This method is one of the quickest ways to prepare green beans, perfect for those busy festive days. You’ll need just one pan, a handful of ingredients, and less than 30 minutes to bring this dish to life.
Whether sitting beside a roasted turkey, accompanying a juicy roast, or even adding freshness to a pasta dish, these sauteed green beans are an excellent choice. They’re incredibly quick to prepare, complementing everything from your traditional Thanksgiving turkey to a festive ham.
Picture this: tender, crisp, absolutely delicious green beans, perfectly seasoned to bring out their natural goodness. This green beans recipe is a truly culinary experience. The beans are cooked to perfection, and every bite is flavorful.
Reasons You’ll Love This Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
- Quick and Easy: These green beans are a breeze, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty side without the fuss.
- Irresistible Crunch: The sautéing process gives these green beans a tender-crisp texture that’s incredibly satisfying. It’s the ideal balance between soft and crunchy.
- Versatile: These pair wonderfully with a wide range of main dishes. From grilled meats to pasta, they effortlessly complement your favorite meals.
- Healthy: these green beans are a nutritious choice, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They make a healthier and delicious addition to your plate when prepared like this.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, Easy Sauteed Green Beans will surely be a hit with everyone. They add that extra touch of homemade goodness to any gathering.
- Customizable: This recipe is extremely customizable, so feel free to add your favorite seasonings to it.
Ingredients and Substitutions for Sauteed Green Beans
Now, let’s check the following list of must-have ingredients and see what we’ll need to make the world’s best sauteed green beans.
- Green Beans: The main attraction! Choose fresh, crisp green beans with a bright green color. They should snap easily when bent. If fresh green beans aren’t available, frozen ones can be a good substitute, just be sure to thaw and dry them well before cooking.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a great choice for its rich flavor and health benefits. Try avocado oil for a subtle, buttery flavor.
- Onion: Onions lay the flavorful foundation. While white onions are milder and sweeter, yellow onions offer a balance of sweet and savory. Red onions can add a bit of sharpness and color. No onions? Shallots make a great alternative, offering a delicate, slightly sweet flavor.
- Garlic: It’s all about that punchy, savory taste. Fresh garlic is ideal, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder or jarred minced garlic can work too. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
- Butter: This adds a rich, smooth finish to your green beans. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute it with a plant-based butter or coconut oil.
- Mustard: A touch of mustard can really elevate the dish with its tangy depth. Dijon mustard is a popular choice, but if you prefer a milder taste, try whole grain mustard. No mustard? A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can also do the trick for that bit of tang.
- Salt & Pepper: These are your flavor enhancers. Sea salt or kosher salt is great for bringing out the natural flavors, and freshly ground black pepper adds a nice zing. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
How To Make Easy Sauteed Green Beans
Creating a delicious side of sautéed green beans is easier than you might think. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to whip up this tasty dish in no time. Let’s get started!
Prep the Beans: Begin by thoroughly washing your fresh green beans. Trim off any stems or ends that are tough or blemished.
Blanching Process: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and let them cook for about 5 minutes. This blanching step is important as it partially cooks the beans while preserving their bright green color and crisp texture.
Sauté the Beans
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle but not smoke.
Cook the Onions: Add the diced onions to the skillet. Sauté them until they become soft and start to release their aromatic qualities, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; you want it to be fragrant and golden.
Combine with Green Beans: Now, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Season them with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together so the beans are evenly coated with the flavors of onion and garlic. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, or until the beans are as tender as you like.
Variations
Feel free to customize and enhance these Easy Sauteed Green Beans recipes with various ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some suggestions:
- Nuts: Toasted sliced almonds, pine nuts, or chopped pecans can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to these green beans.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or thyme over the sautéed green beans for freshness and color.
- Cheese: Grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or goat cheese can be sprinkled on the green beans just before serving for a creamy, savory kick.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits can provide a smoky, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with green beans.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick to your green beans if you like a bit of heat.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze or reduction over the sautéed green beans for a tangy, sweet twist.
- Caramelized Onions: For added sweetness and depth of flavor, consider caramelizing the onions before adding the green beans.
- Lemon Zest: Besides lemon juice, you can add fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.
How To Serve
- Pasta Salad: A delightful pasta salad featuring sautéed green beans, toasted almonds, and a zesty dressing.
- Grilled Steak Or Roasted Meat: Just imagine a tender steak served alongside perfectly sautéed green beans with a garlic butter finish.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp: A quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines sautéed green beans, succulent shrimp, and zesty lemon garlic sauce.
- Creamy Alfredo: A creamy Chicken Alfredo pasta dish infused with sautéed green beans and a rich Alfredo sauce.
- Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole: you can also create a classic holiday casserole with sautéed green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy onions.
How To Store
If there are any leftovers of these sauteed green beans, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Here are some storage instructions for your leftovers:
- Fridge: If you have leftovers, allow the sautéed green beans to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheating Tips: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat the green beans in a microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or a bit more oil if they seem dry.
- Freezer: If you freeze the leftovers, place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for 2-3 months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight.
Easy 10-Minute Sauteed Green Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the green beans under cold water. Trim off the ends and discard any tough or blemished spots.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 5 minutes. They should turn vibrant green and become slightly tender yet still crisp.1 pound fresh green beans
- While the beans are boiling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion adn sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute or until it is fragrant, but not browned.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Drain the green beans and add them to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to ensure the beans are evenly coated with the oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes, or until the beans reach your desired level of tenderness.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the butter and Dijon mustard until the beans are well-coated and the butter is melted. Adjust seasoning if necessary.1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, Salt and pepper
- Remove from heat and serve the green beans warm as a delicious and flavorful side dish.
Nutrition Information
The nutritional information provided on this website is intended to be a helpful reference and convenience for our users. It is offered as a courtesy and is based on data primarily sourced from the USDA Food Composition Database.
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