If you’re looking for a side dish that’s healthy, flavorful, and polished enough to serve on a special occasion, these Garlic Butter Green Beans are exactly what you need. They’re crisp-tender, full of garlicky flavor, and ready in just 20 minutes.
This is a green bean recipe I rely on when I want a vegetable side that’s simple, balanced, and tastes like it came from a restaurant—without any complicated steps or heavy sauces.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Quick and easy: ready in 20 minutes
- Light but flavorful: butter and garlic highlight the green beans
- Versatile: works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or holiday meals
- Healthy: packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
What Makes These Green Beans Restaurant-Quality
Blanching for Perfect Texture and Color
Blanching the green beans in salted boiling water for a few minutes locks in their bright green color and keeps them crisp-tender.
Sautéing for Flavor and Finish
After blanching, a quick sauté in butter and garlic adds aroma and flavor without overcooking the beans. This two-step technique is what gives them that “restaurant-quality” finish.
Simple Ingredients, Maximum Taste
Just fresh green beans, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. No heavy sauces, no sugar, no extras—just perfectly balanced, healthy flavor.
Are Garlic Butter Green Beans Healthy?
Green beans are naturally low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. This recipe keeps them light by using:
- A modest amount of butter for flavor
- Fresh garlic and simple seasoning
- Short cooking times to preserve nutrients
The result is a vegetable side that feels satisfying without being heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ lbs (680 g) fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ tsp (3 g) salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp (0.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Garlic Butter Green Beans
Step 1 – Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain immediately (or plunge into ice water to preserve color).
Step 2 – Sauté with Garlic Butter
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook 10–15 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3 – Season and Serve
Add the green beans to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and toss 3–5 minutes until evenly coated and glossy. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
These green beans pair beautifully with:
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Fish or seafood
- Steak, pork, or tofu
- Grain bowls and plant-based mains
For a restaurant-style finish, add a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of flaky salt, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving.
Healthy Variations and Simple Upgrades
- Lemon Garlic Green Beans: Add fresh lemon juice or zest
- Half Butter Option: Use half butter and half olive oil for a lighter version
- Herbs & Spices: Red pepper flakes, thyme, or parsley
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with olive oil or plant-based butter
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips
- Blanch green beans up to 24 hours in advance; store refrigerated.
- Finish in the skillet just before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these green beans ahead of time?
Yes! Blanch the green beans up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Finish them in the skillet with garlic butter just before serving.
How do I keep green beans bright green?
Blanch them briefly in salted boiling water, then drain or plunge into ice water to lock in color.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes. Thaw and drain them well, then sauté in garlic butter until tender but still firm.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
What proteins pair well with garlic butter green beans?
They pair well with chicken, fish, steak, pork, tofu, and plant-based grain bowls.
These healthy garlic butter green beans prove that vegetables don’t need complicated ingredients or long cook times to be delicious. Simple, fresh, and flavorful—this is a side dish you’ll come back to again and again.
More healthy recipes
- Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots Recipe
- Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables (An Easy, Flavor-Packed Side Dish)
- Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
- Tropical Mango Smoothie Bowl (Creamy, Healthy & Refreshing)
⬇️ Find the full printable recipe card below ⬇️
Equipment
- Large pot (for blanching the green beans)
- Colander or strainer
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Optional:
- Large bowl with ice water (for blanching, to preserve color)
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds fresh green beans ends trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Blanch the green beans:
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender.
Drain:
- Drain the green beans immediately and set aside. (For best color, you may plunge them briefly into ice water, then drain well.)
Melt the butter:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
Sauté the garlic:
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 10–15 seconds, stirring constantly, just until fragrant. Do not brown.
Toss the green beans:
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper.
Finish cooking:
- Toss and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through, glossy, and evenly coated in garlic butter.
Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook the garlic: Garlic burns quickly; keep the heat moderate and stir constantly for best flavor.
- Make-ahead option: Blanch the green beans up to 24 hours in advance. Store refrigerated, then sauté with butter and garlic just before serving.
Flavor variations: - Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lemon zest before serving.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Finish with red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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