This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
When it comes to quick, nutritious side dishes, it’s hard to beat the classic simplicity of sautéed green beans. This single serving recipe transforms crisp, fresh green beans into a savory delight with a handful of ingredients and less than 15 minutes of your time. Whether you’re pairing it with a fancy main dish or just looking for something simple and tasty to complement a weeknight meal, these sautéed green beans fit the bill with their perfect blend of crunch and flavor.
Enjoy these buttery green beans with a juicy Beef Tenderloin, Turkey Cutlets, a Ham Steak or flavorful Meatloaf.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sautéed Green Beans Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in a snap, it’s the ultimate time-saver.
- Versatility: Pairs beautifully with numerous main courses.
- Flavorful: Garlic and toasted almonds add a rich depth of flavor.
- Nutrient-Rich: Green beans are packed with vitamins and are low in calories.
Ingredients
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans are ideal, as they maintain texture and flavor when exposed to heat. For convenience, frozen beans can be used after thawing to prevent excess water from being released during cooking, which could lead to a less desirable texture. Leftover green beans can be used to make a mini Green Bean Casserole.
- Butter: Adds a rich, nutty aroma to the dish, complementing the other flavors. If preferred, substitute with olive oil for a lighter version or sesame oil for an Asian twist.
- Garlic: Elevates the green beans with its aromatic essence. Garlic enthusiasts can add more according to taste.
- Salt: Enhances the green beans’ natural flavor and preserves their vibrant color. Adjust the amount if substituting with table salt, and always taste and season accordingly after cooking.
- Almonds: Bring a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the beans. Alternate options include sliced almonds, pine nuts, cashews, or omitting nuts entirely for those with allergies.
This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this small batch sautéed green beans recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
How Much Green Beans Per Person?
This recipe is for a single serving, but it’s easily doubled or tripled to feed more people. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 cup of fresh green beans per person. This will ensure you have enough for a satisfying side dish.
Tips:
- Look for fresh green beans that are bright in color and snap easily when bent.
- If you don’t have a measuring cup handy, a generous handful of green beans is roughly equivalent to one serving.
Recipe Variations
Let’s get experimental and add personal touches to your green beans:
- Add other vegetables: Consider sautéeing other vegetables in the butter before adding in your green beans, like chopped onions, mushrooms, or even diced bell peppers.
- Green beans with herbs: Adding fresh herbs can add another level of flavor. You might like to add in fresh basil, rosemary, or oregano.
- Sautéed green beans with bacon: You might like to consider adding chopped bacon for extra flavor. Just cook it in the skillet before adding in the garlic and almonds. Use the bacon drippings instead of butter to cook the garlic before adding the green beans.
- Make them cheesy: Garnish with shredded parmesan for a rich twist.
How To Sauté Green Beans
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to sauté green beans in butter and garlic . See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Place trimmed green beans in a 2-quart saucepan and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the beans soften, about 4 minutes. This method is called blanching and keeps the beans deliciously crunchy.
- Drain water from the pan and refresh in cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps the beans stay crisp and green. Set the beans aside.
- Melt butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and almonds and toast until golden, about 1 minute.
- Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat.
Expert Tips
- Be careful not to overcook: When cooking the green beans in boiling water, cook them until they are crisp-tender. If you cook them beyond this, they can overcook in the skillet.
- Gather your ingredients before starting: This green beans recipe comes together quickly so have all of your ingredients close by before beginning. Also, read through the entire recipe and review the ingredient notes.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your sautéed green beans into a dish that complements any meal with these serving suggestions. This versatile side dish pairs delightfully with a variety of proteins and grains, making it a go-to for any occasion.
- Protein: Pair with a tender and juicy chicken breast or a seared salmon fillet.
- Carbs: Serve alongside mashed potatoes or brown rice.
- Salads: A refreshing cucumber salad or mixed greens elevates the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certainly. To prepare ahead, cook the green beans as per the recipe. Cool them quickly by draining and rinsing with cold water, then dry them thoroughly. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, sauté the pre-cooked beans in the garlic and butter mixture until heated through.
Trimming green beans is recommended for the best texture and presentation. Just before cooking, remove any blemishes, line up the stems, and trim the ends with a sharp knife. Trim both tips for uniform beans. You can halve the beans for bite-size pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them within 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or microwave until they reach the desired temperature.
Freezing green beans is straightforward and ensures you can enjoy them year-round. After rinsing and trimming the beans, blanch them in boiling water, then cool them quickly in ice water. Drain well, then place them in freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and consume within 8 months for the best quality.
Absolutely! For a vegan-friendly dish, substitute the butter with olive oil or a quality vegan butter alternative for equally delicious results.
Easy Single Serving Side Dishes To Try
Looking for more individualized side dishes to complement your main course? Here are some delightful 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:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
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.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Sautéed Green Beans For One
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
- Place green beans in a 2-quart saucepan and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the beans soften, about 4 minutes.
- Drain water from the pan and refresh in cold water. Set the beans aside.
- Melt butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and almonds and toast until golden, about 1 minute.
- Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat. Enjoy immediately.
Video
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook: When cooking the green beans in boiling water, cook them until they are crisp-tender. If you cook them beyond this, they can overcook in the skillet.
- Gather your ingredients before starting: This green beans recipe comes together quickly so have all of your ingredients close by before beginning. Also, read through the entire recipe and review the ingredient notes.
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.
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!