Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

These Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans are a quick and easy side dish that brings tender-crisp green beans coated in rich, flavorful garlic butter. Perfect for any meal, they offer a satisfying blend of buttery goodness and fresh garlic aroma.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
2. Step 2: Immediately transfer the green beans to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and keep their bright color.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
4. Step 4: Drain and pat dry the green beans, then add them to the skillet. Toss well to coat in the garlic butter and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
• Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish for extra richness.
• You can prepare the green beans ahead by blanching and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to finish in the garlic butter.

Storage

Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter to revive their flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

While fresh green beans offer the best texture, you can use frozen green beans if thawed and patted dry before cooking. Adjust cooking times as needed to avoid overcooking.

Is lemon juice necessary in this dish?

Lemon juice is optional but recommended for a bright finish that balances the richness of the butter. You can omit it if you prefer a more traditional garlic butter flavor.

Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 81 reviews

Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans is a quick, easy, and flavorful side dish featuring tender-crisp fresh green beans tossed in rich garlic butter. This low-carb, gluten-free American classic is perfect to complement a variety of mains, from poultry to steak, adding a bright and buttery touch to your meal.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Blanch the Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and lock in their bright green color.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it brown or burn.
3. Toss the Beans: Drain the blanched green beans and pat them dry with a towel. Add the beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss them well to coat evenly and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until heated through and glossy with butter.
4. Finish and Serve: Season the green beans with salt and black pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired to brighten the flavors. Serve immediately while hot and glistening for best texture and taste.

Notes

• Best served immediately after cooking to enjoy optimal texture and flavor.
• You can prep in advance by blanching the green beans and refrigerating them until ready to cook.
• For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy variation.
• Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a bit more butter to revive flavor and avoid sogginess; microwaving is not recommended.

Keywords: green beans, garlic butter, side dish, quick recipe, stovetop vegetables, gluten free, low carb, American cuisine