Garlic Green Beans with Brown Butter and Almonds Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Green Beans are a flavorful and easy side dish that combines tender green beans with nutty browned butter, toasted almonds, and a hint of garlic. This recipe offers a simple way to elevate fresh green beans for any meal.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fresh green beans (trimmed and washed)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Step 2: Spread the green beans out on a large baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes to soften them slightly. If you prefer crisper green beans, you can skip this step and cook entirely on the stovetop.
- Step 3: Place the butter in a large skillet and melt over medium to medium-low heat. Stir frequently with a spatula and watch closely as the butter begins to separate and the milk solids turn a golden brown color, releasing a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from the heat immediately once the butter starts to brown to prevent burning, as it will continue to brown slightly even off the heat.
- Step 5: Add the green beans to the skillet along with the minced garlic, onion powder, seasoned salt, and Italian seasoning. Toss with tongs to evenly coat the beans in the browned butter and seasonings.
- Step 6: Return the skillet to medium heat and cook for 5 to 10 minutes more, tossing frequently, until the green beans reach your desired crispness. Add the slivered almonds during the last two minutes and toss to combine.
- Step 7: Transfer the garlic green beans to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when tossing the green beans in the skillet.
- You can substitute toasted pecans or walnuts for the slivered almonds if preferred.
- Omitting the oven step keeps the green beans crisper, while baking softens them for a more tender texture.
- Use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced for the best flavor.
Storage
Store leftover garlic 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 to maintain their texture and flavor. Avoid overheating to prevent the butter from scorching.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Frozen green beans can work but may be softer and release more water when cooked. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before starting the recipe, and you may want to skip the oven step.
What can I serve with garlic green beans?
Garlic green beans pair well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a holiday dinner spread. They also complement rice, pasta, and potato dishes nicely.
PrintGarlic Green Beans with Brown Butter and Almonds Recipe
These Garlic Green Beans are a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish featuring perfectly tender green beans sautéed in rich browned butter, infused with garlic, aromatic spices, and crunchy slivered almonds. The green beans are briefly roasted to soften and then cooked on the stovetop for a deliciously crispy texture and nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 16 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
Dairy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Other
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread the cleaned and trimmed green beans evenly on a large baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes to soften them slightly. If you prefer them crisper, you can skip this roasting step.
- Brown the Butter: While the green beans roast, place the unsalted butter in a large skillet and melt it over medium to medium-low heat. Stir frequently with a spatula, watching carefully as the butter separates and the milk solids turn a golden brown, emitting a nutty aroma. This browning process takes about 5 minutes and requires close attention to avoid burning.
- Remove from Heat: Once the butter starts to brown, immediately remove the skillet from the heat. The residual heat will continue to brown the butter slightly for about a minute more.
- Add Seasonings and Beans: Add the roasted green beans to the skillet along with the minced garlic, onion powder, seasoned salt, and Italian seasoning. Use tongs to toss and evenly coat the green beans in the browned butter and spices.
- Sauté: Place the skillet back on medium heat and cook the green beans for 5 to 10 minutes, tossing frequently with tongs until you reach the desired crispness.
- Add Almonds: In the last two minutes of cooking, add the slivered almonds to the skillet and toss to combine, allowing the almonds to toast slightly in the butter.
- Serve: Transfer the garlic green beans to a serving dish and enjoy this flavorful side immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer your green beans crisper and less soft, you can skip the initial roasting step and cook entirely on the stovetop.
- Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns because it can go from perfectly nutty to burnt very quickly.
- Seasoned salt adds a nice depth of flavor, but you can reduce it or use regular salt according to your taste.
- For a nut-free version, omit the slivered almonds or substitute with toasted breadcrumbs.
- This recipe pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a holiday meal.
Keywords: garlic green beans, sautéed green beans, browned butter green beans, almond green beans, easy vegetable side dish
