Sautéed green beans with garlic in a skillet garnished with herbs

Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic is a simple and delicious side dish that adds flavor and nutrition to any meal. Green beans are crisp, vibrant, and packed with vitamins. When sautéed with garlic, they become even more enjoyable. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to include more vegetables in your diet!

how to make Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

Ingredients:

  • 250g / 8oz green beans, trimmed (Note 1)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or butter!)
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (~ 2 tsp; do not use jar or garlic crusher) (Note 2)
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper

Directions:

  1. Blanch beans: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the green beans and cook for 4 minutes. They will turn bright green. Drain and rinse them under cold tap water to cool. There’s really no need to shock them in ice water. Shake off the excess water.

  2. Sauté: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and garlic. Toss or stir for 2 minutes until the garlic becomes golden and crispy. Add salt and pepper, then toss again.

  3. Serve: Transfer the beans to a serving dish and serve warm!

  4. Prepare ahead: You can blanch the beans as described in step 1, cool and dry them, then store them in the fridge until you need them. When you’re ready to serve, just toss them with the garlic. It’s an instant on-demand side!

how to serve Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

Serve Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic as a side dish with grilled meat, roasted chicken, or fish. They also pair well with rice or quinoa for a healthy meal. You can garnish them with a sprinkle of lemon juice or parmesan cheese for added flavor.

how to store Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

If you have any leftovers, let the sautéed green beans cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply sauté them in a pan for a few minutes until warmed through.

tips to make Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

  • Make sure to trim the ends of the green beans for a neat appearance.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic.
  • If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing.

variation

For a twist, you can mix in some chopped almonds or walnuts during the sautéing process for added crunch. You might also try adding a splash of soy sauce for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just thaw them before cooking and reduce the blanching time slightly.

2. What if I don’t have olive oil?
You can easily substitute butter or any other cooking oil you prefer.

3. How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is vegan as written. Just be sure to use olive oil instead of butter if you want to keep it plant-based.