Sautéed Green Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sautéed Green Beans are the ultimate combination of quick prep and delicious flavor. The green beans stay vibrant and crisp-tender while being infused with the richness of olive oil and the aromatic flavors of garlic. This dish is healthy, customizable, and versatile, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a special meal. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to make in just 10 minutes—ideal for when you need a simple side that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s also naturally gluten-free and vegetarian!

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• 1/4 cup slivered almonds or chopped walnuts (optional, for crunch)

• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme) for garnish (optional)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Green Beans:

• Trim the ends of the green beans and rinse them under cold water to clean. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

• If you prefer a more tender texture, you can blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step is optional, as sautéing them directly will still yield great results.

2. Heat the Olive Oil:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Sauté the Green Beans:

• Add the green beans to the skillet and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and slightly crispy on the edges.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a bit of extra flavor, add red pepper flakes for some heat.

4. Finish and Serve:

• Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, if using, for a burst of citrusy brightness.

• If desired, garnish with slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for added texture, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

5. Serve:

• Serve the sautéed green beans warm as a side dish alongside your favorite meal. They go wonderfully with chicken, steak, fish, or any other protein.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 7-10 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Garlic Butter Green Beans: For an even richer flavor, sauté the green beans in a mixture of olive oil and butter instead of just olive oil.

• Balsamic Glazed Green Beans: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic vinegar over the green beans after sautéing them for a tangy, slightly sweet finish.

•  the green beans for a savory crunch and extra de

• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to change the flavor profile of the green beans.

• Parmesan Green Beans: After sautéing, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the green beans for added flavor and richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover sautéed green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil to keep them moist.

• Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze sautéed green beans (they may lose their crispness), you can freeze them before sautéing by blanching them first. After blanching, store the green beans in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, sauté them directly from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

While fresh green beans yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen green beans in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before sautéing.

Can I make these green beans ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the green beans ahead of time. Sauté them, allow them to cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet before serving.

Can I add other vegetables to the sauté?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions to the skillet for a colorful and flavorful veggie medley.

How do I make the green beans crispier?

To get even crispier green beans, make sure your pan is hot before adding the green beans, and avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, sauté the beans in batches to ensure they get crispy without steaming.

Can I add more seasoning to the green beans?

Yes! Feel free to add more spices or seasonings to taste. You can try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a dash of soy sauce for a different twist.

Conclusion

Sautéed Green Beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich garlic flavor, a hint of spice, and the option to customize with additional toppings, they’re a versatile addition to your meal. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate spread, these green beans are sure to impress. Plus, they’re healthy, quick to make, and full of vibrant flavors that complement a wide range of dishes. Enjoy these sautéed green beans alongside your favorite proteins, and watch them become a staple in your kitchen!

Sautéed Green Beans

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• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Snack, Side Dish
• Method: Pressure Cooking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sautéed Green Beans are a quick and easy side dish made with fresh green beans, garlic, and olive oil. This simple recipe delivers a savory, slightly crispy texture that complements any meal. Ready in just 10 minutes, these green beans are versatile, healthy, and naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• 1/4 cup slivered almonds or chopped walnuts (optional, for crunch)

• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme) for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Green Beans:

  • Trim the ends of the green beans and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

  • If you prefer more tender beans, you can blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. This step is optional, but it ensures the beans cook faster in the skillet.

• Heat the Olive Oil:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.

• Sauté the Green Beans:

  • Add the green beans to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the green beans are bright green and slightly crispy at the edges. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For some extra heat, add red pepper flakes.

• Finish and Serve:

  • Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the beans with fresh lemon juice, if desired.

  • For added texture and flavor, garnish with slivered almonds or chopped walnuts. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme also make a lovely addition.

• Serve:

  • Serve the sautéed green beans warm as a side dish with your favorite protein, such as chicken, steak, or fish.

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Notes

Garlic Butter Option: For a richer flavor, sauté the green beans in a combination of olive oil and butter.Balsamic Glaze: After sautéing, drizzle a little balsamic vinegar for a tangy finish..Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a unique twist.