This buttery garlic green beans recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish that I like to make when I want something fresh and simple. With just a handful of ingredients, I can bring out the best in green beans without overpowering their natural taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, which makes it perfect for busy days. The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich, savory flavor while the lemon-pepper seasoning adds just a hint of brightness. I also appreciate that I can easily double the recipe if I’m cooking for a crowd, and it pairs beautifully with almost any main dish.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped in half

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/8 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning, or more to taste

• Salt to taste

Directions

1. I place the green beans into a large skillet and cover them with water. I bring them to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let them simmer until they just begin to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes.

2. I drain the beans and return them to the skillet. I add butter and stir until it’s fully melted, about 1 to 2 minutes.

3. I stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until tender and fragrant.

4. I season with lemon-pepper seasoning and salt before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in just 15 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the lemon-pepper seasoning for fresh lemon zest and juice with cracked black pepper for a brighter flavor. If I want extra depth, I sauté a little diced onion or shallots with the garlic. Adding mushrooms is another variation I enjoy when I want something heartier. For a spicy twist, a pinch of red pepper flakes works really well too.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I sauté the beans in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. I find this helps keep the texture better than microwaving, though the microwave works fine if I’m in a rush.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, I can use frozen green beans. I just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking so they don’t release too much water into the skillet.

Can I steam the green beans instead of boiling them?

Yes, steaming works just as well. I steam them until tender-crisp, then continue with the recipe by adding butter, garlic, and seasoning.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I can partially cook the beans a day ahead by blanching them for 3 to 4 minutes, cooling them in ice water, and storing them in the fridge. On the day I want to serve them, I sauté with butter and garlic to finish.

How do I keep the beans bright green?

I like to slightly undercook the beans, then quickly sauté them. This helps them retain their vibrant color while staying crisp-tender.

What main dishes go well with these green beans?

I serve them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked fish, or even pasta dishes. Their buttery, garlicky flavor complements almost anything.

Conclusion

I love how simple yet flavorful these buttery garlic green beans are. With just a few ingredients, I can create a side dish that’s fresh, vibrant, and always a hit at the table. Whether I’m cooking for my family on a weeknight or serving guests during the holidays, this recipe never disappoints.