Garlic Butter Green Beans are an easy and delicious side dish. Everything tastes better with garlic butter! Cooked perfectly, steamed then tossed in a skillet with garlic butter. An easy side dish for your weeknight dinner, or alongside your Thanksgiving feast.
How to Cook Green Beans
Fresh Green Beans sometimes have a bad reputation because people have been cooking them incorrectly! They do not have to be boiled in water, where they lose their nutrients, become waterlogged and soggy. Please don't ever eat beans this way! There are better ways to make green beans.
1. Steamer Basket
How to steam Green Beans? This is my default method of cooking green beans. All you need is a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. They hold their shape, flavors and bright color! Steaming the beans before sautéing them in garlic butter adds more flavor. The steaming cooks them, and the sautéing adds the caramelization and flavor we love.
2. Sautéed in a Frying Pan
The simplicity of making sautéed green beans in a frying pan has the added bonus of less dishes to wash (compared to the steamer). Add butter and garlic in a frying pan on medium high heat. Add the green beans and sauté for about 5-10 minutes until they are tender (to your preference).
3. Oven Roasted Beans
Toss the green beans in Olive Oil with some garlic and place in a single layer on a baking dish. Place in pre-heated over 400°C/200°F for about 11-13 minutes. Stir occasionally. They're ready when tender and edges are starting to brown. Season and serve immediately.
4. Boiling Beans
Ok, if you must boil the beans, here's how you do it! Cover the beans with enough water in a pan, and cover with a lid. Bring to a boil and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender, but not falling apart. Remove from water, season, toss in butter and serve. Do not overcook the beans!
5. Blanching Beans then Ice Water
Blanching the green beans in boiling water ensures they are tender and cooked. Shocking them in ice water, stops the cooking process, and maintains the bright green color you love. This method is great when you need a crispier bean, perfect for adding to salads. Cooked but not falling apart. Cook the beans in salted boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender. Place beans in ice water, pat dry and store in the fridge for up to 2 days until you are ready to use.
How Do I Know My Beans Are Cooked?
These are all just a guide for cooking times. Thinner beans will cook faster than larger, thicker beans. You might not like al dente green beans,(a bit crunchy but not raw) and prefer them more cooked. For instance, my mom only eats well done steak, and you cannot change her mind. If you like your beans more tender, just add a few minutes extra cooking time and pull one out to test if it meets your preference.
How To Make Green Beans
The whole point of this recipe is to bring some love back to green beans. Easy to make, cooked a little bit al dente, with a bit of crunch and color.
- Trim the ends off the green beans
- Steam green beans in a steamer basket until tender (about 3-4 minutes)
- Melt butter and minced garlic in a frying pan
- Remove beans from the steamer and add to frying pan
- Toss the green beans in the garlic butter for about 2-3 minutes
- Season with salt and pepper, squeeze the juice of half a lemon for a fresh zing
What Herbs for Green Beans?
This is a classic Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe. However, you can make it your own by adding your favorite herbs and spices into the mix. I love using fresh herbs from the garden, but dried herbs/spices add great flavor too! Try these suggestions;
- fresh basil
- chopped dill
- crushed fennel seeds
- red pepper flakes
- oregano
Make it Meaty!
I know this is a Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe, but have you considered making it less vegetarian? Add some crumbled bacon when serving. Alternatively, chop up a smokey chorizo sausage, fry it and toss it through when serving. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Can I use Frozen Beans?
Yes, frozen beans can be used for this recipe. Just allows to defrost and use as normal. However, for best flavor, fresh green beans are recommended for this recipe.
Garlic Butter Yellow Wax Beans
Yes, this recipe is perfect for Yellow Wax Beans. They just aren't easily found in Australia, we used to eat them all the time as kids. Even better, mix green and yellow beans together for a fancier way to serve your beans side dish.
Easy Side Dishes You'll Love
- Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia)
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus
- Moroccan Potatoes (Air Fryer and Oven Instructions)
- Bbq Grilled Zucchini Slices
- Roasted Garlic Broccoli with Soy Sauce
- Russian Pan Fried Potatoes
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
You'll love Sautéed Green Beans, my favorite garlicky side dish. Make green beans great again with this easy recipe. Plus everything tastes better with garlic butter! Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!
Equipment
- steamer basket
- frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 lb /500g green beans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- salt and pepper
- juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Trim the ends off the beans.
- Bring pot to a boil. Insert the steamer basket with the green beans and cover with lid. Steam for 3-4 minutes until tender but al dente.
- Melt butter and minced garlic in a frying pan on medium high heat.
- Remove beans from the steamer and add to frying pan.
- Toss the green beans in the garlic butter, sauté for about 2-3 minutes
- Season with salt and pepper, squeeze the juice of half a lemon for a fresh zing.
©Peter's Food Adventures
