Simple Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

• •1 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed
• •3 large garlic cloves, minced
• •1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
• • to taste salt
• • to taste freshly ground black pepper
• •2 tablespoon water or vegetable broth (optional)
• •1 lemon wedge (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Wash the green beans thoroughly. Trim off the stem ends of each bean. You can leave the tail ends on or trim them as well, according to preference.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the butter or olive oil and let it melt or shimmer.

3. 3

   Add the trimmed green beans to the hot skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are bright green and start to become tender-crisp. They should still have a slight bite.

4. 4

   Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the green beans. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

5. 5

   If you prefer softer beans or if they seem too dry, add 2 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth to the skillet. Cover the pan and let the beans steam for 1-2 minutes, or until they reach your desired tenderness. Remove the lid and let any remaining liquid evaporate.

6. 6

   Season the green beans generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss to ensure even coating.

7. 7

   Transfer the Simple Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic to a serving dish. If desired, serve with a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh squeeze of citrus.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Do not overcrowd the pan; if cooking a larger batch, sauté the beans in two separate batches to ensure they cook evenly and brown nicely.
• 💡For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle kick.
• 💡Keep the beans crisp-tender for the best texture. Overcooking will make them mushy and lose their vibrant color.
• 💡If using frozen green beans, thaw them first and pat dry before adding to the skillet to prevent excess water from steaming them.