Sautéed Green Beans
Servings: 6
This sautéed green beans recipe is quick, flavorful, and anything but boring. In just a few minutes, fresh green beans turn crisp-tender in a cast iron skillet while soaking up garlicky flavor, a pop of lemon, and a little heat from crushed red pepper. Lighter than a heavy casserole but way better than plain steamed beans, this dish is simple enough for weeknights and special enough for the holiday table.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans fresh, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 6 tablespoons garlic cloves peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ground ground
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt, unrefined coarse
- ¼ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat oil in large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add trimmed green beans, cover and cook about 3 minutes or until the beans are browned on the bottoms.
- Turn the beans with tongs and continue to cook 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they brown evenly. Transfer crunchy green beans to a platter.
- Add garlic, capers and crushed red pepper to cast iron. Cook and stir it often until garlic turns golden.
- Spoon mixture on top of beans and sprinkle with sea salt and ground black pepper, then lightly squeeze some lemon juice overtop the whole dish. Serve it immediately.
Notes
- Blanching (optional): If you prefer extra-tender green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This step helps them cook faster and stay bright green.
- Garlic watch-out: Garlic can burn quickly, so add it toward the end of cooking or lower the heat slightly once it goes in. Burnt garlic will taste bitter.
- Make ahead: You can wash and trim your green beans a day ahead to save time. Just store them in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a bag.
- Serving ideas: These beans pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or holiday mains like turkey or ham.
- Flavor boost: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a handful of toasted almonds for extra texture and taste.
Nutrition
Calories: 71kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 133mg, Potassium: 180mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 625IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 36mg, Iron: 1mg