Savor the simplicity and healthiness of Sautéed Green Beans, a quick and easy side dish. Fresh green beans, seasoned with pantry staples and a splash of lemon juice, cook in under 30 minutes. Ideal with roasted meats, rice, or pasta, it's a perfect choice for any meal!
Begin by thoroughly washing the green beans to remove any dirt or debris. After washing, use a kitchen towel to pat them completely dry, which is crucial for achieving the perfect sauté. Then, trim the ends of the green beans to ensure uniform cooking and eliminate any tough parts.
Heat your large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add both oil and butter, waiting for the butter to completely melt and blend with the oil. This creates a rich base for your dish. Once hot, add the garlic and sauté it just until it becomes aromatic, being careful to avoid burning.
Introduce the trimmed green beans to the hot pan. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This quick sauté starts to bring out their natural flavors and prepares them for even cooking.
Cover the pan with a lid, which will trap steam and cook the green beans evenly. Let them cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness and have a bright green, vibrant color.
Once the green beans have reached the desired texture, take off the lid. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and a hint of lemon juice over them for a zesty kick. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly. Then, remove the pan from the heat. Your nutritious Sauteed Green Beans are now ready to delight your taste buds.
Serving
Enjoy your Sauteed Green Beans as a versatile side with any meal. For more creative pairing ideas, be sure to check out our serving suggestions section.
Notes
Here are some helpfult tips for perfect Sauteed Green Beans:
Preparation Tips:
Selecting Green Beans: Opt for fresh green beans that are bright green and firm. Steer clear of any that are soft, discolored, or shriveled for the best quality.
Cleaning the Veggies: Rinse your green beans under cold water and dry to prepare them for cooking.
Pan Choice: A large skillet or sauté pan is ideal for even cooking. Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan to allow each bean space to cook perfectly.
Melting the Butter: Wait until your butter and olive oil have melted and are hot in the skillet before adding the green beans. This ensures even cooking.
Optimal Temperature: Cook the green beans over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes or until tender-crisp, stirring now and then for an even sauté.
Cover to Cook: Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid at the start of cooking. This traps steam, cooking the green beans evenly and quickly.
Cooking and Seasoning Tips:
Cooking Time Variations: Adjust the cooking time to suit your texture preference. For crisp-tender green beans, cook for less time, and for softer beans, extend the cooking duration. Tailor the time to get your perfect bite!
Seasoning Variations: Don't hesitate to experiment with different seasonings. Herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, can add a unique twist to the flavor.
Balancing Flavors: If your green beans taste too bitter, a pinch of sugar added while sautéing can help balance the flavors.
Pre-Cooking Beans: For an even more tender texture, you can briefly blanch the green beans in boiling water before sautéing. This step is particularly helpful if you prefer softer green beans.
Avoiding Sogginess: To prevent the beans from becoming soggy, avoid overcooking and ensure they have enough space in the pan for the steam to escape.
Cooking in Batches: If you’re cooking a large quantity, consider sautéing the green beans in batches to maintain the right texture and flavor.