Sauteed Green Beans Recipe

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

Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a rich flavor and helps cook the beans evenly.

Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a fragrant and savory element to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the green beans.

Black pepper: Freshly ground, it adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.

To enhance the flavor of your green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before sautéing. This technique helps to retain their vibrant color and ensures they cook evenly. After blanching, immediately transfer the green beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then proceed with the recipe as instructed.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a great alternative for sautéing.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and is also suitable for high-heat cooking.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that complements green beans well.

• garlic - Substitute with ginger: Ginger adds a unique, spicy kick and pairs well with green beans for an Asian-inspired twist.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor profile and can enhance the natural taste of the green beans.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder, slightly earthy flavor that can add a different dimension to the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and spice, making the dish more exciting.

• 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. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. Sauteed green beans will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, spread the cooled green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until the green beans are frozen solid.
• Transfer the frozen 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 skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of vegetable broth to prevent sticking.
  3. Toss in the leftover green beans.
  4. Stir occasionally for about 3-5 minutes until they are heated through and regain their tender-crisp texture.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check for desired warmth and texture, and heat for an additional 30 seconds if necessary.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the green beans in an even layer on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for desired warmth and texture, and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes if necessary.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for sautéing the green beans and garlic.

• Spatula: A tool used to stir and toss the green beans while they cook.

• Knife: Used to mince the garlic and trim the green beans.

• Cutting board: A surface on which to mince the garlic and trim the green beans.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Serving dish: A dish to serve the sautéed green beans immediately after cooking.

Trim in advance: Prepare the green beans by trimming the ends ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.

Preheat the skillet: Start heating the olive oil in the skillet while you gather the rest of your ingredients.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick side dish later in the week.