Garlic Butter Sautéed Green Beans Recipe
Introduction
Sautéed green beans are a simple, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. This recipe combines tender green beans with garlic and butter for a delicious and easy-to-make vegetable dish.
Ingredients
- 24 oz fresh green beans (ends trimmed)
- 3 Tbsp salted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the trimmed green beans in a large frying pan and add about 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the green beans until tender when poked with a fork, about 5 minutes. Drain the water and transfer the beans to a strainer.
- Step 2: In the same frying pan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant and the butter is fully melted.
- Step 3: Return the drained green beans to the pan. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the beans, then toss to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some pieces develop a slight crisp. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Try adding toasted almonds or pine nuts for a crunchy texture.
Storage
Store leftover sautéed green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the beans tender and flavorful.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
While fresh green beans work best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw and drain them well before cooking, and reduce the boiling time as they cook faster.
How do I avoid mushy green beans?
Be careful not to overcook the beans in the boiling water—test for tenderness with a fork and drain promptly. Also, cook them briefly when sautéing to keep some crispness.
PrintGarlic Butter Sautéed Green Beans Recipe
This sautéed green beans recipe offers tender green beans cooked to perfection with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. The green beans are first boiled until soft, then sautéed with salted butter and minced garlic to create a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 24 oz fresh green beans, ends trimmed
Seasoning & Sauté
- 3 Tbsp salted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Boil the Green Beans: Add 24 oz of trimmed fresh green beans to a large frying pan. Fill the pan with about 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the green beans until they are soft when pierced with a fork, approximately 5 minutes. Drain the water and transfer the beans to a strainer.
- Melt Butter and Garlic: Place the frying pan back on medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of salted butter along with the 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the butter is completely melted and the garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Sauté Green Beans: Return the drained green beans to the pan. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper evenly over the beans. Toss the mixture together to coat the beans thoroughly. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring and flipping occasionally until some beans develop a slight crispiness. Remove from heat, scoop onto a plate, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Trimming the ends of the green beans ensures they cook evenly and are more pleasant to eat.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when melting the butter; cook on medium heat and watch closely.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine.
- This recipe pairs well with grilled meats or roasted chicken for a balanced meal.
Keywords: sautéed green beans, garlic green beans, green beans side dish, easy vegetable recipes, healthy green beans
