These sautéed green beans with garlic are a weeknight hero. They're zesty, garlicky, and saucy without being fussy-ready in under 20 minutes. The magic? A double-cooking method: steam them briefly in broth under a lid, then uncover to let the liquid reduce into a light, garlicky glaze that clings to every bean.

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I rely on super quick flavor-packed recipes for dinner. Which is exactly what this sauteed green bean recipe is. I went extra garlicky on this one. Garlic lovers must agree because this recipe has been popular over the years with 5,400 Pinterest shares and a perfect 5-star rating.
It is absolutely one of my favorite ways to make green beans. Fresh lemon juice keeps the flavors bright while caramelized garlic adds a mellow sweetness.
📖Why My 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! This is the same method I use for my bacon green beans and my curry powder green beans.
- Garlic- In addition to using a pile of fresh garlic, this recipe slowly cooks the garlic at a lower heat until caramelized. This sweetens the flavor.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Green Beans- Yes, fresh, sorry but frozen or canned just doesn't work in this recipe. However, you can substitute sugar snap peas for string beans.
- Garlic- Garlic powder won't cut it here. 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!
- Broth - Use stock or broth. You can absolutely sub vegetable stock. Out of stock? Sub bullion plus water, or just use regular water. When using water, I like to add a tablespoon of 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 are recommended. You can also try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

⏲️How to Make Garlic Green Beans
Before starting thoroughly wash the beans in cold water and trim your green beans. You need to just snip off the stem end.

Add the garlic but keep an eye on it, you don't want it to burn.
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.

When the green beans are ALMOST done, remove the lid and add the lemon juice, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
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.
🥗What to Pair with Garlic Green Beans
I like to pair it with a simple protein and a simple side dish like our,Greek roasted potatoes, saffron rice or roasted rutabagas.
In the summer, try them with blue cheese potato salad, cherry tomato salad, or, spicy avocado coleslaw.
👩🏻🍳 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.
- If the green beans get too dry, you can add a few tablespoons of water to help them finish cooking.
- Use a skillet with high sides and a well-fitting lid.

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 quickly. Great for busy weeknights but totally optional.
Leftovers and meal-prepped beans will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator.
More Green Bean Recipes
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?
📖 Recipe Card

Sauteed Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 Tablespoons garlic chopped
- ⅓ cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and trim the ends of the green beans.1 lb fresh green beans
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn up th e heat and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the green beans and toss to coat.1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 4 Tablespoons garlic
- Add the chicken (or vegetable) stock and cover the skillet. Cook 6 to 8 minutes until green beans are bright green and al dente.⅓ cup chicken or vegetable stock
- Uncover the skillet and add the salt and lemon juice. Cook until liquid evaporates and green beans are tender. Add a few cracks of black pepper and add additional salt if needed.1 Tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Notes
- Leftovers: Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Meal Prep: Chop the garlic and trim the green beans ahead of time. Or you can blanch the green beans so they cook quicker.







Bruce Ellis says
Outstanding,easy & healthy
Jen Wooster says
Thanks for the review!
GingerB says
This is a personal opinion: I loved how easy this recipe was to make and will definitely make this again but I did not care for the lemon in it AT ALL. It wasn't that it was "too lemony", it was subtle, but I was expecting more of a garlic taste as I used 6 fresh garlic cloves (and my cloves were big) but I felt the lemon taste was more pronounced than the garlic. BUT.. hubby LOVED them. So again it's a personal taste issue. If your looking for a more garlic taste maybe use less lemon juice or omit it all together but definitely give this recipe a try.
AP says
Hi! So excited to try... just wondering, I didn't see where the recipe says to add the vegetable stock? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!!
Jen says
Thank you for the review. Add the stock in step three. I will update the recipe card to make it more clear.
AP says
Thank you for your quick reply and updating the recipe! I ended up not adding the stock at all... and it still came out DELICIOUS. I was amazed at the outcome and made 3 batches. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe.❤
Elizabeth says
Made this tonight. Was really easy and yummy! I used a whole head of garlic, but that’s just me. Was the perfect way to get my husband to eat green beans.
Jen says
Glad everyone enjoyed! Thanks for leaving a review.
Kat says
Made this recipe for dinner and it is delicious! I can't wait to be able to plant the beans in my garden.
Jen says
So glad you enjoyed!
Angela says
This recipe is definitely a keeper. So quick and easy! Great for a quick weeknight dinner or a dinner party.
Priya Shiva says
Such a quick and easy recipe. Saving to make it for lunch tomorrow.
Jessica says
My children love green beans and I like garlic so I know this recipe is perfect for us! It would pair well with fish also.
Romina says
I love how simple and easy this is. A lovely side dish!
Demeter says
I love how the best dishes sometimes are the simplest allowing the natural flavors to really shine. So delicious!
Ellen says
My favorite veggie! This may wind up on my Thanksgiving menu.
Valentina says
I love the garlic to beans ratio! We are a garlic loving family, big time, and this will go over really well. So pretty and bright, too!
Jen says
Agreed- go big or go home on the garlic!
Lauren Vavala | Delicious Little Bites says
Yes! Give me all the garlicky green beans! These are amazing - such a great side!
Jen says
Thanks!
Jill says
Great recipe for fresh green beans. I love recipes with lots of garlic!
Mary Bostow says
I LOVE how easy and delicious this is! Good idea! Looks very tasty! I am going to make this! This recipe really impresses! I really like! Thank you.