Garlic butter green beans are a tasty side dish! They’re fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor from the buttery garlic sauce. Perfect for any meal!
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but snack on a few right out of the pan. They’re just too good! Plus, they take only minutes to prepare, which makes them a go-to in my kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: A must for this dish! Look for vibrant, firm beans. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can use frozen green beans. They’ll be slightly softer, but they still taste great.
Unsalted Butter: Regular butter works best for controlling salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, try using olive oil or a plant-based butter as a substitute. Butter adds richness, but these fats can also provide great flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. You can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch—use about 1/2 teaspoon for every clove. However, the fresh stuff really makes a difference!
Red Pepper Flakes: They add a nice kick if you like heat. Feel free to skip them or reduce the amount if spicy isn’t your thing. You could also try a dash of hot sauce for a different kind of spice!
How Can I Ensure My Green Beans Stay Bright Green and Crunchy?
To keep your green beans vibrant, the blanching step is key. This method brightens their color and preserves their crispness. Here’s how to do it:
- Boil the salted water generously, then add the green beans for just 3-4 minutes.
- Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath. This stops the cooking process and locks in that bright green color.
- Once cooled, drain the beans thoroughly before sautéing. This avoids sogginess in your final dish!
How to Make Garlic Butter Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes total! You’ll spend about 5 minutes prepping and cooking the green beans, and another 5-10 minutes for sautéing them in buttery garlic goodness. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green and just tender; don’t overcook them!
2. Ice Bath Time:
After boiling, quickly drain the green beans and transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking process and keep their beautiful color. Let them sit for a few minutes, then drain the beans again and set them aside.
3. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure it’s melted but not sizzling—this helps avoid burning the garlic later.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure the garlic becomes fragrant, but keep an eye on it to prevent browning.
5. Combine the Beans and Garlic:
Next, add the drained green beans into the skillet. Toss them well to coat in the garlic butter, making sure every bean gets that delicious flavor.
6. Heat and Season:
Continue cooking the green beans for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re heated through. Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you like a little spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes too!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is nicely combined and heated, serve your garlic butter green beans immediately while they’re hot. Enjoy this tasty side that complements so many meals!
This recipe gives you tender-crisp green beans covered in rich garlic butter—delicious as it is beautiful!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just be sure to thaw them first for best results. You may need to adjust the cooking time, as frozen beans typically take a bit longer to heat through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover garlic butter green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, or you can microwave them for a quick option. Add a little butter or olive oil to freshen them up!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time so everything cooks evenly.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil. The garlic and seasonings will still provide fantastic flavor!
