Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
A quick and flavorful side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed with garlic, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans Choose snappy ones that bounce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with butter if desired
- to taste salt For seasoning
- to taste black pepper For seasoning
- pinch red pepper flakes Optional, for a kick
Optional Additions
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest For a fresh twist
- to taste Parmesan cheese, grated Sprinkle at the end for added flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse and trim the green beans, cutting off the waxy tips.
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the green beans for 2-3 minutes, just until bright green.
- Immediately dunk the beans into ice water to stop the cooking process and keep them crisp.
- Drain the green beans well before cooking.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic and oil.
- Season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Serve immediately, or plate and add optional Parmesan cheese or lemon zest as desired.
Notes
For crispy beans, do not skip the ice water bath after boiling. Try different seasonings like soy sauce, smoked paprika, or even toasted almonds for variation.