Garlic Butter Green Beans are a quick and tasty side dish. Fresh green beans are cooked until tender and tossed in a delicious mix of garlic and buttery goodness!
These beans are great for any meal and can make even a plain dinner feel special. I love serving them with chicken or steak for an extra punch of flavor! 🧄🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are key for this dish. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can use frozen green beans, but make sure to thaw and drain them well.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work too, but use about 1/4 teaspoon as it’s more concentrated.
Lemon Juice/Zest: This is optional but adds brightness. If out of lemons, a splash of vinegar can also brighten up the dish.
How Do I Keep My Green Beans Bright and Crisp?
To keep your green beans bright and fresh-looking, blanching them is essential. This means cooking them briefly in boiling water, and then shocking them in ice water stops the cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Add green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green.
- Quickly transfer them to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop cooking.
- Drain and pat dry before adding to your skillet.
This method keeps them crunchy and colorful—perfect for this garlic butter dish!
How to Make Garlic Butter Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice or zest for brightening flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious side dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. In no time, you’ll have a tasty and colorful addition to your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Green Beans
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in the trimmed green beans and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green and crisp-tender, not mushy!
2. Chill the Beans
Once the green beans are cooked, drain them in a colander. Immediately transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This ice bath will stop the cooking and help preserve that lovely green color. After a few minutes, drain them again and set the beans aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it; let it bubble until it starts to foam but avoid letting it brown. Then, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
4. Combine and Season
Now it’s time to add the drained green beans back into the skillet! Toss them gently to coat all the beans evenly in that delicious garlic butter. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Sauté everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through and slightly tender.
5. Add Some Zing (Optional)
If you want to brighten up the flavors, you can squeeze in a little lemon juice or add some lemon zest at this point. It’s a great way to enhance the dish!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is combined and cooked to perfection, transfer the garlic butter green beans to a serving bowl. Enjoy them warm as a delightful side to your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.
How Do I Store Leftover Garlic Butter Green Beans?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prep the green beans and blanch them a day in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to sauté with the garlic butter. This will save you time when you’re ready to serve!
What Can I Pair With Garlic Butter Green Beans?
This side dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. You can also serve them alongside roasted potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
