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Sauteed garlic butter green beans garnished with fresh herbs

Garlic Butter Green Beans

A warm, simple side dish featuring crisp green beans coated in rich garlic butter. Perfect for busy nights and holiday meals.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed Use fresh beans for the best texture.
  • 2 tablespoons butter Divided: 1 tablespoon for cooking, 1 tablespoon for flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Add near the end to avoid burning.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the beans.
  • Salt, to taste Enhances flavor.
  • Black pepper, to taste Enhances flavor.
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon or pinch of red pepper flakes For added flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse and trim the green beans, then dry them well.
  2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
  3. Add the green beans, cooking and stirring for 4 to 6 minutes, until they are tender and bright green.
Cooking
  1. Push the beans to one side of the pan and add the remaining butter and minced garlic.
  2. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn't burn.
  3. Mix the garlic and butter with the green beans and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until the beans are cooked but still crisp.
  4. Season with salt and black pepper, and add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, dry the beans thoroughly before sautéing. Use a hot pan to get nice color and keep crunch. If you desire softer beans, cover the pan for a minute and then uncover to let the butter brown.