Need more tasty greens in your meal? Whip up this easy, savory side dish that’s coated in a gorgeous garlic butter sauce.
I don’t have many vivid memories of my late great-grandma, but the ones I do have involve all five senses, which were enlivened behind the kitchen counter. She was the one who first taught me how to cook with patient mindfulness, absorbing every aroma and savoring each delicate flavor.
One of her most iconic dishes—which we still make in her honor—is garlic green beans. After patiently chopping their little stems so they’d be nice and trimmed, she turned plain green beans into a succulent side dish that we all wanted on our plates. With each buttery bite, we could tell that these tender, savory green beans were made with love. Now, we craft them with the same care and attention to pay homage to her stellar cooking skills and beloved heart.
Simple but strong, garlic green beans taste amazing with all kinds of main dishes, from steak and mashed potatoes to pasta and meatballs. I’ve even mixed them into a salad before, with a little drizzle of balsamic vinegar. With a hint of spice and everything nice, this side dish can be a gift of love in your family, too.
Is fresh garlic better than garlic powder?
There’s a good reason why this recipe calls for fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. It tastes fresher, with each bite bringing the potential for a rich and earthy burst of buttery garlic. That being said, if you prefer not to be surprised by little pieces of garlic, then use a teaspoon of garlic powder instead. Some of my chef friends claim that this distributes the flavors better. Feel free to make this dish with both types of garlic to discover which you like best. You won’t know until you taste it for yourself!
How do I store leftovers?
Make sure your garlic green beans have cooled completely before storing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, sauté them in a buttered pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until they’re completely warm.
Similar recipes to try
Say you’ve had your fill of garlic green beans, and you want a variation with more unique flavors? Check out these Asian Green Beans, which blend savory and umami in a luscious dish that rivals even the best takeout restaurants. But the fun doesn’t stop there! If you’re seeking more sweetness, then try Balsamic-Roasted Green Beans And Strawberries, a tangy twist on this classic side. On the other hand, if you want to really spruce up your green beans with a creamy sauce, then craft Keto Green Bean Casserole—the perfect addition to your holiday meal plan.
Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Red pepper flakes for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and the green beans. Blanch for 3-4 minutes until the beans turn bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until lightly golden. Add the blanched green beans, then season with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Toss and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. If using, sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.
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