Imagine a side dish that transforms ordinary green beans into a mouthwatering sensation that will have your family and guests begging for seconds! This Easy Skillet Garlic Green Beans recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality vegetable side that's ridiculously simple to make. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, garlicky masterpiece that adds a punch of flavor and nutrition to any meal. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe will become your new go-to vegetable side that's sure to impress.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the tough ends of the beans by snapping or cutting them.
- Pat the green beans completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure proper browning and prevent splattering when cooking.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, ensuring they are chopped into small, uniform pieces for even flavor distribution.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm and shimmer slightly.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the hot skillet, spreading them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and maximum surface contact.
- Cook the green beans for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become bright green and develop slight char marks or light browning.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning and distribute the garlic evenly among the beans.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, continuing to toss and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat when the green beans are crisp-tender and have a slight golden color with fragrant garlic.
- Transfer the garlic green beans to a serving dish, ensuring to scrape all the flavorful garlic bits from the skillet.
Tips
- Dry Beans are Key: Always thoroughly pat your green beans dry before cooking. Moisture prevents proper browning and can cause oil to splatter.
- Use High Heat: Medium-high heat is crucial for achieving those beautiful char marks and crisp-tender texture.
- Single Layer Matters: Spread beans in a single layer in the skillet to ensure even cooking and maximum caramelization.
- Garlic Timing: Add minced garlic late in the cooking process to prevent burning and preserve its delicate flavor.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh green beans for the most vibrant color and crisp texture. Avoid frozen beans for this recipe.
- Season Boldly: Don't be shy with salt and pepper - they help enhance the natural flavors of the green beans and garlic.
- Serve Immediately: These green beans are best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, when they're at their crispiest and most flavorful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
