Get ready to transform the humble green bean into a restaurant-worthy side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds! This Skillet Garlic Green Beans recipe is your ticket to creating a mouthwatering vegetable side that's crispy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. In just 25 minutes, you'll go from ordinary green beans to a show-stopping dish that adds excitement to any meal, whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend gathering.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water, then trim off the tough ends by snapping or cutting them.
- Pat the green beans completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure they will crisp and brown properly in the skillet.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, making sure the pieces are uniform in size for even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the hot skillet in a single layer, allowing them to make direct contact with the pan's surface to encourage browning and caramelization.
- Cook the green beans without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden-brown sear on one side, then toss or stir to ensure even cooking.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning and distribute the garlic evenly among the green beans.
- Season the green beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender-crisp and have developed a nice golden color.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the garlic green beans to a serving dish, ensuring to scrape all the flavorful garlic bits from the pan.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional fresh cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Dry is Key: Always thoroughly dry your green beans before cooking. Excess moisture prevents proper browning and can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Use High Heat: A hot skillet is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown caramelization. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the beans.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook the beans in a single layer to ensure each bean gets direct contact with the skillet's surface.
- Garlic Timing: Add minced garlic later in the cooking process to prevent burning and maintain its fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Taste and Adjust: Don't be afraid to taste and adjust seasonings. Some beans might need a bit more salt or pepper depending on their natural flavor.
- Serve Immediately: These green beans are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the skillet, so time your cooking to serve right away.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
