Sauteed green beans are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed as part of any meal. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a flavorful and nutritious dish on the table in no time!

Sauteed Green Beans

Of all the healthy sides to try, sautéed green beans with garlic should be at the top of your list. It is tasty, delicious, and flavorsome with the right amount of crispness.

Sauteed green beans are one of my favorite ways to eat vegetables. They are easy to make, they taste great with almost anything (and everything), and they are good for you too!

My favorite part of this sautéed green beans recipe is that it is easy to make and can be made ahead, so it is a perfect addition to your everyday meals.

Prepping The Green Beans

First things first, you’ll need to grab some fresh green beans. I usually go for about a pound for this recipe, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re serving. Give those green beans a quick rinse, and then it’s time to trim off the ends. You can either snap them off with your hands or use a knife if you prefer. Once they’re all prepped, you’re ready to cook!

Making this does not even require too many ingredients! Just have your green beans, unsalted butter (to regulate the salt level in the dish), garlic, crushed red peppers, fresh lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar as desired, as well as salt and pepper to taste, and you are ready to go.

The green beans usually take a few to get tender and lightly browned. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re still a bit crisp but not soggy. Once they’ve reached that perfect texture, go ahead and take them off the heat.

I particularly enjoy it with white rice, Sweet Potatoes, Hamburger Helper and pasta.

Ingredients for making sauteed green beans

To blanch, you need salt and water, then fresh green beans. Make sure to wash and trim them.

To Sauté, you need;

Unsalted butter: to sauté the green beans
Garlic cloves: mince these.
Crushed red pepper: for that needed spice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar: to add in some zest to the dish
Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to make sauteed green beans

Boil green beans in salted water for 4 minutes, then drain and rinse.
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté beans until tender.
Add garlic, cook briefly, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

You can serve them immediately, and if you want to get fancy, add a little garnish like fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also add some lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

Tips and Variations

For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes
For an Asian-inspired version, add soy sauce
For a cheesy version, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the green beans before serving.

Easy sauteed green beans served in a bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to steam or saute green beans?

For this recipe, we sauté our green beans. While steaming prevents the green beans from overcooking and becoming mushy, sautéing green beans adds a lovely layer of flavor from unsalted butter that is used and can also create a slightly crisp exterior on the beans.

Should I blanch green beans before sauteing?

I recommend that you blanch your green beans before sauteing. Blanching before sauteing green beans can help them cook more evenly and preserve their color, flavor, and texture.

Blanching is generally a lovely method to soften and prepare your veggies without removing the nutrients they come with.

Why are my sauteed green beans tough?

There are many reasons your sautéed green beans become tough. These include:

Overcooking the green beans: Sauteing green beans only needs a few minutes. Cooking them for longer is asking for tough green beans.
Not using fresh and good-quality green beans can make your sautéed green beans tough
Not cutting the ends of the green beans or washing them properly can also lead to toughness.

Can I make sautéed green beans ahead?

Yes, you can. You can make sautéed green beans ahead and store in an airtight container for about 3-4 days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat them in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they are warmed through.

What can I serve sautéed green beans with?

Sautéed green beans are a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Roast chicken, steak, or fish: The crispy texture of the green beans complements the savory flavors of the protein creating a delicious and balanced meal.
Lamb chops: The mild flavor of the green beans complement the bold flavors of the spices in the dish, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Pasta: For a vegetarian option, try serving sautéed green beans with your favorite pasta dish. The green beans add a fresh and crunchy texture to the pasta, and the garlic and butter flavors in the green beans pair well with most pasta sauces.
Rice: The crunchiness of the green beans adds texture to the rice,

Overall, sautéed green beans are a versatile side dish that can be paired with many different main dishes. Get creative and try different combinations to find your favorite pairing!

Storage and Reheating Tips

How do I store sautéed green beans?

To store sautéed green beans, allow them to cool at room temperature for no more than two hours after cooking. Once they are cool, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Sautéed green beans can also be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. Just make sure that they are perfectly cool, and then store them in an airtight container.

How to reheat sautéed green beans

To reheat sautéed green beans, use a frying pan or skillet to reheat over medium heat until they are heated through. If they are frozen, allow them to thaw overnight or for as long as they need to before reheating over medium heat.

Simple tips to abide by when making sautéed green beans

Use fresh green beans. Frozen and canned green beans do not have the same flavor or texture as fresh ones, even if they’re organic.
Don’t overcook them! Green beans should be tender but still have some bite to them when you eat them–if they’re mushy, then they’ve been cooked too long (or maybe even undercooked).