If you are new to cooking green beans, be sure to check out my guide on How To Boil Green Beans. Knowing the basics will help you make the best garlic butter green beans on your first try. And if you are a fan of air fryers, you might also like my Air Fryer Green Beans and Green Bean Fries in Air Fryer recipes.

If you are a fan of simple side dishes like this one, be sure to check out our library of Vegetable Side Dishes.

Garlic Butter Green Beans in an oval pan being served by a person

Why Make This Recipe

Sautéed green beans with garlic is the perfect side dish that keeps on giving. Perfect for parties, holidays, and even weeknights, this easy stove-top recipe will astound you with its flavor and adaptability.

  • This quick and easy green bean recipe uses just a handful of pantry-ready ingredients. Plus, you can even do most of the preparation in advance.
  • Perfect green beans for a crowd, this savory side is one of the best green bean recipes for Thanksgiving dinner, potlucks, and parties. Double the recipe, and you’re good to go!
  • This simple green bean recipe bursts with rich, grassy, and robust flavors. Even better, you can customize this versatile side dish with dozens of tasty toppings.

Ingredients

To make garlic string beans, gather fresh green beans, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves, kosher salt, and black ground pepper. You can also add lemon zest if desired.

Ingredients for the recipe from the top view

A Few Substitutions:

  • Olive oil: I know the recipe is called garlic butter green beans, but an equal amount of olive oil can be used instead of butter. 
  • Fresh Garlic vs. Garlic Powder: I’ll be honest, fresh garlic cloves is the way to go but if you are in a pinch you can also use garlic powder.
  • Butter: If you want to take things up a notch, you can also make this easy green bean dish with my garlic butter recipe.

How to Make?

Cooking green beans on the stove is a piece of cake when you have my foolproof guide. This garlic string beans recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes with seven basic steps.

How to cook green beans
  1. Boil the saltwater: In a large pot, mix 2 tablespoons of salt into 3 quarts of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Prepare the ice bath: Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Then, line a sheet pan with paper towels (or a clean kitchen towel) and set both aside.
  3. Boil the green beans: Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook until crisp, tender and al dente (5 minutes).
  4. Blanch the green beans: Transfer the green beans to the ice bath using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Let them cool for about 5 minutes or until they reach room temperature. Then, drain the bowl and transfer the beans to the lined sheet pan. Dry them as much as possible.
Person making garlic green beans
  1. Saute the garlic: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  2. Saute the green beans: Add the green beans and stir so that each stalk is fully coated with the butter mixture. Saute until the green beans are softened yet tender (2-3 minutes), being sure to turn them often.
  3. Season & Serve: If desired, add the lemon zest one minute before the cooking is complete. Transfer the beans to a plate and serve. 

Do I Have to Blanch Green Beans Before Sauteing?

No, you don’t have to blanch your green beans before sautéeing them. Blanching green beans—or boiling them for a short time before cooling them in an ice bath—often helps preserve the vegetable’s bright green color and crisp, tender texture. It also shortens the sauteing time. For this reason, I recommend blanching before cooking green beans with garlic and butter.

However, those who prefer not to blanch their green beans can saute their veggies without this extra step. With a full recipe for sautéed string beans with garlic, you can simplify your cooking process and still have a succulent side.

How to Season Green Beans?

Ever wonder how to make green beans more interesting? You’re not alone! Here are the most mouthwatering toppings to use when you want something to add to green beans for flavor.

  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest to make lemon garlic green beans that will tantalize your taste buds.
  • Nuts, sliced almonds, and pine nuts are classic additions to whole green beans. Add a nutty sweetness to your bland beans for delicious results.
  • A drizzle of my go-to Lemon Vinaigrette will transform your dull green beans into a salad bursting with tangy flavor. You can even use vegan butter for an easy vegan recipe.
  • Lemon Pepper is a good seasoning for green beans because it brightens their grassy notes with a citrusy zing. 
  • A sprinkle of parmesan cheese is just the ingredient to give your green beans a sharp, nutty flavor that no one can resist.
Easy green bean recipe in the pan with a wooden spoon on the side

Make Ahead, Storage, & Reheating Instructions

Whether you want to cut down on preparation time or free up counter space, garlic butter green beans is the perfect dish to make ahead. 

  • Make ahead: To make ahead green beans for a crowd, parboil your green beans ahead of time, dry them off completely, and store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Then, right before serving, heat the butter and garlic in a large skillet. Add the green beans and stir until cooked through and thoroughly coated in the butter mixture.
  • Store: If you have any leftover green beans (not sautéed), dry them off after parboiling and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. If they are sautéed, you don’t need to dry them off before storing them.
  • Reheat: To reheat plain green beans, add a little bit of water to their container and microwave them for a few minutes until hot. You can also saute them with a tiny bit of water on the stovetop. If the green beans are sautéed, you don’t need to add water before reheating.

Expert Tips

  • Double the recipe: Whether you’re cooking green bean recipes for Thanksgiving dinner or a party potluck, it never hurts to make extras. You can easily double (or triple!) this easy green bean recipe to feed a crowd.
  • Add flavor: The best way to cook green beans is by adding enough flavor. Two tablespoons of unsalted butter and two garlic cloves are an excellent place to start for one lb. of green beans. However, you can always use more garlic and more butter if you want a more sumptuous flavor.
  • French Green Beans: The recipe below is made using regular green beans, if you are using French beans (aka Haricot verts) please know that the blanching time should be no more than 2 minutes as they are usually thinner and more delicate texture. 

What to Serve it With?

One of my favorite things about this garlic green beans recipe is how it makes the perfect accompaniment with so many dishes. You can balance nearly any meal with this easy side dish.

FAQs

Want to know how to make sautéed string beans with garlic like a pro? I’ve answered all your biggest questions about this side dish recipe right here.

  • How to make green beans taste good? To make flavorful green beans, cook them until they are crisp and tender. Then, saute them in butter and garlic for added richness. Add more flavor with seasonings like salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. For additional complexity, try topping your green beans with roasted nuts, like sliced almonds or pine nuts.
  • How long to blanch green beans before sauteing? Usually, 5-7 minutes are sufficient to soften your green beans while keeping them crisp and tender. However, you can always cook your beans for a longer or shorter period depending on your preference. Just take a stalk out and give it a taste when you think your green beans are ready.

Other Similar Recipes You Might Also Like:

Whether you are serving this simple side dish with your Thanksgiving turkey for your holiday meal or with Roast Chicken on a Tuesday night, it is guaranteed to impress. Below are a few other similar vegetable dishes you might enjoy:

If you try this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe or any other Vegetable Side Dishes on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe

5 from 4 votes
Yields4 servings
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Made in about 15 minutes, this Garlic Butter Green Beans is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or on any night of the week.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, aka string beans, ends trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, + more for seasoning the boiling water
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Optional

Instructions 

  • Place 6 cups of water and 2 tablespoons salt in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cover and bring it to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with ice and water. Line a sheet pan with a few sheets of paper towel. Set them aside.
  • Carefully add the green beans into the boiling water. Cook until crisp and tender, 5 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon or a spider strainer, transfer the green beans into the ice water. Let them cool to room temperature completely for about 5 minutes. Drain and then transfer on to the sheet pan lined with paper towels. Dry as much as you can.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet (10 or 12 inch) over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds.
  • Add in the green beans and gently stir to make sure they are coated with the butter and garlic mixture. Sautee, turning often, for 2-3 minutes or until green beans are softened but still tender.
  • If preferred, toss in the lemon zest at the last minute. Transfer the beans on a plate and serve.

Video

Notes

  • Make ahead: To make ahead green beans for a crowd, parboil your green beans ahead of time, dry them off completely, and store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Then, right before serving, heat the butter and garlic in a large skillet. Add the green beans and stir until cooked through and thoroughly coated in the butter mixture.
  • Store: If you have any leftover green beans (not sautéed), dry them off after parboiling and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. If they are sautéed, you don’t need to dry them off before storing them.
  • Reheat: To reheat plain green beans, add a little bit of water to their container and microwave them for a few minutes until hot. You can also saute them with a tiny bit of water on the stovetop. If the green beans are sautéed, you don’t need to add water before reheating.
  • Double the recipe: Whether you’re cooking green bean recipes for Thanksgiving dinner or a party potluck, it never hurts to make extras. You can easily double (or triple!) this easy green bean recipe to feed a crowd.
  • Add flavor: The best way to cook green beans is by adding enough flavor. Two tablespoons of unsalted butter and two garlic cloves are an excellent place to start for one lb. of green beans. However, you can always use more garlic and more butter if you want a more sumptuous flavor.
    •  

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 299mg | Potassium: 249mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 958IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @foolproofliving or tag #foolproofeats!

About Aysegul Sanford

Hello Friend! I'm Aysegul but you can call me “Ice." I’m the cook/recipe-tester/photographer behind this site.

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5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Really Really good recipe, I usually do not like fresh green bean recipes, the fresh green beans don’t really have a good flavor but this recipe…I could not stop eating them. Thanks this will be a recipe I will keep using as part of dinners from now on.