Green beans are a versatile vegetable that can easily transform from a simple side to a standout dish with just a little bit of effort. There are many ways to cook green beans, however I’ve found that sautéing them is by far one of the simplest methods. My garlic sautéed green bean recipe is proof that sometimes all you need are a few fresh ingredients and a hot skillet to create something absolutely palate-pleasing. When cooked just right, they become tender, crisp, and packed with flavor.
As a child, I wasn’t really a fan of sautéed green beans. But now, they’ve become one of my go-to dishes because my recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. I love making these green beans for quick weeknight dinners and always prepare extra for leftovers. They’re delicious as-is and can be easily tossed into a salad or a stir fry dish.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Sautéed Green Beans
This recipe is easy and quick. This simple recipe comes together in about 15 minutes, making it a go-to for weeknights or even as a side dish for holiday dinners. And as simple as it is, it brings a surprising amount of flavor into each bite. Each element of the dish works together well. The garlic adds a deep flavor to the familiar earthy tone of the fresh green beans. The olive oil and seasonings give the green beans a smooth finish without overwhelming the green beans.
What Makes These Garlic Sautéed Green Beans Comforting?
- Using simple, wholesome ingredients brings a comforting sense of familiarity.
- The warm, inviting flavors of garlic and olive oil add a cozy touch to the dish, enhancing the green beans without overpowering them.
- The fresh beans offer just the right balance with their vibrant crunch, pairing well with almost any main course.
5 Ingredients You’ll Need to Make These Garlic Sautéed Green Beans
- Fresh Green Beans: This is the main ingredient! It provides a fresh, vibrant, and crunchy base.
- Garlic Cloves: We’ll give these a good mince to easily disperse the taste throughout the dish! Garlic adds a warm aromatic flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Adds a familiar flavor and enhances the natural earthy flavors of the green beans and garlic.
- Water: Helps steam the green beans and soften their texture.
- Olive Oil: Used as a smooth base sautéing the garlic and green beans.
How to Make Garlic Sautéed Green Beans
- Heat the pan/oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the green beans and seasonings: Add the green beans, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beans in the garlic and oil.
- Pour in the water and cover: Pour in the water and cover the skillet. Let the beans steam for about 5 minutes.
- Uncover: Uncover the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water evaporates and the beans are fully tender.
- Serve: Plate these up and enjoy with your favorites!
Tips for This Garlic Sautéed Green Beans Recipe
- Choose Fresh Beans: Freshly snapped green beans work best for this dish. Look for beans that are firm and bright green. Avoid ones with brown spots.
- Garlic Cook Time: Be careful not to burn your garlic! Add it just before the beans and only sauté it for about a minute, so it adds flavor without getting too dark.
- Control the Sauté Time: I like my sautéed green beans to have a tender-crunch. However, if you prefer a softer texture, sauté the green beans a bit longer than I advised.
Topping and Flavor Suggestions
• Toasted Almonds or Breadcrumbs: For a little crunch, add a handful of toasted almonds or breadcrumbs.
• Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a creamy, salty touch.
• Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest brightens the dish and balances the flavors.
• Add Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
• Crumbled Bacon: For extra savory flavor, sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top before serving.
• Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the savory beans.
Well, that’s all there is to this garlic sautéed green bean recipe. It’s proof that comfort can come in the simplest (and crunchiest!) of forms. With just a few ingredients and a quick sauté in a good skillet, you’ll have a side dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to make. I hope you enjoy making this quick, easy, and flavorful recipe to pass around the table and enjoy with any food you choose to pair it with!
Garlic Sautéed Green Beans
Course: Side DishesDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes10
minutes15
minutesGreen beans are a versatile vegetable that can easily transform from a simple side to a standout dish with just a little bit of effort. There are many ways to cook green beans, however I’ve found that sautéing them is by far one of the simplest methods. My garlic sautéed green bean recipe is proof that sometimes all you need are a few fresh ingredients and a hot skillet to create something absolutely palate-pleasing. When cooked just right, they become tender, crisp, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
12 oz fresh green beans, snapped and washed
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the green beans, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beans in the garlic and oil.
- Pour in the water and cover the skillet. Let the beans steam for about 5 minutes.
- Uncover the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water evaporates and the beans are fully tender.
- Serve with your favorites and Enjoy!
Notes
- You can also use jarred minced garlic, though you may need to add a bit more than you would with freshly minced cloves.
- If you prefer a softer texture for the green beans, try sautéing them a bit longer than the recommended time.
