Easy Garlic-Infused Sautéed Green Beans
Welcome to your new favorite side dish: Easy Garlic-Infused Sautéed Green Beans! If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to elevate your meals, these green beans are the answer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish bursting with flavor and nutrition. Perfectly crisp and seasoned with garlic, these green beans will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Ready to transform your veggies from bland to brilliant? Let’s dive in!
PERFECT SIDE DISH FOR HOLIDAY MEALS:
This recipe for Garlic-Infused Sautéed Green Beans is a holiday favorite in my family. I first made them for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and everyone loved how the garlic added a tasty kick that went perfectly with the turkey and ham. The green beans were a great, fresh contrast to the rich holiday dishes, making the meal feel just right. Now, it’s a tradition at our holiday dinners, and they always bring a bit of extra joy and flavor to our celebrations with family.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 pound Green Beans (fresh, trimmed, blanched): These fresh green beans are trimmed and quickly blanched to retain their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture. Blanching helps preserve their nutrients and makes them perfect for sautéing.
- 2 Tbsp Butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps sauté the onions and garlic to perfection.
- 1 Onion (sliced): Sliced onions provide a sweet and savory depth to the dish, balancing the robust flavors of garlic and mustard.
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced): Minced garlic infuses the green beans with a strong, aromatic flavor, making every bite wonderfully fragrant and delicious.
- 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick, elevating the flavor profile of the sautéed green beans.
- 2 Tsp Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brings a bright, zesty acidity that complements the rich butter and Parmesan cheese, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese (grated): Grated Parmesan cheese melts into the green beans, adding a salty, nutty richness that makes this dish irresistibly delicious.
- Red Chili Flakes (to taste): Gives the green beans an extra kick of spicy flavor.
- Salt & Black Ground Pepper (to taste): Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning.
HOW TO PREPARE THE SAUTEED GREEN BEANS?
Time needed: 30 minutes
- Prepare the Green Beans:
Blanch the trimmed green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. - Add the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. - Combine the Green Beans:
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through and slightly crispy. - Season and Finish:
Stir in the Dijon mustard and lemon juice, mixing well to coat the green beans. - Add Parmesan Cheese and Red Chili Flakes:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and the optional red chili flakes over the green beans, stirring until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. - Serve:
Transfer the garlic-infused sautéed green beans to a serving dish and enjoy as a delicious, cheesy, and healthy side.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Boil a pot of salted water. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Quickly move them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and dry before sautéing.
Cut off both ends of the beans with a knife or kitchen scissors. You can line up several beans and trim them at once to save time.
Cook garlic over medium heat and add it after the onions soften. Stir often and watch closely, as garlic burns quickly.
Yes, you can make it ahead. Blanch and sauté the green beans, then cool and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter or oil.
SAUTEED GARLIC GREEN BEANS RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Olive Oil Instead of Butter: Use olive oil for a dairy-free option and a different flavor profile.
- Shallots Instead of Onions: Swap onions with shallots for a milder, slightly sweet taste.
- Green Beans with Asparagus: Replace green beans with asparagus for a similar texture and flavor.
- Add Bacon or Pancetta: Cook chopped bacon or pancetta with the onions for a smoky, savory twist.
- Use Nutritional Yeast Instead of Parmesan: For a vegan option, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and sweetness.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH FRESH SAUTEED GREEN BEANS?
Garlic-infused sautéed green beans are a great side for many meals. They go well with roast turkey or chicken, adding a tasty touch. They also pair nicely with honey-glazed ham and beef tenderloin. For a comforting holiday meal, they complement stuffing or mashed potatoes. On weeknights, serve them with grilled chicken or baked salmon for a healthy option. They also work well with pasta, stir-fried tofu, or stuffed bell peppers, making them a versatile choice for any dinner.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER SAVORY GREEN BEANS?
To store leftover green beans, put them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of butter or oil if needed. You can also use the microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring in between. Be careful not to overheat, so they stay tasty and not too soft.
CAN LEFTOVER GREEN BEANS BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
To freeze leftover sautéed green beans, start by letting them cool completely. Next, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they’re firm, usually about 1-2 hours. After they’re frozen, move the beans to an airtight freezer bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag or container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat directly from the freezer in a skillet or microwave, adding a little oil or butter to freshen them up.
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Easy Garlic-Infused Sautéed Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound Green Beans (fresh)(trimmed)(blanched)
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Onion (sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tsp Lemon Juice
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- Red Chili Flakes (to taste)
- Salt & Black Ground Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Blanch the trimmed green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Combine the Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through and slightly crispy.
- Season and Finish: Stir in the Dijon mustard and lemon juice, mixing well to coat the green beans.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Add Parmesan Cheese and Red Chili Flakes: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and Red Chili Flakes over the green beans, stirring until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
- Serve: Transfer the garlic-infused sautéed green beans to a serving dish and enjoy as a delicious, cheesy, and healthy side.