Garlic Green Beans
My husband is a green bean fanatic – which means I had to get good at making homemade green beans. Unfortunately, I grew up with the soggy canned beans, and therefore did not have high hopes for green beans in general – but I was SO wrong! This garlic green bean recipe has officially been filed in our household as a go-to side dish. We are not boiling/blanching are beans into a mush – I much prefer them sautéed so they maintain their vibrance and crispiness. And here’s a hot tip: add garlic near the end on lower heat – because we want golden garlic, no bitter burnt bits! Fast, easy, and impressive – that’s what you’ll be thinking after you whip up these garlic green beans in just 10 minutes. Did I mention it pairs with almost anything?
Green bean lovers – this is going to be your FAVORITE recipe! (and if you’re not a green bean lover, you are about to become one…welcome to the club!)
What you need for Garlic Green Beans
*See below for more information.
See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
What’s the difference between green beans and french green beans?
Green beans are the standard variety with a thicker, more rounded shape. French green beans (also called haricots verts), are thinner, longer, and more tender. You can use either variation for this recipe!
How to Trim Green Beans
Rinse
Rinse the green beans under cool water to remove dirt or debris.
Line Them Up
Gather a small handful of green beans and line them up so the stem ends (the tough, woody part that was attached to the plant) are even.
Trim the Ends
Using a sharp knife, slice off just the stem ends (about ¼ inch).
▶︎You can leave the other end (the tapered tail) on – it’s tender and edible.
Repeat
Flip the beans and trim the other stem ends if needed, or move on to the next batch.
How to Make Garlic Green Beans
1. Heat oil & add beans
Heat oil in a large saucepan over MEDIUM/HIGH heat. Once hot, add your green beans.
2. Sauté for 7-9 minutes
Toss occasionally (I used a tongs for convenience). The beans should start to get dark and slightly charred, also called “blistered”.
3. Add garlic & spices
Turn heat to MEDIUM. Finish by adding your garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Cook for another few minutes until garlic is golden.
Serve right away – you can top with lemon and/or toasted almonds if you’d like!
How to Store Leftover Green Beans
Store leftover garlic green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Skillet (best method): Reheat in a nonstick skillet with a splash of oil over medium heat, just until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a lid or damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
What to Serve with Garlic Green Beans
Green Bean Recipe Variations
- Add a crunch with toasted nuts – I love slivered almonds or pine nuts!
- Spice it up – While sauteing the garlic, add some red pepper flakes for a little kick
- Make it a little cheesy – Shave some fresh parmesan on top – yum!
- Drizzle on something delicious – I love balsamic glaze as a finisher to garlic green beans
Tips for 5-Star Garlic Green Beans
Common Questions
The best green beans are bright green and firm. They should snap easily when bent. Avoid those that are yellowing, have dark spots, or shriveled ends.
There are lots of ways to boost flavor of green beans. Try adding garlic or red pepper flakes when sauteeing. Top with toasted nuts (I love slivered almonds), parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Green beans, especially those that are imported, have high pesticide levels called acephate or one of its breakdown products, methamidophos. If possible, choose organic if that is an option. If you don’t have that option, make sure to get US grown instead of imported to decrease risk of pesticide exposure.
Soggy green beans can result from overcooking, which causes them to lose their crispness. Additionally, if you store them (prior to cooking) in a damp environment or sealing them in a bag without proper ventilation you can get moisture buildup and sogginess.
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Garlic Green Beans
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Ingredients
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lb green beans – washed, dried, and trimmed or French green beans
- 4-5 cloves minced garlic garlic lovers- use 5!
- 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- salt & pepper to taste
- fresh lemon juice optional for topping
- toasted sliced almonds optional for topping
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, begin heating your avocado oil over MEDIUM/HIGH heat.Once its hot, add your green beans and toss to coat with oil.Tip: I love to use a tongs for green beans!2 tbsp avocado oil, 1 lb green beans – washed, dried, and trimmed
- Sauté your green beans for 7-9 minutes, tossing every few minutes to help them cook evenly. They should start to have some dark, charred spots called "blisters" – this gives them a crispy exterior!
- Turn heat down to MEDIUM. Add your minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic starts to brown slightly.4-5 cloves minced garlic, 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, salt & pepper to taste
- Remove from heat and place on a serving platter or in a bowl. Optional: top with lemon juice and/or toasted almonds.Enjoy!
Notes
- Regular green beans vs. French green beans: Green beans are the standard variety with a thicker, more rounded shape. French green beans (also called haricots verts), are thinner, longer, and more tender. You can use either variation for this recipe! Usually regular green beans are easier to find at the grocery store.
- If possible, buy organic. Green beans, especially those that are imported, have high pesticide levels called acephate or one of its breakdown products, methamidophos. If possible, choose organic if that is an option. If you don’t have that option, make sure to get US grown instead of imported to decrease risk of pesticide exposure.
