Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe

Green beans: Fresh and trimmed, these are the main ingredient providing a crisp texture and vibrant color.

Vegan butter: A plant-based alternative to traditional butter, adding a rich and creamy flavor.

Garlic: Minced cloves that infuse the dish with a robust and aromatic taste.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.

When steaming or boiling green beans, make sure to plunge them into an ice bath immediately after cooking. This technique, known as shocking, helps to preserve their vibrant green color and crisp texture.

• Vegan butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a rich, smooth texture and enhances the flavor of the green beans without using animal products.

• Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, which can be a pleasant variation in the dish.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the green beans.

• Pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and complexity to the dish, making it more dynamic.

• Allow the green beans to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Transfer the cooled green beans to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The green beans will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Spread the cooled green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the green beans to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the green beans in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen in a pan over medium heat. Add a bit more vegan butter if needed to refresh the flavor.
• Avoid reheating multiple times as it can degrade the texture and taste of the green beans.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegan butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Once the butter or oil is heated, add the leftover green beans.
  4. Stir occasionally until the beans are heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed, and serve warm.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover green beans in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check if the beans are heated through; if not, continue microwaving in 30-second increments.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover green beans evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the beans with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes if you want a slightly crispy texture.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check if the beans are heated through; if not, continue air frying in 1-2 minute increments.
  5. Serve immediately for a slightly crispy texture.

• Large pot: Used for steaming or boiling the green beans until they are tender.

• Steamer basket: Optional, but useful if you prefer to steam the green beans instead of boiling them.

• Large pan: Needed to melt the vegan butter and sauté the garlic, as well as to toss the green beans.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the garlic and tossing the green beans to ensure they are evenly coated with the vegan butter and garlic.

• Colander: Used to drain the green beans after boiling or steaming.

• Chef's knife: Essential for mincing the garlic cloves.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for mincing the garlic.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the vegan butter.

• Tongs: Useful for tossing the green beans in the pan to ensure they are evenly coated with the garlic butter.

• Serving dish: For presenting the finished garlic butter green beans.

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

Use a microwave steamer: Steam the green beans in the microwave for quicker results.

Pre-mince the garlic: Mince the garlic ahead of time or use pre-minced garlic.

Melt butter in advance: Melt the vegan butter while the beans are cooking to streamline the process.

Season efficiently: Mix salt and pepper in a small bowl beforehand for quick seasoning.