Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Butter Green Beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with any meal. Fresh green beans are sautéed in rich butter and fragrant garlic, creating a delicious, tender vegetable that’s quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and trim the green beans by snapping off the ends.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 4: Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the garlic butter.
- Step 5: Cook the green beans for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still crisp.
- Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute—start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
- To add crunch, toss in some toasted almonds or pine nuts just before serving.
Storage
Store leftover garlic butter green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain their crisp texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Thaw them first and pat dry to avoid extra moisture, then cook as directed. They may need a slightly shorter cooking time.
How do I keep green beans bright green and crisp?
Cooking them just until tender and avoiding overcooking helps maintain their color and crunch. Blanching in boiling water for a couple of minutes before sautéing can also preserve their bright green color.
PrintGarlic Butter Green Beans Recipe
Garlic Butter Green Beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed in rich butter with aromatic garlic, seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper. This quick and easy recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the green beans while adding a savory, buttery garlic twist, making it an ideal accompaniment for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Rinse the green beans thoroughly under cold water and trim the ends by snapping or cutting them off. Set aside.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it is fully combined and begins to bubble slightly.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until fragrant.
- Cook the Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter to coat evenly. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7 to 10 minutes or until the green beans are tender but still crisp. Adjust cooking time based on your preferred texture.
- Season: Season the green beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything a good toss to distribute the seasoning well.
- Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the garlic butter green beans to a serving dish. Serve warm as a delicious side for your favorite protein or main course.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the garlic slightly longer but be careful not to burn it.
- To make this dish vegan, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish if desired.
- Fresh green beans are preferred for the best crispness and flavor, but frozen green beans can be used if fresh are not available; reduce cooking time accordingly.
Keywords: green beans, garlic butter green beans, sautéed green beans, easy vegetable side, healthy side dish, quick green beans
