Forget everything you know about boring vegetable side dishes! These skillet grilled green beans are about to revolutionize your dinner table with their irresistible crispy edges, golden-brown char, and intense garlic-infused flavor. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality side dish that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this simple yet spectacular recipe promises to elevate your green beans from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water, then pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Trim the ends of the green beans by cutting off the tough stem ends, ensuring they are uniform in length for even cooking.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, creating small, uniform pieces that will distribute flavor evenly.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, allowing it to become very hot before adding oil.
- Pour olive oil into the hot skillet, swirling to coat the entire cooking surface evenly.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote proper caramelization and even cooking.
- Let the green beans cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to develop a nice char and golden-brown edges.
- Stir or toss the green beans using tongs, rotating them to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning and distribute the aromatic flavor.
- Season the green beans generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender-crisp and have developed a rich, slightly charred exterior.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the grilled green beans to a serving platter, allowing them to rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with additional fresh cracked pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
- Ensure your green beans are completely dry before cooking to achieve maximum caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and beautiful char marks.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - give your green beans space to brown properly.
- Keep the heat at medium-high to develop those delicious crispy edges without burning.
- Add minced garlic at the right moment to prevent burning and release maximum flavor.
- For extra flavor variations, try adding red pepper flakes, toasted almonds, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
