This is a wonderful,classic preparation for a green beans side dish - simmer beans until bright green then toss with garlic until golden and crispy. Serve as a side with everything, any cuisine, from Western to Italian, Middle Eastern to French!If serving with Asian food, I like to add the tiniest drizzle of sesame oil at the end and sometimes a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Just gives it that little Asian-esque finishing touch!Love green beans? So do I! See all my Green Bean Sides.
Prep time: PT5M
Cook time: PT8M
Rating
4.98 stars (39 reviews)
Keywords
green beans recipe, sauteed green beans
Ingredients
250g/ 8oz green beans (, trimmed (Note 1))
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ((or... butter!))
2 garlic cloves (, finely minced (~ 2 tsp), do not use jar or garlic crusher (Note 2))
1/8 tsp salt
1 pinch black pepper
Categories
Side Dish
Cuisine
Western
Steps
Blanch beans: Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add beans, cook for 4 minutes (they will turn bright green), drain, then rinse under cold tap water to cool. (There's really no need to shock in ice water). Shake off excess water.
Sauté: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add green beans and garlic. Toss (or stir!) for 2 minutes until the garlic is golden and crispy. Add salt and pepper, then toss.
Serve: Transfer beans to serving dish. Serve warm!
Prepare ahead: Blanch beans per step 1, cool and dry, store in fridge until required. When ready to serve, just toss with garlic. It's an instant on-demand side!
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 102 kcal
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Sodium: 153 mg
Sugar: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Reviews
Renee on 2025-07-21 (5 stars): Super easy and delicious side dish. We had it with Nagi’s cottage pie but I can see how you could serve it with just about anything.
Chelle on 2025-03-09 (5 stars): Restaurant quality side dish that is super yum 😋
SF Ana on 2024-11-21 (5 stars): So VERY easy and delicious! The garlic elevates green beans to a whole new level. I steamed the green beans for 4 minutes instead of blanching them in water. Had always cut both ends of the beans - less work cutting one end. Thanks!
Cece on 2024-10-16 (5 stars): These were EXCELLENT! The only way I’ll be making them 😊
Terry S. on 2024-08-04 (5 stars): This was quick and easy to prepare. It was a complimentary side for spicy grilled chicken and roasted potatoes. The garlic was there, but the green beans were not masked. Thank you, Nagi.
Kim L on 2024-07-17 (5 stars): Super easy, quick and delicious recipe. Thank you, Nagi.
Ella on 2024-05-11 (5 stars): Delicious, simple and super quick. I can't believe that simple green beans can turn out so yummy.
Jeff Yauger on 2024-04-23 (5 stars): These were quick and easy to make and so delicious. I will definitely be making again.
Kara on 2024-01-30 (5 stars): Easy to make ahead with a quick fry before serving. So simple, but absolutely delicious - would usually order this as a $15 take-away side dish. Added to the growing stash of great go-to recipes from Nagi.
Kerry on 2024-01-30 (5 stars): Deliciously simple! Have been looking for a way to make green beans as a side, and this is the perfect way. Thank you Nagi I just love your recipes! :)
Amir Saleem on 2024-01-18 (4 stars): I love this recipe. Also enjoyed while reading.
Kathy on 2024-01-08 (5 stars): So easy and delicious!
Had this tonight with your roast lamb and Garlic Rice.
https://www.recipetineats.com/roast-lamb-leg-with-gravy/
https://www.recipetineats.com/garlic-rice/
suzi on 2024-01-01 (5 stars): TheSnow Pea, also known as the sugar snap pea or Chinese pea pod, is a variety of pea that is cultivated for its edible pea pods. Scientifically known as Pisum sativum var.macrocarpon, snow peas are characterized by flat, thin pods with barely developed peas inside. The entire pod is edible, and it is often used in various culinary dishes.
Linda M on 2023-12-09 (5 stars): Absolutely delicious! I cooked it with the sesame seeds, which along with the garlic and ginger, formed a yummy crumble sprinkled throughout the beans. The splash of sesame oil was the perfect touch.
Emma W on 2023-12-06 (5 stars): Delicious side dish
Tyhre on 2023-11-30 (5 stars): I made this with some Chicken Marsala paired really well. Simple dish and gives you a break in the kitchen when you want a veggie but still would like some flavor.
Forrest on 2023-11-27 (5 stars): I am SO glad to see someone mention blanching the string beans first! A lot of people don't realize how important that is!
