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Looking for a simple, healthy, and delicious side for dinner tonight or for the holidays? Of all the green bean recipes out there I love green bean casserole, but you often need a fresh green bean recipe that is quick, easy, and delicious. This sauteed green beans side is based in simplicity for a green veggie even my kids will take second helpings of that can go with casual or formal dinners with equal ease.

Best Green Bean Recipe

When learning how to cook greens beans you will discover that fresh ingredients make for the best green bean recipe. Once you cook these string beans up, you’ll always have a go-to green veggie side to serve up for almost any meal pairing.

Green Beans Ingredients

  • Fresh green beans – This is not a recipe for frozen varieties. These are also often refereed to as ‘string beans’.
  • Butter – Go with salted for this recipe.
  • Garlic – Garlic green beans – yes please! Use your garlic press to mince it for the freshest taste.
  • Salt and pepper – its all you’ll need for properly seasoned green beans.

Easy Green Bean Recipe

Such simple ingredients make this easy sauteed green bean recipe a quick and easy side dish for any dinner. Trimming the beans will take the longest part in all this. Enlist your kids like I did to make it go by more quickly.

Bean there, done that.
Anonymous

How do you Make Green Beans from Scratch?

There are several ways to cook fresh green beans, but the best way to cook green beans simply is by making sauteed green beans on the stove. When cooking fresh green beans, you start preparing them by trimming off the steps with a knife or kitchen scissors. After you trim the beans, you’ll fill a large skillet with the beans and add water to just cover them. Boil, then reduce heat to a light simmer. Let the green beans soften for 3 to 5 minutes, then drain them. Add the butter in and toss with garlic, salt, and pepper until they’re as done as you like them.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect String Beans Recipe Every Time

  • Choose good beans. At the store, you should seek out green beans that are firm to the touch.
  • Don’t over-trim! Show your kids how to help you by trimming just enough so they don’t wind up soaking in all that water.
  • Don’t over-season – Green beans are a simple vegetable. You simply want to enhance the flavor of your green beans with your seasonings. Keep your seasoning flavors simple and you can’t go wrong. Garlic green beans are always a crowed favorite!
  • Know when they’re done. They won’t squeak between your teeth or taste too grassy.

How do you cut and cook fresh green beans?

This green bean recipe shows you how to cut and cook fresh green beans. You’ll trim the ends, boil the beans, drain, and then cook with the butter and garlic. It’s so easy!

Is it better to steam or boil green beans?             

Either steaming or boiling green beans can work just fine. This fresh green bean recipe somewhat combines the methods so that you get fork-tender green beans every time.

How to Cook Green Beans?

When learning how to cook green beans, you will discover there are several ways to cook fresh green beans. The most simple way is to trim them and cook them in water on the stove. Then you add in lovely yet simple flavors to bring out the fresh taste.

How do you cook green beans so they are not tough?

When learning how to cook fresh green beans you will find that if you do not cook them long enough they can be tough. As this fresh green bean recipe states, you must cook them in water first for about 3 to 5 minutes to allow your string beans to soften.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook green beans?

He just yells at them and they cook themselves. Kidding! In all seriousness though, Gordon Ramsay cooks green beans in a similar fashion so you’ll be getting chef-quality results.

How do you make green beans taste better?

The key is knowing when to pour out the water after boiling them. Then they will cook the rest of the way with the butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Fresh green beans when cooked through this way will taste wonderful.

What is the healthiest way to eat green beans?

If you simply boil them and leave them plain, that’s the healthiest way. But adding butter and garlic as this recipe calls for is still healthy.

What flavors go well with green beans?

Garlic is always a first choice for green beans though you can get creative for Asian style dishes with toasted sesame seeds. Fresh herbs are always nice with green beans too, but the simpler, the better which is why garlic is the winner.

What goes well with Green Beans?

You’ll love these green beans with that Thanksgiving dinner lineup. Christmas too! Though they will be great with your meatloaf, pork or lamb chops, roasted chicken, and just about anything. They’re great because they can pair just as easily with a casual meal as something more formal.

How to Store Green Beans?

Cooked green beans need to be stored in the fridge. You should put them in an airtight container to preserve the flavors.

How Long Do Green Beans Last?

Use up your leftovers between 3 and 5 days. If you’ve made too much, you can put them in your freezer.

Can You Freeze Green Beans?

Yes! I recommend putting them in freezer bags and laying them flat. Use them within a few months for the best taste.

How to Reheat Green Beans?

The easiest way is to let them thaw in your fridge overnight. Bake them on a sheet pan at 350F for 15 minutes to heat them back up.


Watch How To Make Green Beans (Video)

Classic Green Bean Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 100
This classic green bean recipe uses only 5 simple ingredients you probably already have and is packed with delicious flavor. The combination of garlic, butter, salt and pepper really makes this easy recipe stand out!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 lb fresh green beans (trimmed)
  • 4-5 tbsp salted butter
  • 2 tbsp garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 tbsp lemon pepper
  • salt (to taste)
  • black pepper (to taste)

Instructions 

  • Add green beans to a large skillet and add water until the beans are just covered. Bring the water and beans to boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a light simmer. Allow the beans to soften, about 3-5 minutes. Once the beans are softened, drain the water.
  • Add the butter to the beans in the skillet and toss with garlic, salt and pepper until they’ve reached desired doneness. Serve immediately.
Calories: 100kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 212mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 886IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg

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Author Megan Miller

I’m a mom of two, food and wine lover, and recipe creation enthusiast. Good food brings families together. Which is why I’m devoted to sharing my best recipes that are simple enough for even the beginner cook that your family will love!

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