Tender Garlic Green Beans (No Fuss Side)
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Some vegetables don't need much—just heat, good garlic, and a few minutes to become exactly what you want them to be.
The Easiest Garlic Green Beans You'll Ever Make
When I need a vegetable side that actually gets eaten, these garlic green beans are what I make. There's something about the combination of tender green beans and plenty of garlic that makes even the pickiest eaters reach for seconds. This isn't a fancy recipe with a long ingredient list—it's the kind of simple cooking that feels like home.
When I need to add something in a pan and forget about it while I tend to the other items for dinner, this one always makes the list. Plus, my love for green beans started at a very young age when I had my uncle's green beans (recipe coming soon).
The key is using fresh green beans and not rushing them. A covered pan with a touch of water creates steam that tenders the beans perfectly while the garlic infuses every bite. Whether you're making a quick weeknight dinner or need a fuss-free Thanksgiving side, these green beans fit right in. They're proof that the best vegetables often come from the simplest preparations.
Why You'll Love These Garlic Green Beans
- Ready in 15 minutes. From start to finish with minimal hands-on time
- Only 4 ingredients. You probably already have in your kitchen
- Perfectly tender. Every time with the covered-pan method
- Works for any occasion. From Tuesday dinner to holiday gatherings
- Kid-approved. Because garlic makes everything better
sherisse's Recipe Notes
- Use fresh green beans. Frozen can work in a pinch, but fresh trimmed green beans give you the best texture and flavor. I grab mine from Trader Joe's or H-E-B already trimmed to save time.
- Don't skip the lid. Just make sure to keep an eye on them every once in a while or the water will be gone before you know it. And well, you may not be as lucky as I was when mine started to cook without the water at a high. But if you are and they come out great, just pretend they were supposed to be that way like I did.
- More garlic is never a bad thing here. I use 2 cubes of frozen crushed garlic (about 2 teaspoons), but you can use fresh minced garlic or adjust to taste. Remember Luke's late Aunt Rose? Same energy.
- Season generously. Green beans need salt to bring out their natural sweetness. Start with 2 teaspoons and taste as you go.
- Watch your heat. First you have the heat up to get the water boiling, then you bring it down to a simmer. This prevents burning the garlic while the beans steam to perfection.
Tender Garlic Green Beans (No Fuss Side)
Ingredients
- 2 cubes frozen crushed garlic or 2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
- 12 oz fresh green beans trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2-3 oz filtered water if using fresh green beans
Instructions
- Heat a frying pan on medium heat with olive oil and frozen crushed garlic for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add green beans to the pan and season with salt. Toss to coat beans in the garlic oil.
- Add 2-3 oz of filtered water to the pan, then cover with a lid. Keep heat at medium until water comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let simmer covered for 8-10 minutes until green beans are tender to your liking. Check occasionally to make sure water hasn't evaporated—add a splash more if needed.
- Remove lid, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
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