Sauteed Green Beans Recipe

ByBob Jones

Green beans that have been sautéed make a delightful and simple addition to any meal, and I love their basest yet appealing flavor. The green beans that I use are super fresh from the farmers’ market.

After trimming the ends, I wash them thoroughly and leave them to drain in a colander. Then I place them on a kitchen towel to dry completely.

It’s essential to have the beans dry so that they will sauté well in a bit of olive oil. Too much moisture will make them soggy and cause them to steam instead of sauté.

I mince three good-sized cloves of garlic and set them aside; the sautéing will not take place until the garlic is added at the right moment.

Ingredients photo for Sauteed Green Beans Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Sauteed Green Beans Recipe

Green Beans: Crunchy and low in calories; fibrous and vitamin-rich.

Oil Olive: Fats healthy; flavorful; nutrient absorption aids.

Allium sativum: Stimulates the immune system; adds delicious and aromatic flavor; low in calories.

Crushed Red Pepper: Aids in the assimilation and digestion of food; adds flavor and heat.

Juice from lemons: Contributes zesty citrus flavor; teeming with vitamin C.

Parsley: Fresh herb; provides color; contributes antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse the green beans under cold water and dry them well with a towel. Slash off any end that appears to be in need of trimming.

2. The olive oil should be heated in a large skillet over medium heat; it should not be allowed to get too hot.

3. Minced garlic is added to the skillet and sautéed for about 30 seconds until it is fragrant, making sure not to allow it to burn.

4. Add the green beans, trimmed and halved, to the skillet. Toss them in the oil and garlic.

5. Disperse the red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper throughout.

6. Cook the green beans in a small amount of very hot, not quite smoking, oil. Use a skillet or a wok, and don’t crowd the pan; if you need to, do them in batches. You want the beans to pop and sizzle.

7. Incorporate the lemon juice and lemon zest, and toss the beans well to ensure the flavors are well combined.

8. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to coat each of the green beans evenly and to heat them through thoroughly.

9. Take the skillet off the heat and add the chopped fresh parsley on top, if you’re using it.

10. Enjoy your colorful and tasty green beans served immediately while they are still hot.

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet or wok
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Tongs or a spatula
5. Measuring spoons
6. Citrus zester
7. Garlic press (optional but helpful)
8. Towel or kitchen paper
9. Serving dish

FAQ

  • Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?Certainly! Frozen green beans can work, but be sure to thaw and dry them well before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.

  • How can I make the dish spicier?To augment the heat, introduce additional red pepper flakes or a shot of hot sauce to the green beans as they cook.

  • What can I substitute for olive oil?If preferred, you can use avocado oil or vegetable oil instead of olive oil.

  • Can I prepare this dish in advance?Although fresh is best, you can prepare the green beans ahead of time. Blanch them, then store them in the refrigerator. They’re easy to finish and serve, allowing you to get the sautéing done just before you sit down to eat.

  • Is it necessary to add lemon juice and zest?You can skip lemon juice and zest if you prefer a milder taste, but then you miss out on the brightness and flavor enhancement they provide.

  • How can I add protein to this dish?To add protein, think about incorporating toasted almonds or sautéed pancetta, which would provide a delightful crunch and a flavor complement to this dish.

  • How do I prevent the garlic from burning?Add the garlic to the green beans only after they have been cooking for a few minutes; this will ensure that it cooks just enough to mellow its flavor without scorching it. If you feel that your pan is too hot to safely add the raw garlic, lower the heat to avoid burning before adding the sliced clove.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute avocado oil or coconut oil for olive oil, and you will get a completely different flavor in whatever dish you are cooking.
To substitute for garlic cloves, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1 teaspoon of garlic paste.
To prepare a red pepper flake substitute: Use a small amount of cayenne pepper. If you want to prepare an even milder dish, just leave the substitute out altogether.
To substitute for lemon juice: Use 1 tablespoon of lime juice or 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar.
Substituting with fresh cilantro or basil offers a different twist, but for the best flavor, use fresh parsley wherever it’s called for in a recipe.