Garlic Green Beans
These garlic green beans are one of the easiest vegetable sides to add to dinner. Fresh green beans cook quickly, then finish in a skillet with butter and garlic for a simple, flavorful side dish.
If you need a vegetable that works with almost any meal, this is a good one to keep in rotation. It's quick enough for busy weeknights but also fits right in with holiday dinners or Sunday meals.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's a quick side dish. These green beans cook in about 20 minutes, which makes them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple ingredients. You only need fresh green beans, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- It works for weeknight dinners or holiday meals. These garlic green beans pair well with chicken, ham, roast dinners, or simple family meals.
Ingredients at a Glance
- Fresh Green Beans - The main ingredient that gives this dish its bright color and crisp texture.
- Unsalted Butter - Creates the base of the sauce and coats the green beans.
- Garlic - Adds flavor to the butter and complements the green beans.
- Salt - Helps bring out the flavor of the vegetables.
- Black Pepper - Adds a mild seasoning to finish the dish.
How to Make Easy Garlic Green Beans
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and just tender.
Step 2: Drain the beans right away and set them aside. This stops the cooking so the beans stay tender instead of soft.
Step 3: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the green beans to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 5: Toss and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the beans are glossy and coated with garlic butter. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Substitutions and Easy Swaps
- Frozen green beans can be used instead of fresh. Thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- Olive oil can replace butter if preferred.
- Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available.
- Add another clove of garlic if you prefer stronger garlic flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic green beans work with many main dishes, which makes them a helpful side for weeknight dinners. Serve them with Baked Lemon Chicken, Air Fryer Kielbasa Bites, grilled steak, and more. They also pair well with mashed potatoes or rice dishes.
Storage and Reheating
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm the green beans gently in a skillet over medium heat or heat them in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes. Thaw them first and pat them dry before cooking, then follow the recipe as directed.
How do I keep green beans from becoming too soft?
Blanch them for only a few minutes so they stay tender but still hold their shape when finished in the skillet.
More Side Dish Recipes You'll Love
- Angel Hair Coleslaw
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Garlic
- Simple Potato Salad
- Parmesan Oregano Bread
Easy Garlic Butter Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and just tender.
- Drain the beans and set them aside so they stop cooking.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add the green beans to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Toss the beans in the garlic butter and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through and coated. Serve warm.
Notes
- Blanching helps keep the beans bright and tender.
- Cook the garlic briefly so it does not burn.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculation are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
