A quick green bean side dish finished with butter and garlic powder. Cook the beans just until tender so they retain their texture.
American
Easy and Delicious Green Beans
My husband’s favorite vegetable has to be green beans—although, to be fair, he loves every vegetable—so I find myself making these a lot. It’s crazy how something so simple can taste so good! A little butter, garlic and salt are all they need, with a pinch of pepper flakes when we want a little warmth. My biggest tip is to start with fresh beans that snap cleanly in half. And if you spot a fresh green bean snapped in half in the produce department, I was probably there! This is easy American home cooking that earns its place at our table again and again.
Mary’s Introduction
THE RECIPE
Easy and Delicious Green Beans
Prep 15 minCook 5 minTotal 20 min
Equipment Needed
- Steamer Basket inside pots Shop this item
Ingredients
Easy and Delicious Green Beans
Instructions
Chef Notes
- Start checking the beans after 3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- The red chili pepper flakes are optional; add them when tossing the cooked beans with butter and seasonings.
Nutrition estimated per serving
80 Calories1.5 g Protein7.1 g Carbs5.8 g Fat3.6 g Sat. Fat2.8 g Fiber2.7 g Sugar243 mg Sodium
View Full Nutrition Label
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories80
Protein1.5 g
Carbs7.1 g
Fat5.8 g
Sat. Fat3.6 g
Fiber2.8 g
Sugar2.7 g
Sodium243 mg
Nutrition information is an estimate based on available ingredient data and can vary by brand, preparation and substitutions. It is provided for convenience and is not medical advice.
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LEFTOVER IDEAS
Turn the leftovers into something new.
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How to Make Easy and Delicious Green Beans
Trim the beans
Trim the ends of the green beans.
Heat the water
Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt the cooking water.
Cook the beans
Add the green beans and cook until tender but still holding their shape, 3 to 5 minutes.
Drain
Drain the beans and transfer to a serving dish.
Season and toss
Add the butter, garlic powder and 1/2 tsp kosher salt to the warm beans. Toss until the butter melts and coats the beans.
Finish and serve
If using, add a pinch of red chili pepper flakes. Serve warm.
Recipe Guidance
Storage
Refrigerate in a shallow covered container within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 90°F. Keep at 40°F or below and use within 3–4 days.
Reheating
Warm in a covered skillet over low to medium heat with a small splash of water, turning gently until the beans reach 165°F. Uncover briefly to evaporate excess water. Reheated beans will be softer.
Make Ahead
Wash and trim the beans up to 1 day ahead. Dry them and refrigerate in a covered container; boil and season close to serving for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm alongside roast chicken, meatloaf, grilled fish or a baked potato. Offer the optional red chili flakes separately for guests who prefer more heat.
