How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Garlic Green Beans
American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
These 3 Ingredient Garlic Green Beans bring together fresh green beans, garlic, and butter for a quick and flavorful side dish that pairs with almost anything. The combination of just three ingredients creates a savory, aromatic dish that is ready in under 15 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Garlic Green Beans recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 90 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 3 minutes until bright green and just slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Saute the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Step 3: Toss and Finish
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter. Season with salt and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the beans are heated through and lightly glossed. Serve hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh green beans → frozen green beans thawed and patted dry
- unsalted butter → vegan butter or extra olive oil for a dairy-free option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Burning the garlic by using too high of heat, which turns it bitter and ruins the entire dish
- Skipping the blanching step, which results in unevenly cooked beans that are raw in the center
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 90 calories, 2g protein, 8g carbs, 6g fat, 3g fiber.
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