This past summer, I embarked on a culinary adventure with my niece and nephew, aged 8 and 10. Hosting a three-day cooking camp for them was an idea born out of equal parts enthusiasm and insanity. Over those three days, we covered the basics of cooking—knife skills (kid-friendly, of course), how to read a recipe and kitchen safety.
We cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner, each day inching closer to the grand finale: a “fancy meal” for their parents. We pulled out all the stops, preparing appetizers, a salad, a main course, and even dessert.
Among all the dishes we made, the Garlic Butter Green Beans were a surprise hit. Not only did the kids enjoy them, but these green beans have since become a staple at their home—because let’s face it, any vegetable kids willingly eat is a victory worth celebrating.
Why Garlic Butter Green Beans Should Be in Your Regular Rotation
Green beans might not be the first thing you think of when planning a side dish, but this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe will make you reconsider. Sautéed green beans with lots of garlic and a little butter—what could be better? It’s an easy green bean recipe that transforms fresh green beans into a flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with just about any main course.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out:
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sautéed garlic, unsalted butter, and tender green beans creates a dish that’s full of garlicky goodness. The fresh garlic infuses the beans with a deep, savory flavor, while the butter adds a rich, nutty taste that’s simply irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is the perfect side dish for a weeknight dinner or a holiday meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a big batch of garlicky green beans in no time. It’s an easy way to add a lot of flavor to your plate without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Beautiful Presentation: These green beans are not only delicious but also visually appealing. The quick sauté and steaming method ensure that the beans retain their bright green color, making them a beautiful addition to any meal.
Chef Secrets to Making the Best Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Start with the freshest green beans you can find. Whether you’re using regular string beans or fancy French green beans (haricots verts), freshness is key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor.
- Butter and Olive Oil Combo: The mix of unsalted butter and extra-virgin olive oil ensures a rich flavor without the butter burning during cooking.
- The Butter and Garlic Ratio: Getting the right balance of butter and garlic is essential. Too little butter, and the beans won’t have that rich, velvety coating. Too much garlic, and the flavor can become overwhelming. Stick to the recipe, but feel free to adjust slightly based on your taste.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of sautéing and steaming ensures the beans are tender with a slight crunch, avoiding that overcooked, mushy texture that can ruin green beans.
Ingredients Used
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh green beans
- Table salt
- Black pepper
- Water
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic cloves
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How to Make Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Heat the Oil: Start by warming up extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil hot, but not smoking, so it takes about a minute.
- Cook the Green Beans: Add the fresh green beans to the skillet and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Sauté the beans, stirring occasionally, until they start to develop some brown spots—this should take about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Steam the Beans: Carefully add water to the skillet, then cover it with a lid to steam the beans. Cook until they turn a vibrant, bright green, which should take about 2 minutes. Be cautious when removing the lid, as the steam can be very hot.
- Evaporate the Water: Increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the water evaporates, which should take about a minute.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Stir in the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the green beans are nicely browned and the garlic is fragrant and golden, which takes another 2 to 4 minutes.
- Serve: Turn off the heat and transfer the green beans to a serving dish. They are now ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Green Beans are incredibly versatile. They pair well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a holiday turkey.
For a more elegant touch, consider serving them alongside a beef tenderloin or lamb chops.
You can also sprinkle some toasted almonds or red pepper flakes on top for added texture and a hint of spice.
Commonly Asked Questions
- Can I Use Frozen Green Beans? Yes, you can, but the texture won’t be as crisp as fresh beans. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking, and be mindful of the cooking time to avoid mushy beans.
- How Do I Make This Recipe Vegan? Simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative or increase the amount of extra-virgin olive oil used in the recipe.
- How Can I Add More Flavor? A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a bit of Parmesan cheese for an extra savory kick.
Storing & Reheating Tips
- If you have leftovers, store the green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- To reheat, sauté them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick heat-up. Just be aware that microwaving might soften the beans more than desired.
More (Category) Recipes
- Crispy Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes
- Southern Creamed Corn
- Homestyle Mashed Potatoes
- Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Crisp Bacon
Equipment Used:
- 12-inch nonstick skillet
- Rubber spatula
- Lid for the skillet
- Garlic press (optional)
- Oven mitt
These Garlic Butter Green Beans are a delicious way to bring a touch of garlicky flavor to your meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a holiday feast, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites. Enjoy the garlicky goodness!
Sauteed Garlic Butter Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound green beans trimmed
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves peeled and minced
Instructions
- Warm up the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat for about a minute, just until it’s hot but not smoking.
- Toss in the green beans, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring now and then with a rubber spatula, until the beans start to develop some brown spots, roughly 4 to 6 minutes.
- Carefully add water to the skillet, then cover it with a lid. Steam the beans until they turn a vibrant green, which should take about 2 minutes. Be sure to use an oven mitt when removing the lid—watch out for the steam!
- Turn up the heat to medium-high and cook until the water evaporates, which should take around a minute.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.
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