Quick & Easy Garlic Butter Green Beans: A Simple and Flavorful Side Dish
These garlic butter green beans are a quick and flavorful side dish, sautéed in butter and olive oil with fresh garlic for a rich, savory taste. A touch of lemon juice adds brightness, making this dish a perfect complement to any meal.
Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans: About 1 pound of fresh green beans trimmed and washed.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. You can also use ghee for a dairy-free version.
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic minced (for the best flavor, use fresh garlic over garlic powder).
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon to help sauté the beans.
- Lemon Juice: A teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for a hint of brightness.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste but these are essential for enhancing the flavor of the garlic butter sauce.
- Optional Garnish: Freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
- Start by trimming the ends of the green beans. You can do this by snapping off the tough ends or using a knife. After trimming, rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Set them aside to drain.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans (Optional, But Recommended)
- Blanching is an optional but highly recommended step to keep the green beans vibrant and slightly tender. To blanch the beans, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook for about 2-3 minutes. The beans should turn bright green and be tender yet crisp. After blanching, immediately transfer the beans to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the beans and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Cook the Green Beans
- Add the prepared green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter mixture. Toss the beans gently to coat them evenly with the garlic butter. Sauté the green beans for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 5: Add Seasoning
- Once the green beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, season them with salt and pepper to taste. For an added layer of flavor, drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice, and toss to combine.
Step 6: Optional Garnish
- For an extra touch of flavor and color, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese over the beans before serving.
Notes
Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans have the best flavor and texture for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen green beans, but fresh is always preferred.
Adjust the Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add extra minced cloves. You can even roast the garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Customize with Other Herbs: For a unique twist, add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the garlic butter sauce.
Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
Serve with Protein: These garlic butter green beans pair wonderfully with a variety of proteins like chicken, pork, or beef. They also make a perfect side for holiday meals.