Description

Garlic Butter Green Beans are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This flavorful recipe combines fresh green beans, butter, olive oil, and aromatic garlic, enhanced with optional red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and lemon juice for brightness. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant holiday meals, this dish is loved even by picky eaters and pairs beautifully with a range of proteins and vegetarian dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Ingredients

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Green Beans: Thoroughly wash the green beans under cold running water to remove dirt. Trim the stem ends and snap or cut the green beans into roughly 1-2 inch pieces. Ensure the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. Set aside.
Mince the Garlic: Peel 6 cloves of garlic and mince finely using a knife or garlic press. Mincing releases more flavor than slicing or pressing. Set the minced garlic aside.
Melt Butter and Olive Oil: Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Melt and wait for the butter to shimmer slightly, combining the rich flavor of butter and the higher smoke point of olive oil.
Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and oil. Sauté over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Stir frequently to avoid burning, which would impart bitterness.
Add Green Beans and Seasoning: Add the prepared green beans to the skillet. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and if desired, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Toss to evenly coat the green beans with the garlic butter and seasonings.
Cook the Green Beans: Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the green beans, stirring frequently, for about 8-12 minutes until they turn bright green and reach a crisp-tender texture. The beans should retain a slight snap when bitten. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
Optional: Add Lemon Juice and Parsley: If using, squeeze 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over the cooked green beans and stir to combine. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and toss gently for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Serve Immediately: Transfer the garlic butter green beans to a serving dish. Serve hot alongside your favorite proteins such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked fish, or as part of vegetarian/vegan meals for a flavorful vegetable side.

Notes

Use fresh, firm green beans for the best texture and flavor.
Do not overcook the green beans to keep them crisp-tender.
Fresh minced garlic provides a superior flavor compared to garlic powder.
Prevent garlic burning by sautéing on medium-low heat and stirring frequently.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted butter.
For extra crispness, blanch green beans briefly before sautéing.
For a more complex flavor, deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup dry white wine after sautéing garlic.
You can prepare the green beans and minced garlic ahead and refrigerate separately.
Frozen green beans can be used but should be thawed and dried completely before cooking.
To make the recipe vegan, substitute butter with vegan butter or increase olive oil.
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated gently.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: garlic butter green beans, sautéed green beans, easy side dish, vegetable side, healthy green bean recipe, garlic green beans