Garlic Butter Green Beans are a tasty side dish that brings bright flavors to your meal. With fresh green beans and rich garlic butter, they are quick and easy to make!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of garlic butter? It makes everything better! I love serving these beans with dinner—everyone loves to sneak an extra helping!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: The star of this dish! Look for bright green beans that are firm and crisp. If fresh beans aren’t available, you can use frozen green beans. They’re convenient, and will still taste great.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds rich flavor. I prefer unsalted so I can control the salt level, but if you use salted butter, just go easy on the added salt. Alternatively, olive oil can be a healthier substitute that still delivers flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch! Using minced garlic creates a stronger garlic flavor, but if you prefer something milder, roasted garlic is a fantastic substitution. You can also use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add a nice heat to the dish, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor. A splash of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the dish without the spice.
How Do I Keep My Green Beans Bright and Crisp?
To achieve vibrant green beans that stay crisp, you need to blanch them. This is a quick process that enhances both color and texture.
- Boil salted water and add the green beans for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and locks in that lovely green color.
- Once cooled, drain them before adding to your skillet.
This technique will ensure your garlic butter green beans look as good as they taste!
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend 5 minutes prepping and cooking the beans, and the rest is just sautéing in that yummy garlic butter. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanching the Green Beans:
To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans and let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them bright green and just tender, but still a little crisp. This step is super important to keep their vibrant color!
2. Ice Bath Time:
Once the green beans are done cooking, quickly drain them in a colander and then immediately transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking and help them stay bright green. Let them sit for a couple of minutes, then drain again and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbling, add in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden. Keep an eye on it—garlic can burn easily!
4. Combine and Season:
Now it’s time to add those beautiful green beans back to the skillet. Toss them around to coat them evenly with the garlic butter. Season with salt, black pepper, and add red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Continue to cook and toss for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is nicely combined and heated through.
5. Serve Up:
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the green beans to a serving dish. They’re best served warm! Enjoy your flavorful green beans as a delightful side dish to any meal!
This recipe yields a delicious and buttery green bean dish with a lovely garlic flavor. It’s perfect alongside meats, poultry, or even as a standout veggie option in vegetarian meals!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess moisture to avoid sogginess. You can blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes until heated through before adding them to the garlic butter.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover garlic butter green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter or olive oil if needed to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil. The garlic and seasonings will still provide great flavor, and the result will be just as delicious!
What Can I Serve with Garlic Butter Green Beans?
These green beans pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes! They complement grilled chicken, steak, fish, or can be served alongside pasta, rice, or even in a hearty salad. Feel free to get creative!
