Garlic Green Beans

Name: Garlic Green Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 pound thin green beans (trimmed); 3 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon garlic (minced); 1/8 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

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Garlic Green Beans are fresh green beans quickly cooked on the stovetop with butter, garlic, and lemon pepper. Serve alongside Classic Lasagna, Lemon Dill Tofu, or any main dish that needs a simple, flavorful vegetable on the side.

A white plate piled with bright green garlic green beans, garnished with minced garlic and seasonings, sits on a light wooden surface.

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Table of Contents

Skillet Garlic Green Beans

I like this recipe because it comes together in about 10 minutes and goes with practically everything. The method is simple: cook the beans in water until just tender, drain, then finish in butter with garlic and lemon pepper. The lemon pepper does a lot of the heavy lifting; it adds brightness and a little bite without needing to squeeze a lemon or dig out extra seasonings.

If you’re looking for something with more char and a smokier flavor, Blistered Green Beans is a good option. These are softer and more buttery. For a classic green bean side dish, this is the one that’s most versatile.

Ingredients for Garlic Green Beans

Here’s what you’ll need. Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.

Green Beans – Fresh is best for this recipe. Look for beans that are bright green, firm, and snap cleanly when bent. Avoid any that look dull or feel limp. Canned green beans are too soft and won’t hold up. Frozen can work in a pinch, but fresh gives you the best texture. Regular green beans are fine for this recipe, but I prefer French green beans, also known as haricots verts. They’re thinner than regular string beans, more tender, and cook faster.
Butter – Adds richness and helps the garlic and lemon pepper cling to the beans.
Garlic – Minced fresh garlic, added near the end of cooking so it doesn’t burn.
Lemon Pepper – A seasoning blend of dried lemon, black pepper, and salt that adds brightness without requiring a lemon. Look for it in the spice aisle.

Make it Vegan

Use vegan butter. Everything else in the recipe is naturally plant-based.

A close-up of garlic green beans, cooked to perfection and garnished with minced garlic and seasoning, served on a white plate.

How to Make Garlic Green Beans

STEP ONE: Cook the Beans. Place the green beans in a large skillet in a single layer and add just enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the beans are just tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

STEP TWO: Toss with Butter. Return the skillet to the heat and add the butter. When melted, add the green beans and toss to coat. Cook for 1 minute.

STEP THREE: Add the Garlic and Seasoning. Add the minced garlic and lemon pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 1 minute. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Make Ahead for Holidays

The beans can be blanched up to two days in advance, which is helpful for holiday meals when you’re juggling multiple dishes. Cook them through Step One, drain, and refrigerate in an airtight container. When ready to serve, pick up at Step Two and finish in the skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?

Frozen green beans will work if that’s what you have. Thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the skillet. Excess moisture prevents them from cooking properly and makes the dish watery.

What if I can’t find lemon pepper seasoning?

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a generous pinch of black pepper at the end of cooking gives you a similar flavor. Add the lemon juice off the heat so it doesn’t evaporate.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes. Cook the beans in batches if needed, so they’re in a single layer in the skillet and cook evenly. Crowding the pan causes them to steam rather than cook properly.

A white plate filled with garlic green beans, sprinkled with minced garlic, set on a white wooden surface.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small knob of butter to refresh the flavor. The microwave works but the beans will soften further.

More Side Dish Recipes

Two plates filled with vibrant garlic green beans mixed with minced garlic are displayed above and below a green banner with white text reading Garlic Green Beans.

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