This Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe is a warm, simple side dish that fits dinner on busy nights, holiday meals, and weeknight plates. The beans stay crisp and get a soft garlic butter coat that most people love. If you enjoy rich garlic flavors, you might also like the garlic butter steak bites with parmesan cream sauce, they share a similar buttery garlic taste. This green bean dish is easy to make, quick to cook, and a real crowd pleaser, so get ready to enjoy a small, tasty side that will disappear fast.
how to prepare Garlic Butter Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional, a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes
Directions
- Rinse and trim the green beans, dry them well.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the green beans and cook, stirring, for 4 to 6 minutes, until they start to get tender and bright green.
- Push the beans to one side of the pan. Add the remaining butter and the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, do not burn it.
- Mix the garlic and butter with the green beans. Cook 1 to 2 more minutes, until the beans are cooked but still crisp.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like.
- Serve hot.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Quick, they take about 10 minutes to cook.
- Fresh taste, the green beans stay bright and crisp.
- Rich garlic butter flavor, that most people find comforting.
- Versatile, they pair with chicken, beef, fish, or a simple grain.
- Easy to scale up for a crowd or make small for one or two people.
tips for success
- Dry the beans well after rinsing, wet beans will steam not sauté.
- Use a hot pan, the beans will get a nice color and keep a slight crunch.
- Do not burn the garlic, add it near the end and watch it for 30 seconds.
- Taste and season at the end, salt and pepper make the flavors pop.
- If you want softer beans, cover the pan for a minute, then remove the lid to let the butter brown.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a simple weeknight meal.
- Add to a holiday plate with mashed potatoes and roast turkey.
- Toss with toasted almonds or grated parmesan for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve over rice or with a slice of lemon for a bright finish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe? A: Yes, you can. Thaw and pat them dry first, then cook a little longer until they are hot through.
Q: How long can I store leftovers? A: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan.
Q: Can I make this without butter? A: Yes, use more olive oil if you need a dairy free option. The flavor will be a bit different but still good.
Q: Can I add other herbs or spices? A: Yes, try thyme, parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Q: How do I keep the beans crisp? A: Do not overcook, cook until bright and just tender. Shock in cold water if you want to stop the cooking fast.
Conclusion
For a quick and tasty side that goes with many meals, try this Garlic Butter Green Beans. If you want another version and a fast 15 minute idea, see Foolproof Living’s 15-minute Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe for more tips and a ready plan.
Garlic Butter Green Beans
A warm, simple side dish featuring crisp green beans coated in rich garlic butter. Perfect for busy nights and holiday meals.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed (Use fresh beans for the best texture.)
- 2 tablespoons butter (Divided: 1 tablespoon for cooking, 1 tablespoon for flavor.)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Add near the end to avoid burning.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (For sautéing the beans.)
- Salt, to taste (Enhances flavor.)
- Black pepper, to taste (Enhances flavor.)
- Optional: squeeze of lemon or pinch of red pepper flakes (For added flavor.)
Preparation
- Rinse and trim the green beans, then dry them well.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the green beans, cooking and stirring for 4 to 6 minutes, until they are tender and bright green.
Cooking
- Push the beans to one side of the pan and add the remaining butter and minced garlic.
- Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Mix the garlic and butter with the green beans and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until the beans are cooked but still crisp.
- Season with salt and black pepper, and add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot.
For best results, dry the beans thoroughly before sautéing. Use a hot pan to get nice color and keep crunch. If you desire softer beans, cover the pan for a minute and then uncover to let the butter brown.
