Published: Mar 10, 2025 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Garlic Green Beans

Try making these Garlic Green Beans for a simple and delicious side dish that is anything but boring. They're made with fresh green beans, lots of garlic, salt, ground black pepper, and a splash of white wine vinegar.

If you're interested in trying more flavorful recipes with green beans, then try making a pot of Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes or some quick and easy Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans.

overhead view of green beans on white plate beside a fork on marble surface

Sometimes when it comes to fresh veggies, less is really more. Often all that you need is a few basic ingredients to make a great side dish using fresh vegetables.

With this recipe, the basic ingredients just so happen to be salt, ground black pepper, cooking oil, and a splash of vinegar at the end. The good thing about this recipe is that you probably already have most of these items in your kitchen.

Let's get started!

Ingredients for Sautéed Garlic Green Beans

ingredients needed to make green beans in separate bowls with a bottle of vinegar and fresh garlic

Fresh Green Beans - Use fresh green beans from the produce section at the grocery store. You can use the bagged version already prepped and ready to go, or a bunch that you may have to prep a little before using. Try to select beans that have a bright, beautiful green color and firm texture. Avoid green beans that have spots on them and are overly bendable.
Garlic - You will need six cloves of garlic, so grab a large bulb of fresh garlic. Peel and thinly slice the garlic or finely mince it using a knife. The best option is fresh garlic, but minced jar garlic is a great substitute.
Olive Oil - Any brand that you prefer will work. Extra-virgin olive oil will work as well. If you prefer to substitute with vegetable oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil, they may be used instead.
White Wine Vinegar - Adds a pop of acid to finish off the green beans and brings the whole side dish together. You may substitute with rice vinegar or distilled white vinegar.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

How to Prep Fresh Green Beans

For this recipe, make sure that you purchase fresh green beans that can be found in the produce section of the grocery store. These can be whole or already cut depending on your preference. If you get the whole green beans, then you will need to do a little prep work before starting the recipe.

Next, carefully grab a cutting board and a knife. Use these to trim the green beans. Cut a small amount at a time and trim both ends of the green beans.

Remove any loose strings on the green beans by hand. Wash the green beans after trimming, and then they're ready to use in the recipe. After prepping the green beans, you can allow them to sit in an ice bath, cold water with ice, until you're ready to use them.

How to Sauté Green Beans

The first thing that you will do to make these easy garlic green beans is to make the garlic oil. To do this, you will heat garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of sugar in the microwave in a small dish.

This gives the green beans their flavor and helps to soften the garlic much faster.

sliced garlic and oil in small glass bowl

Next, you will sauté the green beans in a large skillet in the hot garlicky oil over medium heat for a few minutes and finish the sautéed green beans by adding some white wine vinegar, which makes this dish tasty and fresh.

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overhead view of green bean ingredients added to large skillet

No worries as the small amount of white wine vinegar is not overpowering.

overhead view of cooked green beans in large skillet

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare within a few minutes and is the perfect side dish to compliment any meal. Enjoy!

overhead view of finished green beans and garlic on white plate on marble surface

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Feel free to add more seasonings for additional flavor. Crushed red pepper, onion powder, and ranch seasoning are great options.
If you prefer to keep this dish simple, skip the microwave and add the oil and garlic directly to the hot pan.
Cook your green beans longer if you prefer them more blistered.
For intense garlic flavor, feel free to add more garlic than suggested.

Storage Tips

Storage. If you have any leftover green beans, place the room temperature beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Reheating. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-high heat until warm.

Freezing. These garlic flavored beans can be frozen. Allow them to cool to room temperature before placing in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. They can be cooked on the stovetop over medium heat until warm. Keep in mind they may not be as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Have To Blanch Green Beans Before Cooking?

No, for this recipe it isn't necessary. However, these green beans will still have a bit of a crunch and crisp texture to them and will not be overcooked.

If you prefer a super tender green bean, then you may not enjoy this recipe as much. However, if you enjoy the Asian-inspired green beans that you find in restaurants, then you will like this easy recipe.

Can I Substitute Canned Or Frozen Green Beans Instead?

No, not in this recipe. It requires the use of fresh green beans, string beans, or haricot verts only.

Should I use sliced garlic or minced garlic?

Both will work in this garlicky green beans. It comes down to preference. Go with whichever you have on hand and prefer. Minced jar garlic will work too!

close up side view of green beans on white plate

What To Eat With This Garlic Green Beans Recipe:

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas and ways to enjoy these Garlicky Green Beans? Please share them in the comment section below!

📖 Recipe