These Garlic Butter Green Beans are simple and full of flavor! With just fresh green beans tossed in buttery garlic goodness, they make a yummy side dish for any meal.
You can’t go wrong with garlic and butter, right? I love how quick they are to whip up, perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without the hassle!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: Look for vibrant green beans that are firm and crisp. If you can’t find fresh, frozen green beans work great too—just adjust cooking time to ensure they don’t become mushy.
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for this dish, allowing you to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use plant-based butter or olive oil for a lighter taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used (about 1/4 teaspoon per clove), but it won’t taste quite as fresh.
Lemon Juice/Zest: This is optional, but I find a splash of lemon really brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, vinegar can add a different kind of brightness.
How Do I Keep Green Beans Perfectly Crisp?
The trick to keeping your green beans bright and crisp is blanching. Here’s how you do it:
- Boil salted water before adding the green beans. This helps to maintain their color.
- Only blanch the beans for 2-3 minutes. You’re aiming for bright green and still crisp!
- Immediately transfer them to an ice bath after boiling. This halts the cooking process and preserves that lovely color and crunch.
These small steps make a huge difference in texture and taste, taking your Garlic Butter Green Beans to the next level!
How to Make Garlic Butter Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice or zest for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy recipe will take about 15 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend a few minutes prepping the green beans and garlic, and the cooking process is super fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, carefully add the trimmed green beans. Blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they become bright green and are tender but still have a nice crunch.
2. Ice Bath to Preserve Color:
After blanching, drain the green beans immediately and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This step is important! It stops the cooking process and helps keep your green beans vibrant and crunchy. Once cooled, drain them again and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant but be careful not to let it brown, as that can make it bitter.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add those beautiful green beans to the skillet! Toss them in the garlic butter, coating them well and allowing everything to heat through for about 3-4 minutes.
5. Season and Serve:
Season your garlic butter green beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like, sprinkle in some lemon juice or zest to brighten up the flavors for an extra pop. Serve them immediately and enjoy this tasty side dish!
These Garlic Butter Green Beans are easy to make and are sure to impress your family or guests at dinner. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them first before blanching. You can quickly thaw them by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes, or you can simply add them directly to boiling water for a couple of extra minutes!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can blanch the green beans a few hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator. Just finish the sautéing process with the garlic and butter when you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix things up by adding cooked bacon, toasted almonds, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Just toss them in with the green beans during the sautéing step!
