Garlic Butter Green Beans — Easy Garlic Butter Green Beans Side

I’ve always loved the simple comfort of Garlic Butter Green Beans. Growing up, my grandmother would pull a pan from the stove on busy weeknights and—within minutes—turn a handful of fresh green beans into a glossy, garlicky side that everyone reached for first. That memory of warm butter and the bright snap of green beans is why I make this dish whenever I want something quick, satisfying, and a little nostalgic. Green beans have been a staple in many cuisines around the world, from Southern American dinner tables to Mediterranean mezze spreads, making this humble side both familiar and versatile.

Who is this recipe for?

• This recipe is perfect for busy parents, weeknight cooks, and anyone who wants a fast, flavorful vegetable side with minimal fuss.

Core ingredients overview:

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed, 2 tablespoons butter, 3 cloves garlic, minced, Salt to taste, Pepper to taste
• This dish combines fresh green beans, butter, and garlic into a bright, buttery side that comes together in about 15 minutes.

Tools & Ingredients

Tools (you’ll need)

• Large pot (for blanching)
• Bowl (for ice water)
• Colander (for draining)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients (with short benefits)

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed — crisp texture; high in fiber and vitamins A/C
• 2 tablespoons butter — adds rich flavor and silky mouthfeel
• 3 cloves garlic, minced — boosts savory flavor and supports immunity
• Salt to taste — enhances and balances flavors
• Pepper to taste — adds a warm, subtle heat

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the green beans. Cook for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
2. Drain and immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: You can blanch and freeze raw green beans for later, but garlic butter-coated beans are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing after cooking can change texture; if you must freeze, flash-freeze the blanched beans (without butter) and add butter and garlic when reheating.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
A: Yes—use thawed frozen green beans and pat them dry. Skip blanching and simply sauté gently in the garlic butter until heated through and coated.

Q: What can I use instead of butter?
A: Olive oil is a great substitute for a lighter or dairy-free option. Use the same amount and proceed with the recipe.

Q: How can I make it more flavorful or crunchy?
A: Finish with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. For extra crunch, toss briefly under a broiler for a minute—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the beans: aim for tender-crisp so they stay bright green and maintain a pleasant snap.
• Shock in ice water: plunging the beans into ice water right after boiling stops the cooking and preserves color and texture.
• Use fresh garlic: freshly minced garlic gives a brighter, more fragrant result than pre-minced or garlic powder.
• Season at the end: taste and adjust salt and pepper after tossing in butter so you don’t over-season.

Conclusion

If you want another quick take on this classic, check out Garlic Butter Green Beans (15-minute 3-Ingredient Side Dish Recipe) for a simple version. For a slightly different twist and presentation, see Garlic Butter Green Beans – The Jam Jar Kitchen. If you prefer a pan-sauteed approach with extra tips, try Garlic Sautéed Green Beans Recipe.

Enjoy this buttery, garlicky side—serve warm and share with friends and family.
Always add

tag after Directions.