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Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

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

Garlic Green Beans

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finished green beans on white dinner plate
overhead view of green beans on white plate
finished green beans on white plate pin
green beans on white plate with text overlay
Finished green beans on a white plate on pin with text overlay.
Overhead view of finished green beans in skillet.
Close up side view of green beans on white plate on marble surface.
finished green beans on white plate pin

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
  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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:

  • Ribeye Steak
  • Southern Cornbread 
  • Cast Iron Chicken Breast 
  • Easy Lasagna Recipe 
  • Spaghetti and Meatballs 
  • Spicy Pop Pulled Pork 
  • Garlic Butter Shrimp
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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

finished green beans on white dinner plate

Garlic Green Beans

LaKita Anderson
Make these Garlic Green Beans for a simple side dish that's anything but boring. Fresh green beans, garlic, seasonings, and vinegar.
4.78 from 27 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 56 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • pinch of sugar
  • 8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 ½ teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, stir together the garlic slices, 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of sugar, and microwave for 45 seconds until the garlic has softened.
  • In a medium skillet, heat half of the garlic oil over medium heat until thoroughly heated.
  • Add the 8 ounces green beans, 2 tablespoons water, cover, and cook the green beans about 3 minutes or until they are bright green.
  • Add in the other half of the garlic oil, cover, and cook for another 3 minutes. Uncover the green beans and stir occasionally cooking the beans for another 3 minutes, until the garlic becomes golden.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the 1 ½ teaspoon white wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Video

Notes

  • 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.
Calories: 56kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 295mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 392IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword garlic green beans, green beans
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Original post date 01/08/2020. Updated 9/05/2023 and 03/10/2025.

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Comments

    4.78 from 27 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Jazz says

    March 11, 2020 at 11:56 am

    5 stars
    I haven't tried white wine vinegar before but am looking forward to your version!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 12, 2020 at 10:22 am

      Thank you! If you don't want to buy a whole bottle you can omit it in this recipe.

      Reply
  2. Kaluhi says

    March 11, 2020 at 12:58 am

    5 stars
    I can literally taste all the flavors 😍😍😍

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 12, 2020 at 10:21 am

      Thank you Kaluhi!

      Reply
  3. Tamara J says

    March 09, 2020 at 9:27 am

    5 stars
    This is so simple, yet packed with AMAZING flavor! I love that the green beans come out tender-crisp, so they still have a little bite. They made the perfect side dish!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      Thank you! That is my favorite thing about this recipe as well!

      Reply
  4. Cathleen says

    March 09, 2020 at 9:24 am

    5 stars
    One of my favourite side dishes to make is green beans, but you took them to the next level!! Bookmarked for later

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      Thank you Cathleen, hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  5. Sophie says

    March 09, 2020 at 8:31 am

    5 stars
    I have everything to make this dish. Looks so green and flavorful. Thank you.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 2:33 pm

      Yay! I love it when that happens. Enjoy!

      Reply
  6. Natalie says

    March 09, 2020 at 7:21 am

    5 stars
    Such a simple yet so healthy and delicious veggie side. I love green beans. This recipe is a keeper!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 2:33 pm

      Thank you Natalie!!

      Reply
  7. Jayne Rain says

    March 09, 2020 at 6:34 am

    5 stars
    This looks very simple but the flavor is so amazing. I loved it.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      Thank you! I love a simple dish!

      Reply
  8. Debbie says

    March 09, 2020 at 2:08 am

    5 stars
    These garlic green beans blew me away. I needed an easy side to go with roasted chicken and these were perfect. Simple ingredients brought to life.. Thanks !

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      Thank you so much Debbie!

      Reply
  9. Rebecca Blackwell says

    March 08, 2020 at 7:27 pm

    5 stars
    Yum, yum, yum! I made these this weekend for my family, serving them alongside Chicken Piccata and they were perfect. Bright and flavorful! Everyone loved them!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 12:08 am

      So glad you and your family enjoyed them and I bet the chicken piccata was amazing!

      Reply
  10. Paige says

    March 08, 2020 at 4:43 pm

    5 stars
    Boy, I'm going to try this with the splash of vinegar you have at the end..I've used other thinks like citrus, but I bet it sends these beans over the top!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 12:07 am

      Thank you! The splash of vinegar definitely takes them over the top!

      Reply
  11. Jacqui DeBono says

    March 08, 2020 at 3:51 pm

    5 stars
    I love growing green beans, and eating green beans! They are my go to vegetable, and I especially love them with garlic!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 12:06 am

      Thank you! Fresh green beans are my go to as well. They're so good!!

      Reply
  12. Uma Srinivas says

    March 08, 2020 at 2:22 pm

    5 stars
    such a simple and easy recipe. I love sauteed garlic in cooked beans. This will be the best side dish and a good pair of steamed brown rice.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 12:05 am

      Thank you! It will work really well with steamed brown rice!

      Reply
  13. Katrina Adams says

    March 08, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    5 stars
    Green beans are one of my favorite green vegetables and I haven’t tried fresh yet so this recipe is perfect for me!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 12:04 am

      The fresh green beans with garlic is so good!

      Reply
  14. Veena Azmanov says

    March 06, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    5 stars
    I love the flavor of Garlic and these beans tossed in their flavor is an awesome and interesting way to enjoy healthy options.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 12:03 am

      Thank you Veena!

      Reply
  15. Anna says

    March 06, 2020 at 6:26 am

    5 stars
    Yum! Another fan of garlic and green beans over here! Love this combination, it's utterly delicious and perfect to serve with almost any main course!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 12:03 am

      Yes I agree! Best combination ever!!

      Reply
  16. Desirée says

    March 05, 2020 at 9:59 pm

    5 stars
    Needed this! I needed a nice simple green bean recipe and this is it!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 12:03 am

      Thank you! Enjoy!

      Reply
  17. Marta says

    March 05, 2020 at 1:39 pm

    5 stars
    I LOVE garlic and green beans, so I know this is going to be my new go-to side dish for dinner.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 09, 2020 at 12:02 am

      You will love it!!

      Reply
Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

More about me →

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