Garlic Butter Green Beans are a quick and tasty side dish. Tender green beans cooked in garlic and rich butter make them super flavorful and hard to resist!
Honestly, I could eat these every day! They pair perfectly with just about anything—grilled chicken, steak, or even by themselves for a light snack. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are key for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen green beans work too, but adjust the cooking time as they may need less time in boiling water.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best since it allows you to control the saltiness. You can substitute with olive oil for a healthier option, which will also add a nice flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best taste. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work as a substitute, but use about 1/4 teaspoon for every clove.
Seasonings: Feel free to skip red pepper flakes if you prefer less heat. Lemon zest can also be swapped for a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
How Do You Keep Green Beans Bright Green and Crisp?
To have vibrant, crisp green beans, you need to blanch them effectively. This technique locks in color and texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Boil salted water before adding the green beans. The salt helps maintain color.
- Cook the beans for only 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and just tender.
- Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath. This stops cooking quickly and keeps them crisp.
- Drain well and pat dry before sautéing with garlic and butter.
Following these steps ensures your green beans not only look appetizing but taste fresh and crunchy!
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or lemon zest for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 5 minutes cooking the green beans, 5 minutes preparing them in the skillet with garlic butter, and a few minutes for seasoning and serving. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green and crisp-tender—no mushy beans here!
2. Ice Bath Time:
After your beans are done cooking, drain them right away. To keep that beautiful color and stop the cooking, transfer the beans to a bowl filled with ice water. Let them sit for a couple of minutes, then drain again and pat them dry. This keeps them crisp!
3. Sauté with Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma, but be careful not to let it brown!
4. Combine and Toss:
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter to coat them evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be heated through and still have a little snap to them.
5. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the green beans. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some lemon zest for a nice zing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the garlic butter green beans warm as a delicious and vibrant side dish. They go perfectly with any main course. Enjoy all that lovely flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes! Frozen green beans can be used as a substitute, but they may require less cooking time. Just blanch them for about 2-3 minutes when boiling, and follow the rest of the recipe as directed.
What If I Don’t Have Unsalted Butter?
If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but be sure to adjust the salt you add to the dish. Start with less salt and taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can blanch the green beans in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just sauté them with garlic and butter to warm them up.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.