Name: Sauteed Garlic Green Beans
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh green beans; 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 4 Tablespoons garlic (chopped); 1/3 cup chicken or vegetable stock; 1 Tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

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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.

A white dish filled with garlic green beans, perfectly cooked and topped with freshly chopped garlic.

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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.

Chopped garlic sautéing in oil in a stainless steel pan, perfect for tossing with crisp garlic green beans.

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.

Garlic green beans sautéed in a stainless steel pan, served on a rustic dark surface.

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

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