These garlic butter green beans are a quick and tasty side dish! With fresh green beans tossed in creamy butter and zesty garlic, they’re hard to resist!
I love how vibrant and crunchy these beans stay. They add a pop of color to any meal. Plus, you can whip them up in minutes—perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for this dish. Snap off the ends and you’re ready to go! If you don’t have fresh ones, frozen green beans can be a great substitute; just cook them a bit longer.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the amount of salt in your dish. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you could use olive oil or vegan butter instead, which also adds a nice flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that strong flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but remember that it’s less potent—about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder equals one clove of fresh garlic.
Lemon Juice: This is optional but recommended for a refreshing kick! If you don’t have lemons, a splash of vinegar, like apple cider or white wine vinegar, can add a similar brightness.
How Do I Make Sure My Green Beans Stay Crisp and Colorful?
Keeping green beans bright green and crisp-tender is all about cooking time and temperature. Here’s how to do it:
- First, boil them in salted water for just 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green but still crunchy.
- Immediately after cooking, plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This “shocking” method stops the cooking process and locks in that vibrant color.
- Drain the beans well before adding them to the skillet. You want them to be dry to get the perfect garlic butter coating.
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes in total! You’ll spend about 5 minutes on preparation and cooking the green beans, plus a few minutes to sauté them with garlic and butter. It’s a quick and delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green and just tender but still a bit crunchy.
2. Shocking the Beans:
After cooking, quickly drain the green beans and transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking process and help them retain that vibrant green color. Let them sit for a couple of minutes, then drain again and set aside.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown!
4. Combining Everything:
Now, add the drained green beans to the skillet, tossing them to coat fully in the garlic butter. Season with salt, black pepper, and if you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through.
5. Finishing Touches:
Once everything is nicely combined and warmed, remove the skillet from the heat. For a refreshing touch, you can drizzle the green beans with fresh lemon juice before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the garlic butter green beans to a serving dish and enjoy them warm as a wonderful side dish! They pair nicely with almost any meal.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just be sure to cook them a bit longer than fresh ones until they are heated through and tender. You may want to skip the ice water step, as frozen beans retain moisture better.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, olive oil or vegan butter makes a great substitute. You can also try using ghee for a richer flavor while keeping it lactose-free.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
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 Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, carrots, or even asparagus for a colorful medley. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the vegetables you choose.
