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Easy Garlic Butter Green Beans 🧄

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Get ready for a mouthwatering treat! Introducing our buttery Garlic Green Beans recipe - a delightful mix of tender green beans, rich butter, and a hint of garlic. This side dish strikes a perfect balance between superb taste and minimal effort. It pairs wonderfully with various proteins and entrees for a quick and delicious dinner. So, grab your skillet, and let's cook up something delicious together!

Garlic Butter Green Beans in a cast iron skillet with a serving fork
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Preparation and cooking overview

Whipping up these garlic butter green beans is a breeze! With just 15 minutes, you'll be savoring the goodness in no time. Simply blanch the trimmed green beans, sauté them in a luscious mix of butter and sliced garlic until tender, and finish with a sprinkle of salt.

Chef's note

For an extra burst of freshness, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving. The citrusy tang will beautifully complement the buttery garlic flavors. Additionally, garnish your green beans with some toasted almond slices or freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Not only will it add a delightful crunch, but it will also elevate the visual appeal of your dish.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🧈 Ingredients for this garlic butter green beans recipe

You will need the following simple ingredients to make this perfect side dish!

  • 1 pound trimmed green beans
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter dairy-free if plant-based, we use Miyoko's
  • 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • Salt to taste

Ingredient substitutions

  • Unsalted butter: Replace the unsalted butter with equal ghee, which is clarified butter, and you'll still achieve that wonderful buttery goodness while keeping it keto-friendly.

Additional ingredients

Add the following optional ingredients to elevate your dish:

  • Crispy bacon: Crumble some crispy, cooked bacon over the green beans to add a savory and smoky touch.
  • Lemon zest: Grate fresh lemon zest over the sautéed green beans with garlic butter to brighten the flavors. The citrusy tang of lemon zest adds a refreshing and zesty note.
  • Lemon juice: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice before serving for a tangy lemon garlic green beans.
  • Nuts: Add some roasted keto-friendly nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds as topping for extra crunch.

Cooking tools required

To make this garlic butter green beans recipe, you will need the following tools:

  • 10.5" cast-iron skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Strainer or colander

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast iron skillet, use a non-stick skillet or a regular frying pan.
  • Strainer: If you don't have a strainer or colander, use a slotted spoon to remove the green beans from the water. Gently scoop out the beans, allowing any excess water to drain off before transferring them back to the skillet.

How to make Garlic Butter Green Beans: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing
  • Parboiling

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the ingredients.
  2. Wash and trim the green beans.
  3. Thinly slice the garlic cloves.

Cooking instructions

  1. Place the green beans in a 10.5" cast iron skillet with 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over high heat for 3-4 minutes, drain off the water, and set the green beans aside.
  2. Add the butter to the skillet over medium heat; once hot, add garlic and cook 30 seconds before adding the green beans back to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the green beans are tender.
  3. Season with salt and serve.

Chef's pro tip

While it's essential to cook the green beans until tender, be cautious not to rush the process by cranking up the heat too high. High heat can cause the garlic to burn, resulting in a bitter flavor. To prevent this, maintain a medium heat level and closely monitor the garlic's color and aroma as you cook.

Close up Garlic Butter Green Beans

What to serve with sautéed garlic green beans?

This recipe complements a range of keto-friendly dishes. Here are some tasty combinations and serving suggestions:

  • Chicken Teriyaki Skewers: Serve the keto green beans alongside juicy chicken teriyaki skewers for a satisfying and complete keto-friendly meal. The green beans add a vibrant and flavorful side to the tender and succulent chicken.
  • Broiled Salmon: Pair the green beans with broiled salmon for a delightful combination of flavors. The garlicky notes of the green beans beautifully complement the rich and flaky texture of the salmon.
  • Baked Pork Chops: The crispiness of the pork chops pairs perfectly with the tender-crisp green beans, creating a mouthwatering keto feast.
  • Cauliflower Rice: Serve the roasted green beans over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb and satisfying meal. The combination of textures and flavors will make each bite a delightful experience.
  • Cast Iron Steak: Add a pop of color and freshness to your cast iron steak by serving it alongside the sautéed garlic green beans. The steak's bold flavors blend harmoniously with the garlicky beans, creating a well-rounded keto dinner.

How to make it healthier

  • Use organic or locally sourced green beans to support sustainable farming practices.
  • Reduce the amount of salt used to season the dish to lower the sodium content. Alternatively, you can use natural salt alternatives like herbs, spices, or lemon zest to add flavor without relying solely on salt.
  • Add some extra fiber to the dish by including other low-carb vegetables alongside the green beans. For example, you can incorporate mushrooms or snap peas to increase the overall fiber content and add more variety to the dish.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-peeled garlic: Pre-peeled or pre-sliced garlic will eliminate the need for manual slicing. This way, you can quickly add the garlic to the skillet without additional prep work.
  • Use frozen green beans: Use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones. Frozen green beans are trimmed, making them a convenient option when you're short on time.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Trim green beans: Trim and wash them beforehand, then store them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator. This way, when it's time to cook, you'll have prepped green beans ready to go, saving you the hassle of trimming them while cooking.
  • Slice garlic: Slice or mince the garlic cloves and store them in a small container in the refrigerator. Pre-sliced garlic will save you time and ensure you can quickly add it to the skillet.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator: Allow the cooked green beans to cool completely before storing them to avoid condensation. Then, refrigerate them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
  • Freezer: Freeze the green beans for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Place the desired portion of green beans in a microwave-safe dish. Reheat on high for 1-2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the green beans evenly on a baking sheet and reheat for 10-15 minutes or until heated.
  • Stove: Reheat the green beans in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Don't miss out on this simple and yummy Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe! A symphony of flavors awaits, simple yet sensational, ready to grace your table.

Whether you're a kitchen novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises a gourmet experience without the hassle. Embrace the joy of cooking, share its deliciousness with your loved ones, and remember, the world of keto cuisine is yours to explore. Bon appétit!

Frequently asked questions

Green beans are a great keto-friendly side dish because of their low-ish amount of carbs (7g per 100g) and a good amount of fiber (3.4g per 100g), so you’re left with only 3.6g net carbs per 100g.  This side dish works wonderfully with a variety of protein sources and entrees to make a quick and easy dinner that will taste anything but quick and easy.

Yes! Garlic is keto-friendly because it contains only 33 grams of carbs per 100 grams. But don't worry, in this recipe, and we use only 4 garlic cloves, each weighing around 4 to 7 grams. Since the recipe serves 4, you'll only consume a small fraction of those carbs when you enjoy one serving. So, feel free to relish the garlicky goodness without any worries!

It is not necessary to salt green beans before cooking. However, adding a pinch of salt to the cooking water or seasoning with salt after cooking can enhance the overall flavor.

There are several options to add flavor to green beans. Some popular choices include garlic, lemon zest, herbs like thyme or rosemary, bacon crumbles, grated Parmesan cheese, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.

Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the overall saltiness in the dish. Adjust the amount of additional salt added accordingly to avoid over-salting.

📖 Recipe

Close up Garlic Butter Green Beans

Easy Garlic Butter Green Beans

These Easy Garlic Butter Green Beans are packed with super crispy garlic! The perfect side to pair with your favorite grilled or roasted protein!
5 from 2 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy, side, vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 140kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb trimmed green beans
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter dairy-free if plant-based, we use Miyoko's
  • 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • Salt to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Place the green beans in a 10.5” cast iron skillet with 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over high heat for 3-4 minutes, drain off the water and set the green beans aside.
  • Add the butter to the skillet over medium heat, once hot add in the garlic and cook 30 seconds before adding the green beans back to the skillet. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes until the green beans are tender. Season with salt and serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Easy Garlic Butter Green Beans
Amount Per Serving
Calories 140 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 30mg10%
Sodium 9mg0%
Potassium 251mg7%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 1132IU23%
Vitamin C 15mg18%
Calcium 51mg5%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sonya G says

    5 stars
    This is really good and so easy to make. Salt to taste at the end...yummy!

    Reply

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