Garlic Green Beans

My garlic green beans are super easy to make and totally packed with savory flavor! I combine 5 ingredients to create this simple and delicious side dish that can be paired with a variety of mains.

My Buttery Garlic Green Beans

There are a few dishes out there that I think I could make blindfolded with my hands tied behind my back. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating. What I want to say is that I have a handful of tried and true recipes I’ve made so many times that I don’t really need to think about it. My famous (in my family, at least!) garlic green beans recipe is one of them.

My husband, Ben, as well as my kids, know they’re going to be on the menu at least once a week. They’re incredibly tasty and so easy to make — two things important to this mom-turned-food blogger. Sautéeing green beans in butter and garlic also makes convincing my kids to finish their plates a whole lot easier. Same goes for my meat-and-potatoes husband. 

They aren’t roasted, so there’s less of a risk of overcooking them too. This vegetable side dish is tasty enough for special occasions like Thanksgiving, but simple enough for family dinner too. In other words, they’re a must-try!

For more vegetable recipes, don’t miss my Cajun corn on the cob, carrots in the Instant Pot, green bean casserole with canned green beans, air fryer green beans, and twice baked potatoes.

Sauteed Green Beans Ingredients

• Green beans – I use fresh green beans as frozen or canned green beans won’t get that same crispness as fresh ones
• Garlic – the star to this dish outside of the green beans, of course
• Unsalted butter – to bring creaminess to the beans while frying them
• Salt and pepper – to enhance the natural flavors in the dish
• Lemon – I just use the juice, so bottled lemon juice will work fine too

How to Cook Fresh Green Beans

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Trim the ends of the green beans, if needed, then melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. When it’s melted, add the garlic and sauté it until fragrant.

STEP TWO: Add the green beans to the skillet and season them with salt and pepper. Add ⅓ cup of water and cover them. Allow the beans to steam for 5 minutes, remove the lid, and then sauté them for 3-5 more minutes until they’re tender. Top them with lemon juice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Garlic Green Beans Recipe

• When choosing fresh green beans, opt for bright green ones without any blemishes. Because there are so few ingredients needed, it’s important to choose really good quality produce!
• I always make a point to mince the garlic really finely. No one wants to bite into a big chunk — plus the flavor could overpower the entire side dish. My garlic chopper has been wonderful at doing this quickly.
• Keep a close on the stove when melting the butter. It can burn very quickly which will alter the flavor of the beans… not in a good way!
• Don’t skip the steaming step. It ensures the beans come out perfectly tender and maintains that nice, bright green color.
• The extra lemon juice on top is very important too. Citrus adds brightness and complements the garlic really well.

Garlic Green Beans Variations and Substitutions

• Try French beans instead of green beans. They’re thinner, have a delicate flavor, and often cook up more tender! 
• Almonds pair surprisingly well with green beans and garlic butter! Slice up a handful or so and add them to the skillet in the last minute of sautéing for added flavor and crunch.
• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This is my secret to getting my kids to finish whatever I add to their plates. Hey, it works!
• Use a tablespoon of soy sauce instead of the added salt for an Asian-inspired twist! Low-sodium soy sauce also works if regular is too salty.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat that tastes so good with the garlic. My family loves spicy food, so I do this often.
• Lime juice works in a pinch if lemon isn’t an option.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Green Beans

Garlic green beans are incredibly versatile — there isn’t much they don’t work well with! They’re such a tasty way to incorporate more veggies into any meal. I usually serve them alongside my pork tenderloin in the oven, round steak, spiral ham, this lemon chicken recipe, oven roasted whole chicken, or baked split chicken breast.

Garlic Green Beans FAQs 

What’s the best way to trim green beans? 

The best way to trim green beans is to arrange a handful or so on a cutting board so that the stems are aligned. Then, use a sharp knife to cut off the tough end stems and repeat. Sometimes, I’ll simply use my fingers to pinch off the ends. 

How do I choose fresh green beans at the store? 

Opt for green beans that boast a vibrant color and are firm and free of brown spots. Avoid ones that feel limp or have wrinkles. They should also snap easily when bent.

Why are my sauteed green beans crunchy?

Crunchy green beans are likely under cooked. This is why the steaming step is so important — it softens them so that they become tender without running the risk of overcooking them.

Why are my garlic green beans mushy? 

Overcooking will cause green beans to become mushy. I steam them until just softened, then remove the lid to avoid any excess moisture buildup (another culprit). Be careful not to sauté them too long after steaming too.

How should I store leftover buttery garlic green beans?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to reheat green beans gently in a skillet over medium or in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through. Add a splash of water or some butter if needed.

More Easy Side Dish Recipes

• Easy biscuit recipe
• Sweet potato casserole
• Roasted acorn squash
• Cornbread stuffing recipe
• Easy potato soup