These sautéed garlic butter green beans are a simple, flavorful side dish that goes with just about anything. Crisp-tender green beans are cooked with butter and garlic for an easy vegetable that's ready in minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners.
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This is one of those back-pocket recipes - nothing fancy, just reliable, garlicky, buttery goodness. Serve it with chicken, beef, seafood, or alongside your favorite Asian or Western mains.
If you're looking for a quick stovetop vegetable that doesn't require a lot of prep or ingredients, this recipe is it. And if you prefer roasting instead, I've also included an oven-roasted version for an easy alternative.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in about 10 minutes with minimal prep.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
- Versatile side dish: Pairs well with chicken, beef, seafood, and more.
- Crisp-tender texture: Sautéed just long enough to keep the green beans bright and flavorful.
- Reliable crowd-pleaser: Garlicky, buttery, and always a hit.
How to Cook Sautéed Garlic Butter Green Beans (Step by Step)
First gather your ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped in half
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoon of minced garlic)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, as desired
Heat butter and minced garlic in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add green beans, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, uncovering occasionally to stir.
Remove cover, add garlic powder and salt, and cook for another minute, stirring, until tender to your liking.
Remove from heat and serve!
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to keep the beans from turning mushy.
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh green beans work best for texture, but frozen can be used in a pinch. Thaw and pat dry before cooking.
How do I keep green beans crisp-tender?
Cook just until tender and avoid overcooking. Uncovering the pan at the end helps excess moisture evaporate.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Sautéed Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe
These sautéed garlic butter green beans are a quick and easy side dish made with just a few simple ingredients. Garlicky, buttery, and crisp-tender, they pair perfectly with almost any main course.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped in half
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoon of minced garlic)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, as desired
Instructions
- Heat butter and minced garlic in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add green beans, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, uncovering occasionally to stir.
- Remove the lid, add garlic powder and salt, and cook for another minute, stirring, until the green beans are tender to your liking.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the cooking time depending on how crisp or tender you prefer your green beans.
- Fresh green beans work best, but pre-trimmed beans save time.
- Finish with black pepper or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 92Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 53mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.
More Delicious Green Bean Recipes
Chinese Green Beans Stir Fry with Garlic
A quick and flavorful stir fry made with green beans, garlic, and savory seasonings - perfect as an easy veggie side or simple weeknight dish.
Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Green Beans
Crisp-tender green beans roasted with butter and garlic for an easy, hands-off side dish that pairs well with almost anything.
Green Beans and Tomatoes
Green beans simmered in a buttery, garlicky tomato sauce for a simple yet comforting vegetable dish with bold flavor.
Beef and Green Beans Stir Fry
Tender marinated beef stir-fried with crisp green beans in a savory sauce for a satisfying and easy main dish.
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Donny says
Nothing better than garlic and butter! This is such a great way to make green beans!
jennifer says
Simple perfection! Love me some garliky green beans and your recipe was amazing - thanks always for sharing the dinner inspo!