Guys, meet your new go-to vegetable side dish: garlic butter green beans!
Fresh, tender green beans get coated with garlicky, buttery goodness. This irresistible side dish is incredibly simple yet so flavorful.
Made with just five simple ingredients, it’s ready in a jiffy! It’s the perfect sidekick for all your weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Green Beans
Quick & Easy: For weeknight dinners, holidays, or last-minute side, these green beans are a simple and fast addition.
Simple Ingredients: All you need are four everyday kitchen staples and green beans. Not only that, but it keeps the cost budget-friendly!
Versatile Pairing: From grilled meats to vegetarian dishes, these garlic butter green beans complement a wide range of main courses. I love them with just about everything!
Leftover Friendly: These green beans reheat well. Make extra for stir-fries, bowls, or again as a side.
Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans: Rinsed and trimmed. For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, not frozen.
- Garlic: It’s minced for maximum flavor. The pungent aroma and flavor take the flavor up a notch.
- Butter: To coat the green beans in rich deliciousness.
- Salt and Pepper: The classic seasoning duo enhances the natural flavor of the green beans.
How to Make Garlic Butter Green Beans
You won’t believe how easy these green beans are to make!
1. Prep. Rinse the green beans. Trim off the stem ends and remove any fibrous strings.
2. Boil. Bring water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans.
3. Simmer. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
4. Saute. Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Combine. Add the cooked green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper, and toss.
6. Cook. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
7. Serve. Serve hot.
Tips For the Best Garlic Butter Green Beans
These beans are a cinch to make, too. Still, I recommend following these tips to ensure they have the best flavor and texture.
- Fresh is best. Choose the freshest green beans possible for the best flavor and texture. Look for beans that are firm, bright green, and free of blemishes.
- Take a shortcut. You can use frozen green beans if they’re not in season. However, the cooking time will vary. Just be sure to cook them until tender-crisp.
- Be generous. Season the green beans with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Don’t overcook! Cook the green beans in the garlic butter just until they are tender-crisp. Cook them too long, and they’ll be mushy and lose their vibrant color.
- Boost the flavor. Try adding other seasonings for extra flavor and texture. Red pepper flakes, lemon zest or juice, Parmesan, or even slivered almonds will be great.
- Serve them in style. Garlic butter green beans pair well with a variety of main dishes. Grilled steak, roasted chicken, baked fish, or pasta are some ideas. They can also be served as a holiday side dish.
How to Store
Follow these tips to keep your garlic butter green beans fresh:
To Store: Place cooled leftovers in an air-tight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For the best quality, consume within the first 2 days.
To Freeze: Spread the cooled leftovers on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Next, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm the green beans in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Or, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
Garlic Butter Green Beans
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes112
kcalThese garlic butter green beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish. From weeknight dinners to holidays, they’ll elevate any meal!
Ingredients
1 pound fresh green beans
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the green beans under cool water. Trim off the stem ends and remove any fibrous strings if present.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the prepared green beans to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once tender, drain the beans and set them aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Transfer the cooked green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper, then toss the beans to coat them evenly with the flavored butter.
- Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the green beans are heated through and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
