Easy Sautéed Green Beans

Why You Should Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and surprisingly elegant side dish, look no further than Easy Sautéed Green Beans! Seriously, when you need a last-minute addition to your dinner or a colorful splash to your plate, sautéed green beans will never fail you. They cook up fast, taste amazing, and eat like a champ.

The vibrant green color brightens up any meal, plus, they are packed with nutrients. Who doesn’t want a side that tastes great and is good for you? Let’s be honest: no one ever said “Ugh, more veggies!” when a bowl of sautéed green beans rolls in. 😄

How to Make Easy Sautéed Green Beans

Making Easy Sautéed Green Beans is a breeze! It doesn’t require a culinary degree or even a double oven—just a skillet and a few key ingredients. Here’s how to whip these babies up in minutes:

1. Trim and rinse your green beans. No one likes a grungy veggie.
2. Heat up that olive oil in a skillet until it’s just shimmering. You want to hear that sizzle!
3. Sauté the green beans for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should get a bit blistered and just tender.
4. Add minced garlic and let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
5. Season with salt and fresh pepper. Taste as you go—nobody likes bland beans!
6. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with lemon juice and toss.
7. Top with sliced almonds (if you’re going for that extra crunch) and serve hot!

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• To taste: salt
• To taste: black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (optional)

Directions

1. Trim the ends of the green beans and rinse them thoroughly.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the green beans to the skillet and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until they begin to blister and are tender-crisp.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic aroma.
5. Season the green beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. If using, drizzle with fresh lemon juice and toss to combine.
7. Remove from heat and sprinkle sliced almonds on top if desired.
8. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Sautéed Green Beans

These green beans pair perfectly with just about anything—grilled chicken, a juicy steak, or even a hearty veggie casserole. Want to impress at your next gathering? Serve them family-style on a big platter. A sprinkle of lemon zest or more almonds on top adds a bit of flair without the fuss!

How to Store Easy Sautéed Green Beans

If you somehow have leftovers (you did it wrong! 😜), you can pop them in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just give them a quick reheat in the microwave or toss them back in the skillet for a few minutes to freshen them up.

Tips to Make Easy Sautéed Green Beans

• Don’t overcook the green beans; you want them tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Prep ahead: You can trim your green beans in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to sauté.
• Experiment with spices! A dash of red pepper flakes can add a fun kick if you’re feeling spicy. 🌶️

Variation

If you’re in the mood for a twist, try adding bacon bits or tossing in some cherry tomatoes for a splash of color and flavor. Want it a bit creamier? Mix in a dollop of cream cheese at the end!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Sure! Just make sure to thaw and dry them off a bit first. Sautéing frozen beans will lead to steaminess instead of that beautiful crisp.

2. How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
This recipe is already vegan if you skip the almonds. The olive oil and veggies are all plant-based!

3. What’s the best way to clean green beans?
Rinse them under cold water and snap off the ends. Easy-peasy! You might even want to give them a little soak if they look extra dirty.

Now take this recipe for a spin, and watch those green beans disappear from the table! Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍽️

Easy Sautéed Green Beans

A quick, delicious side dish that brightens up any meal with vibrant green beans sautéed to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 80

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

Optional Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds optional

Method

 

Preparation

1. Trim the ends of the green beans and rinse them thoroughly.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Cooking

1. Add the green beans to the skillet and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until they begin to blister and are tender-crisp.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic aroma.
3. Season the green beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. If using, drizzle with fresh lemon juice and toss to combine.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle sliced almonds on top if desired.
6. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

These green beans pair perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or veggie casseroles. Serve them family-style and top with lemon zest or more almonds for flair.