Are you looking for a simple yet flavorful side dish that can elevate any meal? These Sautéed Green Beans are tossed in a gentle garlic-herb butter blend that brings out the best in fresh green beans. This recipe is perfect for both family dinners and special occasions, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform plain green beans into a delicious dish that everyone will love. The buttery garlic-herb coating wraps each bean in a mild flavor that enhances their natural sweetness, creating a delightful taste experience. For even more simple yet flavor-packed vegetable transformations, these sautéed vegetable ideas provide plenty of inspiration to elevate your everyday meals.
Highlighting Fresh Ingredients
When it comes to preparing a side dish that showcases freshness, sautéed green beans stand out. Their vibrant green color not only makes the plate visually appealing but also signals their crisp-tender texture.
The choice of fresh green beans is key to achieving that ideal flavor. Selecting beans that are firm and brightly colored ensures that each bite delivers a delightful crunch.
The Allure of Garlic-Herb Butter
A mild garlic-herb butter sauce takes this dish to the next level. The combination of garlic with herbs like thyme and oregano creates a harmonious blend that enhances the natural sweetness of the green beans.
This sauce is simple yet effective, wrapping each bean in a velvety coat of flavor that transforms a basic vegetable into a star attraction. It’s a beautiful balance of aromatic garlic and earthy herbs that lingers pleasantly without overpowering.
Cooking Method: Quick and Simple
One of the benefits of this dish is its quick preparation time. With just a few steps involved, you can have a delicious side ready in under 15 minutes.
Starting with melting butter in a skillet, the minced garlic is sautéed until fragrant, bringing out its aromatic qualities. Adding the green beans next allows them to absorb the buttery goodness while maintaining their vibrant color and crunch.
Seasoning for Perfection
Seasoning is crucial in bringing out the best flavors in sautéed green beans. A touch of salt and pepper adds just the right amount of seasoning without masking the natural taste of the ingredients.
When garnished with fresh herbs, the dish gains an inviting look and an extra burst of flavor. A sprinkle on top makes the plate visually enticing and adds a fresh kick every time you take a bite.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance the dish further, consider serving lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich garlic-herb butter.
Whether served alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread, these sautéed green beans complement any meal beautifully, making them a versatile choice for various occasions.
Nutrition and Serving Size
These sautéed green beans are not only delicious but also a nutritious option. With only 120 calories per serving, they provide a low-calorie side that fits well within a balanced diet.
Each serving offers a good amount of flavor without excess fat, making this dish suitable for those looking to enjoy a healthy yet satisfying addition to their meals.
Deliciously Mild Garlic-Herb Sautéed Green Beans
These Sautéed Green Beans are a quick and easy side dish that features crisp-tender green beans sautéed in a rich, garlic-herb butter. The taste is mild yet fragrant, with the buttery herbs perfectly complementing the fresh beans.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Rinse and trim the ends of the green beans, setting them aside.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add Green Beans: Toss in the trimmed green beans, thyme, and oregano into the skillet. Stir well to coat the beans in the garlic-herb butter.
- Sauté: Cook the green beans for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crisp-tender and vibrant in color.
- Season: Season the sautéed green beans with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 10g