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closeup of a bowl of whole green beans that have been sauteed with garlic. There are lemon wedges on the side of the bowl.

Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic

Cindy
Simple green beans are lifted up to a whole new level when you cook them with fresh garlic and olive oil. Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic make the perfect easy dinner side, and they're fancy enough for holiday meals as well.
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Course Side Dish Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 58 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 10 oz green beans washed and trimmed
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Add the beans to a pan of boiling water and simmer for 4 minutes.
    Uncut green beans boiling in a saucepan.
  • Drain the beans under cold water to stop the cooking process.
    Blanched green beans drained with a mesh colander.
  • Heat the oil in a frying pan on a medium-high setting. Add the beans, garlic, and some salt to taste. Fry for 3 minutes, tossing frequently. until the beans are cooked to your liking.
    a cast iron skillet of green beans with garlic being stirred with a wooden spoon.

Notes

  • Instead of olive oil, try this recipe with butter or vegan butter!
  • Don't overcook the green beans. Cooking them for just a few minutes and then shocking them in cold water helps them to keep their beautiful vibrant color. 
  • Don't have any fresh garlic? Season the beans with salt and garlic powder instead.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving is delicious here, as is a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.  
    • Keyword sauteed green beans with garlic