Who knew green beans could be this good?
If you’re on the lookout for a simple, scrumptious side dish that will have everyone begging for seconds, look no further! These Honey Garlic Green Beans bring a delightful dance of sweetness and savory flavor in every bite. And the best part? They’re quick to whip up, making them a perfect addition to any meal you’d like to elevate with minimal effort.
Why make this recipe
Why should you give these honey garlic beauties a shot? Here are a couple of compelling reasons:
- Easy peasy cleanup: Using just one pan, these green beans lack the mess and fuss typical of other side dishes.
- Family-friendly flavor: Even the pickiest eaters will find it hard to resist the sticky-sweet garlic goodness.
Trust me, with Honey Garlic Green Beans, you’ll be that kitchen hero you always wanted to be.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics! Grab:
- 12 oz green beans, trimmed
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps:
- Boil: Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the green beans and boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Ice bath: Remove the green beans from the pot and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Dry off: Pat the green beans dry with paper towels.
- Sauté: In a large skillet or pan, add cooking spray over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the blanched green beans and sauté for 3-5 minutes until they get slightly blistered and browned.
- Mix: Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter, honey, and minced garlic cloves, mixing everything together.
- Finish up: Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, then season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Plate those irresistible beans and enjoy!
How to make Honey Garlic Green Beans (Overview)
Making these Honey Garlic Green Beans is as satisfying as it gets. Start with boiling the beans briefly—this helps retain their vibrant color and crunch. After a quick dip in ice water (don’t skip this; it’s a must!), bring them to the skillet where they’ll sizzle and brown beautifully.
Pro tip: Toast the garlic until it’s fragrant, but take care not to burn it—charred garlic is a crime against flavor!

How to serve Honey Garlic Green Beans
Picture this: a vibrant bowl of glossy green beans, shimmering in a sweet garlic glaze. Serve these alongside your roasted chicken or grilled salmon, and watch everyone get excited! The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make it hard for anyone to resist. These green beans add the perfect complementary crunch and contrasting color for any plate.
How to store Honey Garlic Green Beans
Got leftovers? No problem! These green beans will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store them in an airtight container. If you want to make ahead, feel free to prep them beforehand and pop them in the fridge until it’s time to reheat! Warm them up in the skillet or microwave, but don’t forget to toss in a bit of fresh butter or oil to keep them juicy.
Tips to make Honey Garlic Green Beans
Want to elevate your green bean game even more? Here are a few insider tricks:
- Add chili flakes for a bit of heat—no one ever said these beans couldn’t be spicy!
- Drop in some sesame seeds just before serving for extra crunch.
- If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Variation
Feeling creative? Here are some fun ways to switch it up!
- Make it vegan by swapping out the butter for olive oil or coconut oil.
- Add toasted almonds or walnuts to introduce some nutty flavor.
- Get adventurous and toss in a splash of soy sauce for an Asian twist!
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely! Just skip the boiling step and sauté until heated through.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Sure thing! Prep them a day in advance and just heat and serve at mealtime.
How do I store leftovers?
Place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Honey Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the green beans and boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the green beans from the pot and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Pat the green beans dry with paper towels.
- In a large skillet or pan, add cooking spray over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the blanched green beans and sauté for 3-5 minutes until they get slightly blistered and browned.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter, honey, and minced garlic cloves, mixing everything together.
- Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, then season with salt and pepper.
- Plate those irresistible beans and enjoy!
