Garlic sauteed french green beans
Garlic sautéed French green beans are a quick, flavourful side dish made with just a few simple ingredients.
Bright, aromatic, and satisfying, they pair effortlessly with meats, fish, or vegetarian mains, offering a versatile option for everyday meals.
Garlic & Parsley Sautéed Green Beans: Easy, Flavorful Recipe
These garlic and parsley sautéed green beans are the kind of side dish that makes a meal feel instantly special.
Crisp yet tender, bursting with freshness, and infused with the rich aroma of garlic and the brightness of parsley, they’re ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike.
I still remember how, as a child, this was the only way I would eat green beans, and now it’s become a staple I never tire of.
The combination of buttery softness, subtle crunch, and fragrant herbs is simply irresistible.
Serve them alongside roast chicken, grilled fish, or even a festive lamb shanks, and watch this humble vegetable become the highlight of the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic & Parsley Sautéed Green Beans
To serve about 4 people:
- 500 g green beans (preferably fresh, trimmed) — frozen works too, but blanch first.
- 4-5 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced or crushed (depending on your preference). The garlic adds all the aroma.
- A quarter bunch of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped. Adds freshness when stirred in at the end.
- 2 tablespoons butter — for richness and silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil — helps cook the garlic gently without burning.
- Salt — to season, including for the blanching water, which helps preserve the green colour.
- Freshly ground black pepper.
How to Make Garlic & Parsley Sautéed Green Beans
- Bring salted water to a boil: In a large pot, boil about 5 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Cook the green beans: Add the trimmed beans and cook for 4–6 minutes, until tender but still crisp. Drain immediately.
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until it begins to foam gently.
- Add the garlic: Stir in finely minced or grated garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until just golden and fragrant. Do not let it burn.
- Sauté the beans: Add the green beans to the skillet, tossing well to coat them in the garlic butter. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Season and finish: Stir in the chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste, toss for 1 more minute, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Garlic sautéed green beans on video
Variations & Flavor Enhancements
- Without garlic: if you prefer a milder flavor, skip the garlic and rely on salt and pepper with a touch of butter or oil.
- With onions: chop some fresh onion or use onion powder; sauté until soft before adding garlic.
- Other herbs: try basil, oregano, or even thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus brightness: squeeze a bit of lemon juice or add lemon zest just before serving to brighten the dish.
- Crunch factor: toasted sliced almonds or breadcrumbs add texture.
- Cheesy twist: a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan can lend a rich finish.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Results
- Blanching helps retain that vibrant green color and ensures beans are crunchy yet tender.
- Use a mix of butter and olive oil to balance flavor and avoid burning. Butter alone burns more easily.
- Garlic burns quickly — keep the heat moderate when cooking it, and stir constantly.
- Don’t overcook the green beans; they’ll go limp and lose texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned or frozen green beans?
Yes. Canned beans need draining and rinsing; they’re softer, so reduce sautéing time to 1-2 minutes. Frozen beans should be blanched first to wake them up.
Q: How long will leftover green beans keep?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. They last up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pan with a little butter or oil to restore flavour.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, after cooking and cooling completely. When reheating, do it from frozen over low heat in a skillet.
Q: Is this compatible with keto or vegetarian diets?
Absolutely. It’s 100% vegetarian, and low in carbs — the butter and oil provide healthy fats, making it keto-friendly.
Other side dishes to try
Easy french green beans with garlic
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions
Description
This frensh green beans with garlic is Fast, flavourful, and so simple dish. With just a few ingredients, you get a side that’s bright, aromatic, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 500 g green beans
- 4 to 5 garlic cloves
- 1/4 bunch chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for 4–6 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until melted and sizzling.
- Add the grated garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until golden and fragrant — do not let it burn!
- Add the cooked green beans and sauté for another 2–3 minutes, stirring well to coat them in the garlic butter sauce.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: side dish
- Cuisine: french cuisine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 150 kcal
