If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious side dish, these sautéed green beans with garlic are a must-try. They’re crisp, flavorful, and ready in minutes, making them perfect for any meal. Whether you’re pairing them with a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these green beans will steal the show with their garlicky goodness. Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Begin by bringing a large saucepan of water to a boil, adding a teaspoon of salt. Add the trimmed green beans and cook them for about 4 minutes until they become bright green. Drain the beans and rinse them under cold water to cool them down.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and finely minced garlic, ensuring not to use jarred or pressed garlic for the best texture. Stir or toss the beans and garlic for around 2 minutes until the garlic turns golden and crispy.
- Season the beans with a pinch of salt and pepper, and give them a final toss to distribute the flavors evenly. Transfer the sautéed green beans to a serving dish, and enjoy them warm as a versatile side dish.
- If preparing in advance, blanch the beans, then cool, dry, and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply sauté with garlic as described above for a quick, on-demand side.
Ingredients
- Green Beans: 250g (8oz), trimmed
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for blanching
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (or substitute with butter for a buttery flavor)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, finely minced (approximately 2 teaspoons)
- Salt: 1/8 teaspoon for seasoning
- Black Pepper: A pinch
Nutritional Values
Calories: 204cal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 306mg | Potassium: 504mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1566IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare the green beans in advance?
- Yes, you can boil the beans ahead of time, then cool and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss them with garlic for a quick side dish that takes only 2 minutes.
- Why shouldn’t I use a garlic press for this recipe?
- Using a garlic press makes the garlic wet and pasty, which prevents it from becoming nice and golden when sautéed. Instead, finely mince the garlic with a knife for the best results.
- Can I use jarred garlic paste instead of fresh garlic?
- It’s not recommended to use jarred garlic paste because it doesn’t taste quite like fresh garlic and tends to be sour. Additionally, its wet texture will cause it to spit when cooked, rather than forming crispy bits.
- What dishes pair well with Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic?
- This versatile side dish complements a wide range of meals, from elegant fish with white wine sauce to hearty steak or lasagne. It even pairs nicely with Asian cuisines when you add a touch of sesame oil or sprinkle sesame seeds.
- Do I need to shock the beans in ice water after boiling?
- No, it’s not necessary to shock the beans in ice water. Simply rinse them under cold tap water to cool them down after boiling.
Tips
- Prepare in Advance: Blanch the green beans ahead of time by boiling them for 4 minutes until they turn bright green. Cool, dry, and store them in the fridge. This allows you to quickly finish the dish by tossing them with garlic when you’re ready to serve.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Finely mince fresh garlic with a knife instead of using a garlic press or jarred garlic paste. This ensures you get crispy, golden garlic bits without the wet, pasty texture that can cause the garlic to burn or splatter.
- Trim Only the Necessary Parts: Trim the stem tip of the beans that was attached to the plant. If the other end looks scraggly, you can trim it as well. Keeping the beans whole gives a more elegant presentation, similar to fine dining.
- Consider Alternative Flavors: To give the dish an Asian-inspired twist, add a touch of minced ginger and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A good quality skillet is essential for sautéing the green beans and garlic until crispy.
- Large Saucepan – Required for blanching the green beans.
- Chef’s Knife – A sharp knife is needed for finely mincing the garlic.
- Cutting Board – Useful for preparing the garlic and trimming the green beans.
