These garlic butter green beans are simple, tasty, and full of flavor! Crisp green beans are cooked in melted butter with lots of garlic, making every bite delicious.
They make a quick side dish that can brighten up any meal. Trust me, they disappear fast at dinner! I love adding a sprinkle of lemon juice for some zing. 💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for this dish because they stay crisp and vibrant. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can use frozen green beans, but reduce cooking time slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used here for better control over the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, consider using olive oil or vegan butter instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds amazing flavor. If you’re in a pinch, jarred minced garlic works too, but fresh is always better for taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add a little kick! If you don’t like spice, feel free to leave them out. You can use a pinch of black pepper for a milder option instead.
Lemon Juice: This is optional but recommended for brightness. If fresh lemons aren’t on hand, a splash of vinegar works as a substitute!
How Do You Make the Perfect Garlic Butter Green Beans?
The key to perfect green beans is in the blanching. This method keeps them bright and crisp. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt (like the ocean!). Bring to a boil.
- Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and firm, not mushy.
- Immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking process. This step ensures they stay vibrant!
- In a skillet, melt the butter, and sauté minced garlic just until fragrant—it cooks quickly!
- Add your drained green beans to the skillet, tossing them to soak up all that delicious garlic butter.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked green beans every time!
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2–3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes in total. You’ll need around 5 minutes for prepping the ingredients, and another 10 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and let them cook for 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and just tender-crisp. This process is called blanching and it helps keep the color vibrant!
2. Ice Bath Time:
After the green beans are blanched, drain them immediately and transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking right away, preserving their bright color and crunch. After a minute or so, drain the ice water and set your green beans aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and, if you like a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. We want all that lovely garlic flavor without burning it!
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them well to coat in the delicious garlic butter. Sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes until the green beans are heated through and cooked to your liking. Just keep an eye on them so they stay crunchy!
5. Season and Serve:
To finish, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you want a little zing, you can also sprinkle on some lemon juice for added brightness. Serve the green beans hot as a delightful side dish that pairs wonderfully with any main course.
Enjoy your Garlic Butter Green Beans! Perfectly tender-crisp and packed with flavor, they’re bound to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just skip the blanching step and sauté them directly in the skillet. They may require an additional minute or two to cook through.
How Do I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to prepare a dairy-free version, simply substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Both work wonderfully while keeping the flavor intact!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, carrots, or cherry tomatoes. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on how long they need to become tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover garlic butter green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a touch of butter or oil to maintain moisture.
