Sautéed Green Beans

Green beans are an often overlooked vegetable, but with the right ingredients and preparation, they can become an amazing side dish. In this recipe, we’re taking the humble green bean and transforming it into a megastar. Prepare to taste one of the best versions of sautéed green beans on earth! We’re not kidding—it’s that good!

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a holiday get-together, these crisp and crunchy green stalks will have your guests asking for more. The best part is that there is no need for blanching. Say no to extra steps and soggy green beans.

What’s the deal with Sautéed Green Beans?

Sautéed green beans are versatile, cheap, and an excellent side dish. When they’re slightly charred, they bring out the vegetable’s natural flavours. The slight caramelization also deepens the flavour. This recipe requires a handful of ingredients and comes together super fast.

Ingredients to make Sauteed Green Beans.

Fresh Green Beans, Olive Oil or Butter, Garlic, Oyster sauce, Salt, Brown Sugar and Pepper.

Fresh green beans are crispy and vibrant in colour. The fresher the beans, the more flavourful they will be. Opt for beans that snap easily when bent rather than limp or rubbery. It is also advisable to avoid beans with blemishes or spots. Fresh green beans are naturally sweet. The ingredients and spices used in this recipe will make the green beans extra flavourful.

Olive oil and butter add a subtle fruitiness. They pair beautifully with spices and garlic. Butter adds a rich and nutty flavour when melted, warming the dish. Garlic delivers a bold and pungent heat. When sautéed, it infuses the oil and butter with its aroma, creating a savoury base for this dish.

Oyster sauce adds an umami-rich flavour, adding a new dimension to this dish. Soy sauce and hoisin add a different twist. Salt, brown sugar, and pepper keep the seasoning simple.

Instructions

Finely mince your garlic. Add olive oil to your pan, then add the minced garlic. Set the stove temperature to medium-low heat. Cook the minced garlic until it has caramelized. It will take two minutes for your garlic to brown. Once the garlic has browned, remove it from the stove and set it aside. Add the garlic on top as a garnish.

Set the temperature to medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Add the green beans to a grill pan or a non-stick pan. Add salt and white pepper. Mix thoroughly. Add the oyster sauce.

Mix well and sauté for a few minutes more. This will allow the spices and oyster sauce flavors to coat the beans. Keep sautéing until the vegetables start to char on the edges.

The crispy parts are amazing. The oyster sauce and brown sugar will infuse the green beans, creating a spectacular side dish that is rich in flavor. And suddenly, the green beans are no longer that humble vegetable; they’re bursting with flavour.

Make sure to squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice on top. It helps to add flavor to this dish. The contrast between the caramelized green beans and the lemon flavor is fantastic.

Expert Tips

Choosing fresh green beans is key to creating a delicious side dish. Avoid green beans that are spotty and lacking firmness. To ensure the green beans are easy to eat, trim the ends to prevent biting on the tough ends. You want the pan to be adequately heated to ensure your green beans are on the hot surface for the required time. A proper sear ensures a tastier side dish.

To increase the flavour, consider squeezing lemon or lime juice. Topping with toasted nuts and sprinkling Parmesan cheese can add extra flavour. Avoid the need to overcrowd the pan. With too many beans in the pan, there is a risk of the beans steaming instead of sautéing, creating a mushy texture.

What to Serve with your Green Beans?

This side dish is so versatile. It can be paired with many main dishes, such as Grilled Lamb, Grilled Chicken, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, or Baked Fish.

How to Store your Green beans?

Store in an airtight container for two to three days. Ensure that it has cooled down before freezing. Thereafter, place it in a container and freeze. To consume again, thaw and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.