Garlic Green Beans Recipe

Green beans: Fresh, trimmed green beans are the star of this dish, providing a crisp texture and vibrant color.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds a robust and aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the green beans.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a rich, smooth taste and helps to cook the garlic and beans evenly.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the green beans and garlic.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.

To ensure your green beans are perfectly tender-crisp, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This technique helps to maintain their vibrant color and reduces the overall cooking time in the skillet. After blanching, immediately transfer the beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then proceed with the recipe as instructed.

• green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can be cooked in the same manner as green beans, providing a comparable crunch and flavor.

• green beans - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli florets offer a similar nutritional profile and can be sautéed or steamed to achieve a similar texture.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile, though it is less pungent and more concentrated, so use it sparingly.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the green beans well.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for sautéing.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for its unique flavor and similar cooking properties, though it will impart a slight coconut taste.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different mineral flavor compared to regular table salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile, often described as more earthy.

• black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat and a different dimension of flavor to the dish.

• Allow the green beans to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the beans soggy.
• Transfer the cooled garlic green beans to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to keep them fresh.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator. The green beans will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, spread the cooled green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the green beans are frozen solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the green beans to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to use, you can reheat the garlic green beans directly from the freezer. Simply sauté them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave them for a quick and easy side dish.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil or a small amount of butter.
  3. Toss in the leftover green beans.
  4. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  3. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check if they are heated through; if not, continue in 30-second intervals.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the green beans on a baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle with a little olive oil and toss to coat.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place a steamer basket in a pot with a small amount of water.
  2. Bring the water to a boil.
  3. Add the green beans to the steamer basket.
  4. Cover and steam for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the green beans in the air fryer basket.
  3. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until heated through.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the green beans and garlic over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used for stirring and mixing the green beans, garlic, salt, and pepper in the skillet.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Garlic press: An optional tool for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Cutting board: A surface used for trimming the green beans and mincing the garlic.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife used for trimming the green beans and mincing the garlic.

• Serving dish: A dish used to serve the cooked green beans hot.

Pre-trim the beans: Buy pre-trimmed green beans or trim them in advance to save time.

Use a garlic press: A garlic press can quickly mince garlic, saving you from chopping.

Preheat the skillet: Start heating the olive oil while you prepare the other ingredients.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals later.

Use frozen beans: Opt for frozen green beans which are already trimmed and can be cooked directly.