Sauteed Green Beans Recipe
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Fresh green beans sautéed to perfection are the ultimate healthy side dish for any meal! In just 10 minutes, they become tender yet crisp, with a savory hint of garlic and perfectly balanced seasonings. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a festive feast, these green beans are a delicious, keto-friendly addition to your table.
This quick and easy sauteed green beans recipe is so amazing! It’s the perfect healthy side dish that takes just 10 minutes to make and is also low carb, gluten-free, and keto friendly!
Why You’ll Love Sautéed Green Beans
- Fresh green beans cook up in just 10 minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy schedules or last-minute meals. The quick cooking time keeps them tender yet crisp, with loads of flavor!
- Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, these green beans are easy to customize. Add your favorite spices, herbs, or a squeeze of lemon for a unique twist.
- This dish is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, vegan, and keto-friendly, making it suitable for a variety of diets. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fits seamlessly into any menu!
- Sautéed green beans pair well with just about any main course, from roasted chicken to pasta. They’re a versatile side dish that completes your meal beautifully.
- Packed with nutrients like vitamin K, calcium, and fiber, green beans are as nutritious as they are tasty. You can feel good about serving this wholesome dish to your family!
Sautéed Green Beans Recipe
Pan frying takes a simple healthy vegetable like green beans and turns them into a savory side that your whole family will love! The sauteed green beans are so flavorful and cook up so tender, yet still crisp in just a matter of minutes. They are so delicious and are sure to soon become your new favorite green vegetable!
The recipe is super simple and uses basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. But you can use any seasonings you like, which makes this sauteed green beans recipe really versatile and easy to customize according to your taste.
Ingredients for Sautéed Green Beans
- Green beans – Fresh green beans are the star of the dish, providing a crisp, vibrant texture and flavor.
- Olive oil or vegetable oil – Used to sauté the green beans and add a rich, savory taste.
- Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the green beans.
- Black pepper – Adds a mild spice and depth of flavor.
- Garlic powder – Brings a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor to the dish.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
This side dish is a fantastic delicious addition to all your favorite dinners and good for you too!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Sautéed Green Beans
- Large non-stick frying pan – Essential for evenly sautéing the green beans without sticking.
- Spatula – Perfect for tossing and flipping the green beans as they cook.
- Measuring spoons – Handy for accurately measuring seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Health Benefits of Green Beans
Not only are they delicious, but green beans are good for you too. They are high in both vitamin K and calcium, which are important nutrients that are needed to maintain healthy strong bones. Green beans also have a lot of fiber in them that helps to support digestion and gut health. Not to mention, they are full of antioxidants that work to support the immune system and vitamin B, which helps in reducing depression.
How to Make This Sautéed Green Beans Recipe
This recipe is very simple and only requires a few ingreidents. I like to use packaged green beans that have already been washed and trimmed, but you can use unpackaged green beans too.
To begin, if you did opt to use green beans that aren’t prepackaged you’ll want to wash and trim them before you start. Also, it’s a good idea to pat them dry to remove the excess water. This will help the green beans to saute better and brown more evenly.
Leftover sauteed green beans will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days when covered or kept in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, just cover them and pop them in the microwave for about 3 minutes on medium power. You can also heat them in the oven on a sheet pan at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
These sauteed green beans are so delicious and easy to make. They are the perfect side for any meat or pasta dish. Here are some ideas to inspire your taste buds.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh green beans: For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh green beans. Look for beans that are bright green, firm, and free from blemishes. Trim the ends and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sauté evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the green beans enough room in the frying pan to cook evenly. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of sauté, resulting in a softer texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: While garlic powder, salt, and pepper work beautifully, you can easily customize the seasoning. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
- Keep an eye on the heat: Start cooking over high heat to sizzle the oil, then reduce it to medium when covered. This method helps the beans cook through without burning. For the final sauté, raise the heat again to add a slight crisp to the beans.
- Test for doneness: The cooking time may vary depending on your preferred texture. For a crisp-tender bite, cook closer to the shorter time. If you prefer softer green beans, extend the cooking time a few minutes.
- Add a finishing touch: For extra flavor, try a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving. These small additions can elevate the dish to restaurant-quality!
- Leftover tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them gently to preserve their texture. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep them from becoming mushy.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add extra flavor: Enhance the sautéed green beans with additional seasonings or toppings. Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika, a dash of soy sauce, or a touch of red pepper flakes for a bold twist. You can also toss them with freshly grated parmesan cheese or toasted almonds for a more elegant presentation.
- Make it lemony: Add a bright, tangy flavor by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the green beans just before serving. Lemon zest also works beautifully and adds a burst of citrusy aroma.
- Garlic lovers’ twist: If you love garlic, swap the garlic powder for minced fresh garlic. Sauté the garlic in the oil for a minute before adding the green beans to infuse the dish with a deeper, richer garlic flavor.
- Oil alternatives: While olive oil is a classic choice, you can use other oils like avocado oil or coconut oil for a different taste. For a richer flavor, try sautéing the green beans in butter or ghee.
- Try different textures: If you want a smoky char, cook the green beans over high heat for a bit longer at the end of the cooking process. Alternatively, blanch the green beans for a few minutes before sautéing for an extra tender result.
- Include other veggies: Mix things up by adding other quick-cooking vegetables to the pan, like sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced bell peppers. This turns the dish into a colorful medley of sautéed goodness!
- Make it a meal: Turn this side dish into a main course by adding cooked protein, like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, directly into the pan with the green beans.
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the flavor. Toss them in during the last minute of cooking for a fragrant and herby finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used, but they may release more moisture while cooking. To ensure they sauté properly, thaw and pat them dry before adding to the pan. The texture may be slightly softer compared to fresh green beans.
How do I keep the green beans crisp when sautéing?
To maintain a crisp texture, make sure the green beans are dry before cooking and don’t overcrowd the pan. Sauté them over high heat initially to sear them quickly, and avoid overcooking. Cooking for a shorter time (2-3 minutes uncovered at the end) will also keep them crisp-tender.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare sautéed green beans ahead of time. Cook them as directed and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat them on the stovetop or in the oven to restore their flavor and texture.
What other seasonings can I use?
Feel free to get creative! Smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese work well. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley are also great options to enhance the flavor.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Absolutely! Butter adds a rich and slightly nutty flavor to the dish. If using butter, watch the heat carefully to prevent it from burning. For extra flavor, consider a mix of butter and olive oil.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, sautéed green beans are keto-friendly. They are low in carbohydrates and make a healthy, nutrient-packed side dish that fits well into a ketogenic diet.
What main dishes pair well with sautéed green beans?
These green beans are versatile and pair well with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, steak, or pasta dishes. They also complement vegetarian mains like quinoa salad or stuffed bell peppers.
More Easy Vegetable Recipes
If you loved this recipe for sauteed green beans then you’ll want to check out some more of my easy vegetable recipes. These are some of my favorites that go wonderfully well alongside any main course.
- Fresh Steamed Spinach In The Instant Pot
- Pan Fried Zucchini
- How To Saute Broccoli
- Pan Fried Bean Sprouts
- Spicy Zucchini In The Air Fryer
Sautéed Green Beans Recipe
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 lb Green Beans
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
Instructions
- Wash and trim the green beans. Then pat dry.
- Add the olive oil to a frying pan and then add the fresh green beans.
- Sprinkle the green beans with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to season.
- Turn the heat on to high and then wait until the oil starts to sizzle.
- Once the oil is sizzling, toss the green beans around and flip them over in the pan to saute. Then cover the frying pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes with the lid on.
- Uncover the green beans after 5 minutes and move them around the pan with a spatula to saute. Then raise the heat to medium-high and cook the green beans uncovered for another 2 to 5 minutes again moving them around the pan often to evenly brown. The green beans are done when you are happy with the texture. If you like your green beans more well cooked it will take closer to 5 minutes. If you like your green beans still a tad crisp it tends to only take an additional 2 minutes.
- When done, transfer the green beans to a serving dish and enjoy!
They were so easy to prepare and tasted amazing with just a few basic seasonings 👍
I’m trying to eat healthier, and this sautéed green beans recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s so easy to make, and the green beans come out perfectly tender with a bit of crunch. I added a squeeze of lemon juice before serving, and it added a nice touch!