Make these easy green beans with garlic for a quick and flavorful side dish. Fresh, healthy, and ready in 20 minutes! Perfect for weeknights or Thanksgiving.
Recipe Summary
- ✅ Recipe Name: Blanched Green Beans with Garlic
- 🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
- 🧑🧒🧒 Serves: 2-4 people
- 🍽️ Calories: 93 kcal per serving
- 🥣 Ingredients: green beans, garlic, butter or olive oil, salt & pepper, almonds.
- 👏 Why You'll Love It: Kid-friendly, quick & easy.
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If you're looking for a healthy and fast side dish recipe, these green beans with garlic will quickly become a favorite; I can say that from experience. They're ready in under 20 minutes and add a fresh, bright flavor to any meal. Even my kids get excited when I make them, and trust me, they're not usually big vegetable fans.
Whether you're planning your healthyish Thanksgiving menu or just need a quick veggie for a busy weeknight, this recipe fits perfectly into a family-friendly clean-eating lifestyle. And if you're building your holiday list, make sure to add my Oven-Baked Prosciutto Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan.
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Why You'll Love These Quick Green Beans with Garlic
- 👧 Completely kid-friendly: There is something about the bright green color they like! Make sure to try another of my awesome green recipes, Steamed Broccolini with Garlic.
- ⏱️ Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, with fresh, simple ingredients.
- 🍽️ Perfect for busy weeknights or holidays: Great for holiday meals or everyday dinners. Another holiday favorite? Try my Layered Cheesy Eggplant with Tomato Sauce.
- 🍴 Meal prep: Easy to meal prep! Store it in the fridge and easily heat it up the next day.
- ❤️ Anti-inflammatory, veggie-forward side. Pairs well with chicken, turkey, steak, or fish. Try it with my Gluten-Free Almond Flour Crusted Salmon.
Ingredients for Green Beans with Garlic
- Fresh green beans: Trimmed beans save time and cook evenly. Look for beans that are bright green and firm for the best flavor and texture.
- Garlic: One fresh clove is enough to give this dish a beautiful savory aroma. Mince it finely so it cooks quickly without burning. Feel free to add more if you like garlic.
- Butter (or olive oil): Adds richness and helps the garlic bloom. You can also do half butter, half olive oil for an anti-inflammatory twist, or use only olive oil.
- Salt + black pepper: A simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavors.
- Chopped almonds: A handful of freshly chopped almonds adds crunch, healthy fats, and a lovely nuttiness that pairs perfectly with green beans and garlic.
How to make Green Beans with Garlic
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz trimmed green beans and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until they are crisp-tender.
- Step 2: Drain the beans well, then return them to the hot pot to keep warm. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Step 3: Add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté briefly, about 30 to 45 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
- Step 4: Pour the melted butter and garlic over the hot, drained green beans. Toss the beans gently to coat them evenly with the garlic butter. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then toss again to distribute.
- Step 5: Stir in a handful of chopped fresh almonds, reserving a few for sprinkling on top if you like a pretty finish. Serve warm and enjoy.
Top Tip
If the beans feel a little wet after draining, give them a quick shake or pat them with a clean towel before tossing with the garlic butter. This keeps the texture bright and not soggy.
Expert Tips
- Don't brown the garlic! It can turn bitter.
- Use tongs to toss for even cooking.
- Blanching keeps beans bright green for photos and holidays.
- Add a tablespoon of butter at the end for a richer flavor (optional).
Variations
- Garlic parmesan green beans: Add 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan at the end.
- Spicy garlic green beans: Use chili flakes.
- Asian-style: Add soy sauce and sesame seeds.
- Lemon garlic green beans: Stir in lemon juice and zest.
What to Serve With Green Beans with Garlic
- Try my One-Skillet Chicken Thighs with Wild Rice
- This side dish goes great with my Healthy Mini Turkey Meatballs
- Roasted chicken, steak, salmon, turkey, or tofu
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
- Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent softening.
Green Beans and Garlic FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
How do I avoid mushy green beans?
Cook them on medium-high heat and avoid overcooking.
More Vegetable Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Blanched Green Beans with Garlic
Make these easy green beans with garlic for a quick, flavorful side dish. Fresh, healthy, and ready in 20 minutes.
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 93kcal
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz green beans fresh, trimmed
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup almonds handful of chopped almonds
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes, until crisp tender.
- Drain the beans well and return them to the hot pot to keep warm.
- In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.
- Pour the garlic butter over the warm green beans.
- Toss gently to coat.
- Season with salt and black pepper, then toss again.
- Stir in the chopped almonds and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the almonds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding.
- You can replace half the butter with olive oil for a lighter, anti-inflammatory option, or you can use olive oil only.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, salmon, or any holiday main.
- Don't brown the garlic-it can turn bitter.
- Use tongs to toss for even cooking.
- Blanching keeps beans bright green for photos and holidays.
- Add a tablespoon of butter at the end for a richer flavor (optional).
Nutrition
Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 178mg | Potassium: 251mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 588IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 1mg
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Dr. Nena Stefanovic says
A great addition to your Thanksgiving feast! Easy, healthy, and totally kid-friendly. Even my kids love them!