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Bright green sautéed green beans topped with finely minced garlic on a white plate.

Sautéed Green Beans

Ella
Bright green, crisp-tender green beans coated in golden garlic and kissed with lemon—that’s the promise of this fast and flavorful side dish. It’s ready in just 15 minutes and works with anything from steak and fish to stir-fries and paella.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 102 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Green Beans

  • 250 g fresh green beans trimmed
  • 1 tsp salt for blanching water

For Sautéing

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or use unsalted butter for a richer flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 pinch salt for seasoning after sautéing
  • 1 to taste freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil with one teaspoon of salt. Add the trimmed green beans and boil for about 4 minutes until bright green and slightly softened. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Dry with a clean towel.
  • Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil or butter and let it heat for 30 seconds until shimmering or bubbling.
  • Sauté the Beans and Garlic: Add the blanched green beans and toss for about 30 seconds. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until garlic turns golden.
  • Season and Finish: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss everything to combine and coat well.
  • Serve Immediately: Transfer to a serving plate and optionally squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.

Notes

You can blanch the beans up to two days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to sauté. To reheat, warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to retain texture. Avoid the microwave. For an Asian twist, add grated ginger and finish with sesame oil or seeds.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 102 cal (5%)
Carbohydrates: 9 g (3%)
Protein: 2 g (4%)
Fat: 7 g (11%)
Saturated Fat: 1 g (6%)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 153 mg (7%)
Potassium: 252 mg (7%)
Fiber: 3 g (13%)
Sugar: 4 g (4%)
Vitamin A: 783 IU (16%)
Vitamin C: 15 mg (18%)
Calcium: 48 mg (5%)
Iron: 1 mg (6%)
Keyword Crisp Tender Green Beans, Garlic Green Beans, Sautéed Green Beans