Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for pan fried green beans, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Olive Oil – For sauteing, of course! You can use other heat safe oils, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or ghee. Green Beans – Look for fresh green beans that are firm and crisp. Trim the ends. Sauteing frozen green beans technically work, but they will have a much softer texture. Sea Salt & Black Pepper Unsalted Butter – My “secret” ingredient! It’s not suitable for actually sauteing because it will burn, but adding just a tablespoon at the very end adds so much richness and flavor to the sautéed green beans. I use the same method for sauteed mushrooms and sauteed zucchini! Garlic – Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor, or substitute 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic for convenience instead. If you have neither, you can just season the green beans with garlic powder, but they taste better using fresh garlic cloves. Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice tastes best, but you can take a shortcut and use bottled if you like.
How To Saute Green Beans
This section shows how to make sauteed green beans with garlic, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. Try parsley, fresh ginger (saute it with the garlic), crushed red pepper flakes, or seasoning blends like Italian seasoning and lemon pepper seasoning.
How Long To Saute Green Beans?
Saute green beans for 4-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
Storage Instructions
Store: Transfer green beans to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat: Warm them in a skillet over medium heat for best results. You can also microwave them, but they tend to be less crisp that way. Freeze: Sauteed green beans won’t retain their crisp texture after freezing, but you can still freeze them if you like. Cool completely, then place in a zip lock bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What To Serve With Sauteed Green Beans
This sauteed green beans recipe can pair with just about any protein or main course, and they make the perfect quick and easy side. Here are some other fast recipes to make with them:
Chicken – Whip up some honey garlic chicken in the oven or chicken thighs in the air fryer for a complete meal in less than 30 minutes. Fish & Seafood – Simple veggie sides like this one always pair well with fish, and you can make baked cod or baked salmon in the oven while you’re sauteing green beans on the stovetop. For date night, try seared scallops or air fried lobster tails. Steak – For a classic steakhouse meal, pair these veggies with a simple sirloin steak, or a quick and easy air fryer steak. Pork – Combine this easy side with a comforting main like a pork sirloin roast or Crock Pot pork tenderloin. Or, make it an Asian-inspired meal with a pork belly recipe. Holiday Mains – If you need a quick side dish for the holidays, sauteed garlic green beans make a quick option so that you can focus on your main dishes. Try them with a rump roast, spatchcock chicken, or even your Thanksgiving turkey. For a smaller gathering, make a Crock Pot turkey breast or filet mignon. Sauce – For even more flavor, drizzle some tahini sauce or basil pesto over your pan fried green beans when serving.
More Easy Green Bean Recipes
So many ways to cook this veggie! Here are some of my other favorite green bean recipes: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
