I love the fresh taste of Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans. This dish is simple yet elegant, perfect for any meal. It pairs wonderfully with meats or can stand alone as a delightful side.
Growing up, my Dad James always made green beans for family dinners. He insisted on making them fresh, and they quickly became my favorite. My Mom Eva would often add a sprinkle of lemon, making them shine with flavor. Now, I carry on that tradition.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- Fresh green beans, trimmed (1 pound)
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, optional)
The Tools That Help
To make Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans, you will need:
- A large pot
- A colander for draining
- A large skillet
- A wooden spoon for stirring
- A bowl for ice water
The Step-by-Step Process
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Blanch green beans for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain beans and transfer to an ice water bath.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the blanched green beans and coat with garlic butter.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add lemon juice for brightness, if desired.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Lighter, Healthier Touches
To make this dish even lighter, you can use olive oil instead of butter. This will add healthy fats and a different flavor profile. You can also reduce the amount of garlic for a milder taste or skip the butter altogether and use vegetable broth for a vegan option.
Perfect Pairings
Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans go well with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or beef. They are also a perfect companion for quinoa or rice dishes, adding a fresh crunch to your meal. Serve them with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch if you like.
Common Stumbles to Avoid
Do not overcook the green beans; they should remain bright green and slightly crisp. If you skip the ice bath after blanching, they may turn mushy and lose their vibrant color. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; too much salt can overpower the lovely garlic flavor.
Storing Your Creation
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat with a bit of water, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overheat.
A Final Warm Word
Making Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans is an easy way to add a fresh side dish to your meals. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Enjoy the flavors, and don’t forget to share them with your loved ones!
Answering Your Questions
How do you make Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans?
To make these green beans, you first blanch them in boiling water until they are bright green and tender-crisp. After draining them, you sauté minced garlic in butter, toss in the beans, and season them to your taste. It’s simple and delicious!
Can I use frozen green beans for Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just cook them according to package instructions and then follow the same steps for sautéing with garlic and butter. They may take slightly less time to cook since they are already blanched.
What can I add to Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans for extra flavor?
You can add red pepper flakes for some heat or top the dish with toasted almonds for a nice crunch. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also enhance the flavor, giving it a beautiful garden-fresh touch.
Print
Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and elegant side dish, Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans are perfect for any meal and pair wonderfully with meats.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Blanch green beans for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain beans and transfer to an ice water bath.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the blanched green beans and coat with garlic butter.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add lemon juice for brightness, if desired.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a lighter option, use olive oil instead of butter, or vegetable broth for a vegan version. Avoid overcooking the green beans to maintain their crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: green beans, garlic butter, side dish, vegetable recipe, family recipe, easy recipe