If you want a fast and healthy side dish, this sautéed garlic green beans recipe is perfect. The green beans cook in a little olive oil on medium heat in one pan. They are not deep fried or boiled, so they stay bright, fresh, and tender with a light char. Using just a small amount of oil makes this a low-calorie, healthy dish ready in about six minutes.
This recipe is simple and flexible. You only need green beans, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. For a low-sodium version, reduce the salt and add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon. To give it a Chinese-style flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or a little bouillon. Cooking on medium heat keeps the beans tender while giving them a smoky, lightly charred taste. No blanching or boiling is needed, and using just one pan makes cleanup easy.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe:
These green beans are great for weeknights or for guests. They go well with chicken, fish, beef, fried rice, or white rice and reheat well for meal prep. This quick Chinese-style garlic green beans recipe is a low-oil, healthy side dish that fits almost any diet. Whether you keep it simple with salt or add lemon, soy sauce, bouillon, or red pepper flakes, it is fresh, tender, flavorful, and ready in minutes.
Ingredients:
- Green beans: main ingredient, fresh and tender.
- Olive oil: for cooking, keeps it light and healthy.
- Garlic: adds warm, simple flavor.
- Salt: basic seasoning, can reduce for low sodium.
How to Cook Garlic Green Beans:
Sauté the green beans
Heat a large pan on medium heat. Add olive oil. Add green beans and stir every 10-15 seconds for 5 minutes. Beans should be slightly charred but tender.
Add salt and garlic
Add salt and garlic, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Turn off the heat and serve.
Variations and Substitutions for Sautéed Garlic Green Beans:
This recipe is very flexible. You can easily change the flavor to suit your taste or diet. Here are some ideas:
- Soy Sauce: Add a splash for a savory, Chinese-style twist. Perfect if you want a richer flavor.
- Bouillon: Sprinkle a little bouillon powder or dissolve a cube for extra umami. Works well with minimal salt.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch or more for a spicy kick. Great for those who like a little heat.
- Lemon: Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon at the end. It brightens the flavor and works well for low-sodium diets.
- Butter: Stir in a small pat of butter at the end for a creamy, rich taste. Great for a comforting version.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a warm, subtle spice that pairs well with garlic.
- Ginger: Add finely grated or minced fresh ginger with garlic. It gives a fresh, aromatic, slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with green beans.
You can mix and match these variations. For example, try soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes for a quick Chinese-style spicy version, or lemon and butter for a bright, rich side dish. These small tweaks make the recipe easy to customize without adding extra oil or extra time.
How to Store Leftovers:
If you have any leftover green beans, it is easy to keep them fresh. Let them cool to room temperature first. Then put them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you want to eat them again, you can reheat them in a pan on medium heat for - 2 minutes or in the microwave until warm. For the best taste and texture, try not to overcook them when reheating. For additional food safety guidance, please visit this website.
📖 Recipe
Sautéed Garlic Green Beans (Easy One-Pan Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large pan on medium heat. Add olive oil. Add green beans and stir to coat with oil. Stir every 10-15 seconds for 5 minutes. Beans should be slightly charred but tender.
- Add salt and garlic, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Turn off the heat and serve.
Rika says
These sautéed garlic green beans are amazing! Quick, healthy, and full of flavor.