Garlicky Green Beans

These crisp-tender Garlic Green Beans are perfectly browned and then tossed in a buttery, garlic sauce at the end that will have you crawling back for more. They are easy to make and done in 15 minutes.

Reasons You’ll Love this Recipe

• It’s fast. Garlic Green Beans are done from start to finish in less than 15 minutes. This makes them a perfect side dish for busy weeknights.
• It’s easy. After trimming the green beans, you’ll only be working with one pan.
• All ages like garlic green beans. The flavor is simple enough for younger eaters to not be offended by but flavorful enough for the seasoned eater to enjoy.
• Green beans are so healthy for you! “This vegetable helps fight inflammation and is a good source of folate and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Green beans also are a good source of protein and fiber, which helps lower cholesterol.” – Source

The ingredients you need are incredibly simple:

1. Green Beans – Fresh green beans are necessary for this recipe. Canned or frozen won’t work.
2. Garlic – To save time, I almost always buy pre-minced garlic. I can’t tell the difference.
3. Butter – This is for the sauce at the end.
4. Salt & Pepper

How to Make Garlic Green Beans

To make trimming green beans quick and easy, line up several green beans on a cutting board. Slice the tough ends off. Flip them around and do the same thing on the other end of the beans.

Preheat oil in a large pan. It should be hot but not smoking. Add the green beans to the pan and give them a toss so the oil covers them. Lightly salt and pepper them and sauté the beans for about 4-5 minutes, until they start to get a little brown.

Add a little water to the skillet and cover it with a lid. You will want the green beans to steam for about 2 minutes. Remove the lid and let the rest of the water evaporate.

Stir in the butter, garlic, and a little more salt. Toss the beans in the sauce for about 1 minute. The garlic will start to become fragrant but should not be getting too brown.

Remove from heat.

Garlic Green Beans like to be eaten right away. Don’t wait too long or they will begin to shrivel up a bit. I tossed mine with some bacon bits but this is totally optional.

Add-Ins & Variations

Because this recipe is so basic, there are lots of ways to mix it up. Here are some ideas:

• Bacon: Top the beans with some cooked and crumbled bacon. Here is a bacon-cooking hack you must use!
• Lemon: Add some fresh lemon juice or a touch of lemon zest over the green beans.
• Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over beans.
• Almonds: Sprinkle some toasted almonds over the top. This adds some amazing texture and flavor.
• Add a touch of soy sauce: This adds depth to the flavor.
• Maple syrup: Add just a touch at the end of cooking for a delicious combo of sweet & savory. This is especially good if you are adding bacon!