Are you tired of bland, mushy vegetable side dishes that put everyone to sleep? Get ready to transform your dinner table with these mouthwatering Sautéed Garlic Green Beans that will have your family begging for seconds! In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality side dish that's bursting with aromatic garlic, perfectly crisp texture, and a golden-brown caramelization that will make even veggie-skeptics come running to the table.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water, removing any dirt or debris.
- Trim the ends of the green beans by cutting off the tough stem ends, creating uniform beans approximately 2-3 inches in length.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife, creating small, uniform pieces.
- Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, adding olive oil and allowing it to warm for about 30 seconds.
- Add the minced garlic to the heated olive oil and sauté for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the green beans for 6-8 minutes, tossing or stirring occasionally to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
- Season the green beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, continuing to toss and coat evenly.
- Cook until the green beans are bright green, crisp-tender, and have slight caramelization around the edges.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish, ensuring to scrape any garlic bits from the pan for additional flavor.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Beans: Select bright green, firm beans without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Dry Beans Thoroughly: After washing, pat the green beans completely dry to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Use High Heat: Medium-high heat is crucial for achieving that perfect crisp-tender texture and beautiful caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook beans in a single layer to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving and add it just before the beans to prevent bitter flavors.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end, adding more salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve Immediately: Green beans are best enjoyed hot and fresh, right after cooking to maintain their crisp texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
