Garlic butter green beans

Garlic butter green beans are a vibrant side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed in rich garlic butter. This simple recipe is quick to prepare and complements various main courses.

05 Feb 2026
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 5 min

Ingredients:

1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp salted butter
1 package green beans

Garlic butter green beans is a simple yet delicious side dish that combines the vibrant, crisp texture of fresh green beans with the rich, savory flavors of garlic and butter. Ideal for pairing with a variety of main courses, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Green Beans:
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold water.
- Trim the ends off the green beans if needed.

2. Blanch the Green Beans:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Carefully add the green beans to the boiling water.
- Blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.

3. Drain the Green Beans:
- Once the green beans are blanched, immediately drain them in a colander.
- To stop the cooking process, you can briefly rinse them under cold water or submerge them in a bowl of ice water.

4. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic powder to the melted butter, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic powder is fully incorporated and fragrant.

5. Combine and Sauté:
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter.
- Toss the green beans in the garlic butter to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Sauté the green beans for an additional 3-5 minutes until they are heated through and tender.

6. Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Transfer the garlic butter green beans to a serving dish.
- Optionally, garnish with freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

7. Enjoy:
- Serve the garlic butter green beans immediately as a delicious side dish to your favorite main course.

With just three simple ingredients, garlic butter green beans offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them an excellent addition to any meal. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delicious, nutritious side dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garlic butter green beans FAQ:

What is the cooking time for garlic butter green beans?

The total cooking time for garlic butter green beans is approximately 10-15 minutes. This includes 3-4 minutes for blanching and an additional 3-5 minutes for sautéing after combining with the garlic butter.

How do I know when the green beans are done blanched?

The green beans are done blanching when they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. This typically takes about 3-4 minutes in boiling water.

Can I store leftovers of garlic butter green beans?

Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.

What can I use if I don’t have garlic powder?

If you don’t have garlic powder, you can substitute it with minced fresh garlic, using about 1-2 cloves. Add the fresh garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

What type of pan is best for sautéing the green beans?

A large skillet or frying pan is best for sautéing the green beans, as it allows for even cooking and easy tossing to coat them in the garlic butter.

Cooking Tips:

- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

- Blanching the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and then plunging them into ice water can help maintain their bright green color and crisp texture.

- If you prefer fresh garlic, substitute the garlic powder with 2-3 minced garlic cloves sautéed in butter for a minute or until fragrant.

- To enhance the dish, toss in a handful of toasted almond slivers or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Nutrition Facts

2 Servings
Calories 150kcal
Protein 2.98g
Carbohydrates 11g
Fiber 3.97g
Sugar 4.75g
Fat 12g

Garlic butter green beans