Garlic Green Beans

Our quick and easy garlic green beans recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Garlic lovers rejoice! Fresh green beans make this recipe a snap and it pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses from steak to chicken.

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I rely on super quick flavor-packed recipes for dinner. Which is exactly what this sauteed green bean recipe is. We went extra garlicky on this one. Have you heard of 40 cloves of garlic chicken? Think of this fresh green bean recipe as the side dish version of that.

I like to pair it with a simple protein and a simple side dish like our saffron rice or roasted rutabagas.

Jump to:

• 📖Why This Recipe Works
• 🧾Ingredient Notes
• ⏲️How to Make Garlic Green Beans
• 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
• 🌡️Storage
• More Great Side Dish Recipes
• 💬Frequently Asked Questions
• 📖 Recipe
• ⭐Reviews

📖Why This Recipe Works

• No Blanching Required- This recipe does not require you to blanch (boiling and then plunging into an ice bath) the green beans before you saute them. We saute then simmer, i.e., the easy way!
• Healthy- Green beans offer vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K, as well as beta-carotene, folate, and potassium making this a healthy side dish! Plus you get all the benefits of fresh garlic. Because we simmer the beans in broth this recipe requires less oil.

This recipe has been popular over the years with 5,000 Pinterest shares and a perfect 5-star rating. It is absolutely one of my favorite ways to make green beans.

🧾Ingredient Notes

As promised, we made this recipe quick and easy. So just a handful of ingredients with loads of flavor. We made each one count.

Fresh Green Beans- Yes fresh, sorry but frozen or canned just doesn't work in this recipe. However, you can sub-sugar snap peas for our string beans here. 

Garlic- … lots of garlic. In a pinch, I have even used a tube of garlic paste and the prechopped and jarred kind. Garlic powder won't cut it here. This recipe is for true garlic lovers.

This recipe calls for quite a few garlic cloves so make sure you have at least a half head of garlic on hand. You can mince your garlic with a knife or use a garlic press if you prefer smaller pieces.

You can also use roasted garlic in this recipe for a less intense garlic flavor.

Olive Oil- You can use any high-quality oil like coconut, avocado oil, or even some leftover herb and garlic butter!

Chicken Stock - Or broth adds a richer flavor. You can absolutely sub vegetable stock for vegan. Out of stock? Sub bullion plus water or just use regular water. When using water I like to add a tablespoon of butter or Earth Balance vegan butter to deepen the flavor.

Lemon Juice- A little acid is my favorite way to finish any sauteed vegetable. If you are out of lemon options (bottled or fresh) try 1 teaspoon of cider or red wine vinegar. If using fresh lemon feel free to add the lemon zest for a sharper flavor.

Seasonings- We keep it simple with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. If you are feeling herby fresh parsley or chives is recommended. You can also try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

⏲️How to Make Garlic Green Beans

Sauteed green beans should be easy to make (if they aren't- get a new recipe!). And this recipe couldn't be easier. We use a mix of sauteing and simmering to get the perfect bean texture in just a few minutes. Your sauteed green beans should have a beautiful green color and be crisp but fork-tender.

Before starting thoroughly wash the beans in cold water and trim your green beans. You need to just snip off the stem end. 

STEP 1- Saute

To start, heat your oil in a large skillet with high sides. Make sure to use one with a well-fitting lid. Add the garlic to Sauté the garlic to bring out the sweetness, just about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it, you don't want it to burn. Give a stir about halfway through.

Add the green beans to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes, just to get a bit of caramelization. We aren't cooking the beans, just browning them.

Step 2- Simmer

Add the chicken stock and cover for 6 to 8 minutes. This will steam the green beans.

When the green beans are ALMOST done, remove the lid and add the lemon juice, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.

Cook until the liquid evaporates and the green beans are fork-tender. You want the green beans to still have a bit of a snap.

If the green beans get too dry you can add a few tablespoons of water to help them finish cooking. Serve immediately. Be sure to get all the garlicky goodness out of the pan!

🥗What to Serve with Garlic Green Beans

This recipe pairs well with our Boursin mashed potatoes or lemon-roasted potatoes for a hardy partner.

In the summer try them with blue cheese potato salad, cherry tomato salad, or, spicy avocado coleslaw.

For main dishes try green beans with BBQ shredded beef, blackened cod, flourless chicken piccata, and our crustless tomato pie!

If you enjoyed this recipe please be sure to check out more of our favorite green bean recipes, I highly recommend our modern green bean casserole.

If you enjoyed this recipe please be sure to check out more of our favorite vegetable side dishes!

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

This is an easy recipe with no real "trick" except, don't let your beans overcook. Keep an eye on them so they don't get mushy.

🌡️Storage

Sauteed green beans are meant to be eaten right away. If you have leftovers store them in the refrigerator and reheat them in a pan over medium heat. You will likely need to add additional oil.

How to Meal Prep Green Beans

If you want to meal prep this recipe, chop the garlic and trim the green beans the day before to reduce prep time. Or you can blanch the green beans so they cook quicker. Great for busy weeknights but totally optional.

Leftovers and meal-prepped beans will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator.

More Great Side Dish Recipes

💬Frequently Asked Questions

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