Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it transforms ordinary green beans into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Our Green Beans with Garlic recipe is not just another vegetable side—it's a flavor explosion that combines crisp, bright green beans with the aromatic punch of perfectly sautéed garlic. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both incredibly simple and devastatingly delicious.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water, then trim off the tough ends by snapping or cutting them.
- Pat the green beans completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure proper browning during cooking.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, making sure they are uniformly chopped to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, allowing the oil to become hot but not smoking.
- Add the prepared 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 start to develop light brown crispy edges.
- 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 the beans to coat them with seasoning.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the green beans are tender-crisp.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish, ensuring all beans are coated with the garlic and olive oil.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Dry is Key: Always thoroughly pat your green beans dry before cooking. Excess moisture prevents proper browning and can make your beans soggy instead of crisp.
- High Heat Magic: Use medium-high heat to achieve those beautiful, slightly charred edges that add incredible depth of flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure your beans are in a single layer while cooking. This guarantees even cooking and helps develop those desirable crispy spots.
- Garlic Timing: Add minced garlic towards the end of cooking to prevent burning and preserve its delicate, aromatic qualities.
- Season Boldly: Don't be shy with salt and pepper—they help enhance the natural flavors of the green beans and garlic. Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
