Green beans are like the underrated heroes of the vegetable world—simple, yet oh-so-satisfying when given a little love. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of sautéed garlic and butter-drenched beans would always fill the air, making it impossible to resist sneaking a taste before dinner. Whether you’re looking for a side dish that pairs perfectly with your Sunday roast or just a quick veggie fix, this recipe is a breeze.
Steps
- Begin by heating a generous amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat until it is hot. Add the green beans to the pan, using either fresh or frozen beans, and allow them to start cooking.
- Season the beans with onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt, adjusting to your taste preferences. Consider adding a sprinkle of a seasoning mix that includes salt, onion, and garlic for extra flavor.
- Stir the beans occasionally, ensuring they are evenly coated in the oil and spices. If using frozen beans, allow a bit more time for them to cook until they are tender.
- As the beans cook, monitor their texture and add more olive oil if they begin to absorb too much, ensuring they develop a slight char.
- Once the beans are cooked to your desired level of tenderness, optionally stir in a couple of tablespoons of butter for added richness. Continue to sauté until the beans are well-coated and have a slight crunch.
- Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or spices as needed. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen or fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil as an alternative)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional: a sprinkle of Nature’s Seasoning or similar seasoning blend
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, added near the end for flavor)
FAQ
- Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
- Yes, frozen green beans can be used. They may take a bit longer to cook than fresh ones, but the results will still be delicious.
- What should I do if I don’t have onion salt or garlic salt?
- You can substitute onion and garlic salt with onion powder, garlic powder, and regular table salt. Adding a seasoning mix that includes these flavors can also work well.
- What type of oil is best for sautéing green beans?
- Olive oil is commonly used, but you can also use other oils like avocado oil, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
- Can I add butter to the green beans?
- Yes, adding a couple of tablespoons of butter towards the end of cooking can enhance the flavor of the dish.
- How can I make sure the green beans remain crunchy?
- To maintain a nice crunch, try steaming the beans briefly before sautéing them, or be mindful not to overcook them in the pan.
Tips
- If using frozen green beans, be prepared for a longer cooking time compared to fresh beans. This allows them to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
- Consider starting with garlic and onion powders if you don’t have onion salt or garlic salt. Regular table salt can be added for seasoning, along with a blend like Nature’s Seasoning for extra flavor.
- For a richer taste, try adding a couple of tablespoons of butter or a flavored compound butter near the end of cooking to enhance the green beans.
- Steaming the green beans for a couple of minutes before sautéing can help achieve a balance between a slight crunch and full flavor absorption, especially when using alternative oils like avocado oil.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet – While many people might have a regular frying pan, a cast iron skillet is often recommended for achieving a good sear and can be found on Amazon.
- Steamer Basket – If you choose to steam the green beans prior to sautéing, a steamer basket might be necessary, especially if you don’t have one at home.
- Spice Grinder or Mortar and Pestle – If you prefer freshly ground spices or need to make your own seasoning blends, this could be useful.
- Garlic Press – For those who frequently use fresh garlic in cooking, a garlic press can be a handy tool to have.
