Ah, green beans. Sometimes, they feel like the afterthought on the dinner plate, relegated to a watery existence. But not today! This recipe for Green Beans in Garlic Butter is a revelation. It’s so easy, so quick, yet the flavor explosion is worthy of a fancy restaurant.

I first discovered this recipe years ago when I was looking for a quick and healthy side dish to complement a juicy grilled steak. I was tired of the usual steamed green beans, and this dish, with its vibrant garlic butter sauce, completely changed the game.  The best part? It takes about 15 minutes to whip up, making it a perfect weeknight savior.

Now, onto the good stuff – the recipe itself!

Ingredients for Green Beans in Garlic-Butter

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• ½ cup water
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon grated garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions for Green Beans in Garlic-Butter

• Prep those Beans! Wash and trim the green beans. Depending on your preference, you can leave them whole or chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• The Steam Dream:
  • • Add the green beans and water to a large saucepan.
    • Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.
    • Don’t overcook them; you want them to retain a bit of their snap!
• Garlic Butter Glory: While the green beans are simmering, melt the butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the grated garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—you want it golden and toasty, not blackened.
• Seasoning Symphony: Stir in the salt and pepper once the garlic is fragrant. Let it simmer for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
• The Big Combine: Drain the green beans and add them to the pan with the garlic butter. Toss everything together to coat the beans evenly in that delicious sauce.
• Fresh Herb Fiesta: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped chives and parsley. Fresh herbs are the magic touch here, adding brightness to the dish.

Serving and Sides

This recipe makes a perfect side dish for 2-3 people. It goes beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a simple piece of salmon. But honestly, you could eat it straight out of the pan – it’s that good!

Conclusion

Green Beans in Garlic Butter is a testament to the power of simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create a side dish that’s both healthy and incredibly flavorful. So ditch the boring steamed green beans and give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it!

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?

Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen green beans completely before adding them to the pan. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen beans tend to cook faster.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

No worries! You can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried chives and ½ teaspoon of dried parsley for the fresh herbs.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Sure! Use vegan butter instead of regular butter.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! If you have any other questions, feel free to comment below.