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Amazing Garlic Green Beans - Skillet or Grill Recipe

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This recipe for Amazing Garlic Green Beans offers two delicious cooking options: skillet or grill. Fresh green beans are sautéed or grilled with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a touch of butter and olive oil to create a quick, flavorful side dish that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. The skillet method produces tender-crisp beans with a slight char, while the grilling method adds a smoky, charred edge. Perfect for a healthy, vibrant accompaniment to any meal.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 4 cups trimmed fresh green beans (cut as desired)

Fats and Oils

  • 1 tablespoon butter (or use all olive oil to be dairy free)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Other

  • 1/4 cup water (for skillet method only)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Green Beans: Trim and cut the fresh green beans to your desired size for both cooking methods.
  2. Skillet Heating: In a large shallow pan, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering.
  3. Cook Green Beans (Skillet): Add the green beans to the skillet and cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, stirring to combine and release flavors.
  4. Steam Green Beans: Pour in 1/4 cup water and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how tender you want the beans—3 to 4 minutes gives a crisp-tender texture.
  5. Brown and Char (Skillet): Remove the lid, turn the heat to high, and continue cooking while stirring constantly until the water evaporates and some beans develop a slight brown char.
  6. Season and Serve (Skillet): Add salt and pepper to taste, toss well, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
  7. Grill Preparation: For grilling, coat the trimmed green beans with olive oil only, then toss them with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Grill Green Beans: Using a high-sided grill pan with holes, place the green beans over medium-high heat and grill for about 10 minutes, tossing frequently. Aim for some beans to get a nice char for smoky flavor.
  9. Serve (Grill): Once grilled to your preference, transfer the beans to a serving dish and enjoy immediately for a smoky, garlicky side.

Notes

  • Use all olive oil instead of butter to keep the dish dairy free.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
  • Freshly minced garlic provides the best aroma and taste.
  • For the best char when grilling, use a high-sided grill pan with holes to prevent beans from falling through.
  • This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or vegetarian mains.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free