This simple side dish is perfect for holiday meals, stir-fries, and more!
Sautéed green beans were the first “adult” veggie that I enjoyed as a kid. I think I was about ten or so when I decided to give them a try. I mixed them in with my Thanksgiving turkey and was pleasantly surprised. They tasted delicious! How did I wait so long? Needless to say, green beans had a place on my holiday plate. And when I grew up and bought my own place, this delectable vegetable was one of the first to grace my skillet! Whether you’re new to cooking or just want a quick side, sautéed green beans are a perfect go-to.
I try to keep things simple with sautéed green beans. You only need garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the tender yet crisp veggie. If you want it plain, then follow this recipe. It matches nicely with traditional holiday feasts, but you can also create your own version with your own spices and sauces. I like to think of it as nature’s potato chip. It takes on whatever flavors you add to it!
Are Sautéed Green Beans Healthy?
Yes! Isn’t it awesome when something that tastes good is also good for you? Green beans are a great source of fiber and contain vitamins A, C, and K. This recipe is inherently gluten- and dairy-free, so there’s no need for any substitutes.
Perfectly Sautéed Green Beans
Sautéed green beans is a seemingly simple dish to make. However, there are two key things you need to keep in mind: timing and heat. The instructions state you need to cook the green beans over medium-high heat, but there’s more to it than just that. The conductive nature of your pan and whether your stove is gas or electric all affect the heat level. You may need to turn your stove down to medium or inch that knob a bit closer to high. And while keeping a timer is helpful, watching the beans is even more important. Once you see your green beans turn bright green, you’ll know they’re nearly done!
How to make ahead and store
You can make sautéed green beans a day ahead, though I think they taste best fresh. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers should last you up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
Sautéed green beans pair with practically any meal. I generally serve them with a whole chicken and a mound of mashed potatoes. A juicy steak is another great pairing, though if you’d prefer surf to turf, try it with some lobster tail. Want to keep the calorie count low? You can never go wrong with baked salmon and a Healthy Mediterranean Couscous Salad. For something completely different, throw them into your next stir-fry!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound fresh green beans ends trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the trimmed green beans and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until garlic is fragrant.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately as a fresh and vibrant side dish.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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