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These sautéed green beans cook in less than 15 minutes and are tossed with garlic and toasted almonds for extra flavor and crunch. It’s a quick and easy side dish perfect for one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: Ready in minutes with just a few simple steps.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of main dishes, from meats to casseroles.
- Flavorful: Garlic and toasted almonds add richness and crunch.
This sautéed green beans recipe is one I make often—it’s simple, quick, and always turns out beautifully. I love how the garlic and almonds bring so much flavor with barely any effort, and it’s the kind of side dish that feels special without being fussy.
These buttery sautéed green beans are a flavorful side dish that goes with just about anything. Try them with Beef Tenderloin, Air Fryer Pork Chop, Turkey Cutlets, Ham Steak, Chicken and Rice Casserole, or Meatloaf.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy green beans recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Green Beans: Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to prevent excess moisture. Leftovers can be used in our Green Bean Casserole.
- Butter: Adds richness to the dish. You can use olive oil for a lighter option or sesame oil for a different flavor.
- Garlic: Provides bold, aromatic flavor. Add extra if you like it stronger.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the green beans.
- Almonds: Bring crunch and a nutty flavor. Swap with pine nuts or cashews, or leave them out if needed.
Tip: How Many Green Beans Per Person?
This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily double or triple it. Plan for about 1 cup of fresh green beans per person.
- Choose green beans that are bright green and snap easily.
- No measuring cup? A generous handful is roughly one serving.
Recipe Variations
Customize your sautéed green beans with these simple ideas:
- Add Vegetables: Sauté chopped onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the butter before adding the green beans.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Add chopped basil, rosemary, or oregano for extra flavor.
- With Bacon: Cook chopped bacon first, then sauté garlic and green beans in the bacon drippings. Add almonds last.
- Cheesy Green Beans: Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan just before serving.
How To Sauté Green Beans
These photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this sautéed green beans recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Add trimmed green beans to a 2-quart saucepan and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 4 minutes, until just tender.
- Drain and immediately place the beans in cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- In a 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and almonds; cook for about 1 minute, until golden.
- Add the green beans and toss to coat.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the green beans: Boil just until crisp-tender. They’ll cook a bit more in the skillet, so avoid boiling too long.
- Prep ahead: This recipe moves fast. Measure and prep all ingredients before you start, and read through the recipe and ingredient notes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Snap or cut off the stem ends; the tapered tips can stay on.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Yes, just scale up the ingredients. Use a larger pan so the beans cook evenly.
You can blanch the green beans ahead and refrigerate them. Sauté just before serving for the best texture.
More Easy Side Dishes For One
Looking for more sides to pair with your meal? Try Cheese Grits, Rice Pilaf, Cornbread, or Roasted Carrots for simple and flavorful options.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried these sautéed green beans or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Sautéed Green Beans For One
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh green beans -trimmed
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- 2 tablespoons almonds -slivered
Instructions
- Add trimmed green beans to a 2-quart saucepan and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 4 minutes, until just tender.
- Drain and immediately place the beans in cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- In a 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and almonds; cook for about 1 minute, until golden.
- Add the green beans and toss to coat.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the green beans: Boil just until crisp-tender. They’ll cook a bit more in the skillet, so avoid boiling too long.
- Prep ahead: This recipe moves fast. Measure and prep all ingredients before you start, and read through the recipe and ingredient notes first.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Joanie, good recipe. I like the idea of blanching the beans first before sauteing. It makes them Tender Crisp throughout without over Browning the outside. Don’t need the almonds but do need the garlic. I’ve been an advocate of there’s no such thing as too much garlic. LOL that was until about 15 years ago while on a cruise, my wife said “either cut back on the garlic or get your own cabin.”
Thank you for your comment—it gave me a good laugh! I completely agree, blanching the green beans really helps get that perfect texture. And I’m with you on the garlic—I love adding it to just about everything! Your story about the cruise is too funny, and I can definitely see how too much garlic might have led to that ultimatum! Thanks again for sharing, and I always enjoy hearing from you!
Thank you for all your recipes. Always enjoy receiving your email. I immediately go through all the recipes. You bring me great joy! Thank you
Thank you so much, Murielle!
Ok This is going to be included for Thanksgiving. I hate green bean casserole!
Terrific recipe!