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Overhead view of finished green beans in white serving bowl.
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Skillet Green Beans Recipe

This skillet green beans recipe features fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and onion, topped with crispy cornbread crumbs. A Southern-style side dish ready in 20 minutes, perfect for Thanksgiving or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: skillet green beans, skillet green beans recipe
Servings: 6
Calories: 255kcal
Author: LaKita Anderson

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot for blanching
  • 2 skillets (one large, one small)
  • 1 Bowl of ice water
  • 1 Strainer or colander

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil (for the crumbs)
  • 1 cup crumbled cornbread (day-old or lightly toasted)
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 1 ½ pounds green beans and cook for 3 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry.
  • Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons canola oil. Add the 1 chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the 3 cloves minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
    Overhead view of oil, onion, and garlic in skillet.
  • Add the beans: Toss in the green beans, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're tender and glossy.
    Green beans added to a large skillet with the other ingredients.
  • Make the crumb topping: In a small skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons canola oil over medium heat. Add the 1 cup crumbled cornbread and cook, stirring often, until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes.
  • Assemble and serve: Spoon the green beans into a serving dish and sprinkle the toasted cornbread crumbs over the top. Serve warm.
    Overhead view of finished green beans in white serving bowl.

Notes

  • The blanching step is important, it sets the bright green color and ensures even cooking.
  • Don't skip the ice bath!
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 438mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 849IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 2mg
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