Saut Ed Green Beans

Sautéing Green Beans

I think for many the go to ways to cook green beans are to boil, steam and roast them. But after trying this simple skillet method though you’ll probably realize sautéing green beans hasn’t gotten the attention and praise it deserves. I’d say it’s easily one of the best ways to make them! Once you try them you may likely be thinking “Who knew green beans could be so good?” And you can have them crisp-tender and ready in under 15 minutes! It’s the perfect side dish. Even the kids might come to enjoy “those green things” on their plate rather than turning their noses to another vegetable. Nutrition for the win! It’s amazing what that lightly browned flavor of sautéing can do, along with a hint of butter. This is such a tasty way to upgrade to fresh green beans!

Recipe Ingredients

Extra-virgin Olive oil Shallot Fresh green beans Water Salt and pepper Butter Garlic cloves Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar

How to Saute Green Beans

Can I use frozen green beans or canned green beans?

Unfortunately no, frozen or canned green beans won’t work in this recipe. They are both to soft and contain too much moisture. Fresh will yield far superior results. If anything I would say fresh asparagus could work in their place.

Helpful Tips

Look for the freshest green beans possible, brighter in color, not spotted, and smooth. The old, soft, dull, and withered ones won’t taste very good (obviously). Green beans can vary in thickness the petite or medium green beans will taste best. Plump, thick green beans don’t taste as good (they’ve overgrown their prime stage). Cook time can vary slightly depending on how thick the green beans you are using are (thinner cook faster thicker longer). You can also cook them longer if you want softer green beans, for this recipe I like them to just have a light bite to them (a hint of crisp to them still). Add honey for sweetness or red pepper flakes for spice! If you like the flavor of sesame oil, use it in place of your extra virgin olive oil. Many people add nuts to their green beans, so consider adding almonds, pine nuts, or pecans as you sauté the green beans. Leftovers can get soggy, but place them in an airtight container with a paper towel.