Garlic Green Beans Recipe

Green beans: Fresh and trimmed, these are the main ingredient providing a crisp texture and vibrant color.

Garlic: Minced to release its pungent, aromatic flavor that infuses the beans.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and green beans, adding a rich, smooth taste.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the green beans and garlic.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.

To achieve perfectly cooked green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture while ensuring they cook evenly.

• trimmed green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way, providing a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter taste that can still provide a hint of garlic-like flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for sautéing.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can replace salt while adding depth to the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile but can still provide the necessary heat and spice.

• Allow the green beans to cool completely before storing. This helps to maintain their texture and flavor.

• Transfer the cooled green beans to an airtight container. This prevents them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The garlic green beans will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For freezing, spread the green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the green beans are frozen solid.

• Transfer the frozen green beans to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to use, thaw the green beans in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

• For a quick reheat, microwave the green beans in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Avoid refreezing green beans once they have been thawed to maintain their quality and texture.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil or a small pat of butter.
  3. Toss in the leftover green beans.
  4. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check if heated through; if not, continue in 30-second intervals.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
  2. Place the green beans in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. Essential for sautéing the garlic and cooking the green beans.

• Spatula: A broad, flat tool used for flipping, spreading, and stirring. Perfect for stirring the green beans and garlic to ensure even cooking.

• Measuring spoons: Small spoons used to measure ingredients accurately. Necessary for measuring the olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

• Knife: A cutting tool used for chopping and slicing. Needed for mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting. Used to protect your countertop while mincing the garlic.

• Serving dish: A dish used to present the cooked food. Ideal for serving the warm garlic green beans.

Trim in advance: Trim the green beans ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Pre-minced garlic: Use pre-minced garlic from a jar to save time on chopping.

One-pan method: Cook the green beans and garlic in the same skillet to reduce cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick reheating later in the week.

Microwave start: Microwave the green beans for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet to reduce cooking time.