Sautéed Garlic Green Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sautéed Garlic Green Beans are ready in just minutes, using minimal ingredients and one pan. They’re crisp yet tender, loaded with garlicky flavor, and naturally gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb. This easy side pairs beautifully with everything from roasted meats to pasta dishes and adds a fresh, colorful element to your plate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh green beans (trimmed)
garlic (minced or thinly sliced)
olive oil
salt
pepper
optional: red pepper flakes, lemon juice, or toasted almonds

Directions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
2. Drain and immediately transfer green beans to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Drain again and pat dry.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add green beans to the skillet. Toss and sauté for 4–5 minutes until beans are tender-crisp and evenly coated with garlic and oil.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
6. Serve hot or warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Garlic Green Beans: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
• Spicy Version: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or chili oil.
• With Nuts: Top with toasted almonds or pine nuts for crunch.
• Butter Finish: Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
• Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil in the final minute of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until warm.
These are best enjoyed fresh, as reheating may soften their texture.

FAQs

Do I have to blanch the green beans?

Blanching helps preserve their bright color and crisp texture, but you can skip it if you prefer softer beans.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, thaw and pat dry before sautéing. They may release more moisture, so cook slightly longer.

What kind of garlic works best?

Fresh garlic cloves give the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used for convenience.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can blanch the green beans in advance and store them in the fridge, then sauté just before serving.

Are these beans soft or crisp?

They’re tender-crisp, meaning they’re cooked through but still have a nice snap.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Sauté garlic on medium heat and stir constantly. Add the beans quickly once garlic is fragrant.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, if using olive oil or another plant-based fat, it’s fully vegan.

Can I use butter instead of olive oil?

Absolutely—unsalted butter gives a rich, savory flavor.

What main dishes go well with garlic green beans?

They pair well with grilled chicken, steak, roasted fish, or vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or pasta.

Conclusion

Sautéed Garlic Green Beans are a fresh, flavorful, and easy side dish you’ll reach for again and again. With their perfect balance of tender texture and savory garlic flavor, they elevate any meal with minimal effort. Whether served on a holiday table or as part of a weeknight dinner, this simple recipe delivers big taste and bright color every time.

Sautéed Garlic Green Beans

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Sautéed Garlic Green Beans are a crisp-tender, garlicky side dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons toasted almonds

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Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
2. Drain and immediately transfer beans to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Drain again and pat dry.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add green beans and sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add optional red pepper flakes or lemon juice if desired.
6. Serve hot or warm, garnished with toasted almonds if using.

Notes

• Blanching keeps the green beans vibrant and crisp-tender.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the garlic—it can burn quickly and turn bitter.
• These green beans are best enjoyed fresh but can be prepped ahead.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg