Sautéed green beans are a classic and easy vegetable side dish that goes great with almost any main course. By quickly cooking fresh green beans in melted butter with garlic, you can create a flavorful accompaniment in under 15 minutes. The combination of crisp-tender beans, browned garlic bits, and rich butter creates a simple yet restaurant-worthy recipe. This green bean dish highlights the natural sweetness of green beans and pairs perfectly with savory proteins like chicken, beef, and fish. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe promises to become a new staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients That Create Maximum Flavor
The beauty of this green bean recipe lies in its short, high impact ingredient list. By leveraging just a few readily available items, you can make a side dish bursting with flavor.
- Green Beans – Choose fresh, crisp green beans rather than canned or frozen varieties. Pick beans that are uniform in size and vibrant green in color. Common types like haricots verts or standard green beans work great.
- Butter – High quality butter is key, as it coats the beans and adds rich, savory flavor. Salted or unsalted butter will both work well.
- Garlic – The garlic cooks quickly in the hot butter and adds a lovely aromatic quality. Use 2-4 cloves minced or sliced thinly.
- Salt and Pepper – Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper give the beans a final seasoning boost.
- Optional: Lemon Juice – A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the buttery flavors.
While you can use frozen beans in a pinch, fresh green beans will deliver optimal texture and taste. There are no required substitutions for dietary needs, but olive oil can replace the butter for vegetarian/vegan diets.
Necessary Equipment For Quick Cooking
Part of what makes this recipe so easy to whip up is that you likely already have the simple kitchen tools required:
- Skillet – Use a medium stainless steel or nonstick skillet with a lid. The lid helps the beans steam gently after sautéing.
- Tongs – Long handled tongs make it easy to toss the beans during cooking.
- Spatula – A heat-resistant rubber or silicone spatula helps stir and incorporate the garlic and butter.
- Knife and Cutting Board – You’ll need these basic tools to trim the ends of beans and mince the garlic.
- Measuring Spoons – Measuring out the butter and seasoning ensures proper portions.
- Serving Dish – Transfer the finished beans to a serving bowl or platter to take to the table.
As long as you have a quality 12-inch skillet with a fitted lid, you’re all set for equipment. Cast iron or ceramic skillets can also be used.
How to Cook Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic & Butter
With just 20 minutes of active cooking time, you can enjoy restaurant-quality green beans using this straightforward process:
- Trim the ends – Cut off the stem and tip ends of the beans. This prevents uneven cooking.
- Blanch quickly – Boil beans in salted water for 2 minutes, then shock in ice bath. This pre-cooks them.
- Sauté garlic in butter – Melt 2 Tbsp butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Toss in green beans – When garlic becomes fragrant, add blanched beans to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper – Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Toss to coat beans.
- Steam with lid on – Add 2 Tbsp water to skillet, then cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until beans reach desired tenderness.
- Finish with lemon juice (optional) – Stir in 1 tsp fresh lemon juice just before serving for a tangy flavor pop.
Getting the right tenderness is easy – the beans should be lightly browned in spots and still have a bit of crunch.
Delectable Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This versatile vegetable side pairs particularly well with:
- Hearty proteins like grilled steak, baked chicken, or seared salmon
- Classic American dishes like meatloaf, fried chicken, or pot roast
- Ethnic cuisine including fajitas, shakshuka, or pad thai
- Holiday meals like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or rack of lamb
Get creative with how you serve the beans in addition to a side dish bowl:
- Piled on top of grain bowls or salad entrees
- Spooned into sandwiches or wraps for crunch
- As a topping for bruschetta or flatbread pizzas
- Stirred into soups, stews, or pasta dishes
- Skewered on kebabs alternating with meat and peppers
With their quick cooking time, green beans also make an easy plant-based protein accompaniment. The possibilities are endless!
Flavor Boosters, Add-Ins, and Variations
Part of the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Try these tasty additions and tweaks:
- Go Mediterranean – Add sundried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
- Get Cheesy – Toss in grated parmesan or shredded mozzarella for ooey-gooey beans.
- Spice It Up – Mix in red pepper flakes, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Pump Up the Citrus – Use lemon zest and juice or orange segments.
- Make it Hearty – Sauté diced bacon or pancetta, then cook beans in the rendered fat.
- Add Herbs – Chives, thyme, parsley, and basil all complement the flavors.
- Toss in Nuts – Slivered almonds, chopped walnuts, or pine nuts add crunch.
The possibilities are endless! Taste as you cook and get creative with ingredients.
Pro Tips and Tricks For Best Results
Follow these expert tips for guaranteed success when making this green bean recipe:
- Choose young, slender beans and remove ends for even cooking. Older beans can be fibrous.
- Quick-blanching first helps the beans retain their beautiful green color.
- Cook the garlic briefly so it becomes fragrant but not burnt and bitter.
- Toss the beans frequently while sautéing to ensure even browning and seasoning distribution.
- The lid on the skillet creates a steam environment that finishes cooking the beans perfectly.
- Taste and season the beans throughout cooking, then finish with lemon juice as needed for brightness.
- For variations, make sure any add-ins are pre-cooked so they just need a quick sauté to finish.
FAQs About Sautéed Green Beans
Is it better to steam or boil fresh green beans?
Steaming is generally considered better than boiling for cooking fresh green beans. Steaming cooks the beans more gently and helps them retain more nutrients and their bright green color.
Do you rinse green beans before cooking?
It is recommended to rinse fresh green beans under running water before cooking. This washes away any dirt or debris. Pat dry afterward.
Should I cut green beans before boiling?
Cutting or snapping the ends off fresh green beans before cooking is optional, but can help them cook more evenly. Leave whole or cut into pieces as desired.
What happens if you forget to rinse beans before cooking?
If you forget to rinse the beans before cooking, they may retain some dirt or grit. The beans may also take slightly longer to cook through. Make sure to wash and clean the cooked beans thoroughly before serving if not rinsed before cooking. It is still safe to eat them, though rinsing first is ideal.
Conclusion: Sautéed Green Beans
When you need an easy, flavorful vegetable side to complement your meal, look no further than sautéed green beans with garlic and butter. Taking just 20 relaxing minutes to make, you’ll love the restaurant-worthy beans and want to add this recipe to your regular repertoire. The simplicity of quality ingredients combined with quick stovetop cooking techniques results in a side dish that perfectly highlights fresh green beans. Give this recipe a try and get ready to enjoy your new favorite way to eat green beans.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons water (optional)
- Optional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for a lighter option)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon zest (for a brighter flavor)
- Chopped shallots (instead of garlic)
Instructions
- Prep the Green Beans: Wash and trim the green beans. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the Butter (or Oil): Melt butter (or heat olive oil, if using) in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the Green Beans: Add the green beans to the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. You can add a splash of water (1-2 tablespoons) to the pan if they start to stick or seem dry.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Once the green beans are almost tender, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve (Optional Garnish): Remove the pan from heat. You can optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley, lemon zest, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve immediately while hot or warm.
Notes
- The cooking time for the green beans can vary depending on their thickness. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of crispness.
- Using a large pan ensures the green beans cook evenly in a single layer.
- Don't overcrowd the pan, or the green beans will steam instead of sauté and brown.
- For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of regular butter. To brown butter, melt it over medium heat until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the texture will be less crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic & Butter
Serves: 4-6 servings
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Amount Per Serving: 1-2 servings
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||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 80-100 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 5-7g | 7.7% | |
| Saturated Fat 3-4g | 15% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 10mg | 3.3% | |
| Sodium 70-100mg | 2.9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 7-10g | 2.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2-3g | 8% | |
| Sugars 2-3g | ||
| Protein 1-2g | ||
| Vitamin A Moderate source | Vitamin C Good source | |
| Calcium Low | Iron Moderate source | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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