Stovetop Garlic Lemon Sautéed Green Beans
Compliment any main course with these garlic lemon sauteed green beans. They are simple to make and packed with fresh flavors. They are the perfect healthy side dish that everyone will love.
Growing up, canned green beans were served at the dinner table regularly. I remember hating them and begging my mom not to eat them.
Fast forward 20 years at a friend’s house for dinner. She served fresh green beans. The thought of putting them in my mouth made me cringe.
Out of respect, I ate them and you’ll never believe I fell in love with them and have not looked back since! Sautéed green beans are the perfect side dish for any occasion.
Why You Will Love These Garlic Lemon Green Beans
Tasty: These tasty green beans are crunchy and crisp, citrusy from lemon, and packed with flavor from the fresh garlic. This is hands down my favorite way to enjoy sauteed green beans.
Healthy: Green beans are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene which is an antioxidant. They are packed with fiber, calcium, and iron as well. It’s an all-around great side dish for all kinds of main dishes.
Cheap: Another wonderful perk is that they are inexpensive. Fresh green beans can be found at any grocery store for pretty cheap.
Easy: Green beans are an easy recipe when you are pinched for time! I like to purchase green beans that are already stemmed. It cuts down on even more time. I simply wash them and they are ready to go. Man, I love this easy veggie side dish.
Ingredient List
Fresh green beans: Grab a bag of trimmed green beans. You can find these just about anywhere in the produce section. Look for green and crisp varieties.
Lemon: Use fresh lemon juice for this green bean recipe for extra flavor. The lemon juice really brings out a fresh flavor that turns this into a delicious side dish.
Garlic: Grab a few garlic cloves, mince them, and add them to the green beans. You will gently cook the garlic.
Avocado oil: While olive oil can work as well, it is recommended to not heat olive oil to high temperatures. That is why I choose to use avocado oil.
Salt and pepper: Adjust the salt to your liking but definitely do not skip this step. Green beans need a little salt to finish them off.
Optional: Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic if you like a kick.
The Instructions
Step one: Wash and trim the green beans if needed.
Step two: Add about 1 cup of water to a saucepan, then the steamer basket, the green beans, and the lid. Cook on medium-high heat and allow the green beans to steam until al dente or just a little crunchier than usual. This took me about 4 minutes from start to finish.
Step three: Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully remove the steamer basket with the green beans and drain the hot water. Place the pan back onto the stove over low to medium heat. Add the avocado oil, and garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute. Add in the green beans and cook for another minute, stirring frequently. The goal is not to let the garlic burn.
Step four: Remove the pan from the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the green beans and season with salt and pepper. Toss it all up and serve immediately.
Tips + Modifications
It is important to stir the garlic constantly so it does not burn.
I am not a huge fan of leftover green beans. They just aren’t as tasty the next day, in my opinion. If you do choose to keep leftovers, store them in an airtight container and in the fridge for up to two days.
Other Healthy Vegan Sides to Try
Sweet and Spicy Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Garlic Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Enjoy!
XOXO
Michelle