwiches. This recipe brings a fun twist to sandwiches, taking the mundane out of lunchtime. Especially when served alongside your favorite sides, it’s a meal that can easily become a go-to for outdoor picnics or busy afternoons. It encourages even the pickiest eaters to explore new taste horizons with enthusiasm.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Inviting Chicken Pakora to the table is like wrapping up in a cozy blanket on a cool fall evening. This dish, with its warm spices and crispy texture, becomes an instant hit, particularly during gatherings or as a special treat. It’s a recipe that might just rival your favorite snack, offering a comforting crunch with each bite. And it’s a fantastic opener to more explorative dining.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup

A bowl of wonton soup with shrimp in it.
Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Embrace the warmth of Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup, perfect for cooler weather. It combines the best of both worlds with delicately wrapped wontons and a soothing broth that invites everyone to relax around the dining table. Not only is it a nourishing meal option, but it also brings a sense of comfort and well-being. This is the kind of dish that leaves everyone feeling satisfied and content.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup

Mochiko Chicken

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mochiko Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, known for its crispy exterior and tender inside. This recipe is a fantastic way to change up the chicken game at your house, offering something different from the usual fare. It’s both kid-friendly and adult-approved, showcasing that a simple tweak to preparation can yield exciting results. Bringing this dish to the table promises a break from the mundane.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles

A bowl of shrimp lo mein with noodles, shrimp, and vegetables, topped with green onion slices. Chopsticks are placed on top of the dish. The bowl has a patterned design on the inside rim.
Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Make dinner an exploratory event with Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles. This dish is all about the blend of textures and flavors, creating a meal that sparks curiosity and treat. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new types of cuisine in an approachable manner, encouraging conversations around the dinner table. This recipe is a testament to the joys of discovery through food.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Fish tacos with shredded cabbage and cilantro lime crema.
Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema are sure to brighten any mealtime. This recipe combines the freshness of the sea with vibrant herbs, creating a taco that’s far from ordinary. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a more casual dining experience at home while keeping things wholesome and engaging. Offering a twist on taco night, this dish is a lively addition to any weekly menu.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Salpicon de Res

Low angle shot of mini tostadas with salpicon de res or shredded beef salad on top.
Salpicon de Res. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Salpicon de Res is a bold choice for those looking to infuse their meal plan with new flavors. This dish is known for its robust ingredients, coming together in a way that’s both hearty and refreshing. It offers a culinary adventure meant to be enjoyed slowly, making it an ideal meal for leisurely weekends. Introducing this recipe at home could foster a newfound appreciation for global cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Salpicon de Res

Crispy Beef

Low angle shot of crispy beef on a plate.
Crispy Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a taste that’s both familiar and thrillingly different, Crispy Beef is the way to go. This recipe delivers on its promise of a crunchy exterior with a succulent core, satisfying those who love a bit of texture in their meals. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough to elicit excitement. Watching this dish disappear from plates is the ultimate compliment to the chef.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Blackened Fish Tacos

Blackened fish tacos in taco holders.
Blackened Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Blackened Fish Tacos offer a distinctly flavorful meal option that’s hard to resist. This recipe is all about the bold spices and the unique way they complement the fish, making for an adventurous eating experience. It’s a fresh take on tacos that will likely spark conversation and recipe requests. Positioned as a lighter alternative, this dish promises an enjoyable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

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