Garlicky Skillet Green Beans

Why These Easy Green Beans Are a Staple in My Home

I make this skillet green bean recipe at least once a month, if not more! Here’s what makes it a favorite:

• So unbelievably easy. With a short list of ingredients and a short cooking time, this recipe is a breeze. And if you start with a bag of pre-washed and trimmed beans, it’s even easier!
• That perfect char. Usually I am a “roast all the veggies” kinda girl but there is something special about sautéing these green beans until they are slightly charred on the outside. 
• Goes-with-everything side dish. Garlicky green beans can be paired with everything from Asian Grilled Flank Steak to Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta and Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. (I’ve also been known to snack on them like French fries!)

What You’ll Need

You can jazz up these skillet green beans in a lot of different ways (I share ideas later!), but this is how I most often make them. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

• Olive oil – Use a cooking olive oil, not a fancy extra-virgin olive oil, which will have a lower smoke point.
• Green beans – Although this is a recipe for green beans, you can definitely swap in yellow beans!
• Garlic – Fresh garlic adds a sharp, pungent flavor that makes these green beans irresistible.
• Salt – A flaky sea salt adds a fancy touch, but you can use any salt you like.

How to Cook Green Beans in a Skillet

Here’s how easy it is to make these skillet green beans!

• Blister. Heat a large skillet over medium-high, then add the oil and green beans. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blister the beans.
• Season. Stir in the garlic and salt and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes to mellow the flavor of the garlic a bit.
• Serve. Remove from heat and serve.

More Ways to Season These Green Beans

You can use these skillet green beans as a base for all kinds of additions and flavors! Here are some ideas.

• Make them spicy. Add red pepper flakes with the garlic.
• Brighten them up. I also love finishing these green beans with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Add some crunch. During the last minute of cooking time, stir in slivered or sliced almonds or chopped walnuts.
• Give them some Asian flair. Add fresh minced ginger with the garlic and finish with a splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
• Make them cheesy. Plate the green beans and then add freshly grated Parmesan over the top.

What to Serve With Skillet Green Beans

As promised, these green beans truly go with anything. We love them with Shrimp Pesto Pasta or as a classic side for meatloaf and Creamy Mashed Potatoes. You can even double the recipe and make them as a holiday side dish (perfect for serving with Dry Brine Turkey!).

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Transfer your skillet green beans to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze green beans in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep up to 2 months.
• To reheat: Warm the green beans in a skillet over medium-high heat, in the microwave, or in the air fryer. You can also eat them straight from the fridge or at room temperature.

More Easy Side Dish Recipes

• 3 Ingredient Mashed Cauliflower
• Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Maple Dijon Glazed Carrots