A quick, flavorful side dish that turns simple green beans into something savory and satisfying. With buttery garlic flavor and a touch of heat from red chili flakes, these green beans come together in minutes and pair well with just about any main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this dish is to put together, yet it tastes like something I’d order at a restaurant. The buttery garlic base gives the beans such rich flavor, and the slight heat from the red chili flakes makes them extra special. I also like that I can adjust the texture depending on whether I want them crisp-tender or softer. It’s a versatile side dish that works for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1.5 lb green beans

• 2 tbsp salted butter

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp garlic, minced

Directions

1. Wash the green beans and trim off the ends. Cut them into 2-inch pieces.

2. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic powder, chili flakes, and salt. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds.

3. Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

5. Remove from the heat and serve immediately. For softer beans, I simply cook them a few minutes longer.

Servings And Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. The total time is around 15 minutes, with about 10 minutes of active cooking.

Variations

I like to make little changes depending on what I have:

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the beans before serving.

• Swap red chili flakes with black pepper if I want less heat.

• Toss in toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I sauté them in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. I avoid the microwave when possible to keep the beans from getting too soft.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, I can use frozen green beans, but I usually thaw and pat them dry first to avoid excess water in the pan.

2. Do I need to blanch the green beans first?

No, I don’t need to blanch them. Cooking them directly in the pan keeps the recipe simple and quick.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, I can swap the salted butter with vegan butter or olive oil for a plant-based version.

4. How do I make the beans spicier?

I just add extra red chili flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper if I want more heat.

5. What main dishes go well with this?

I find these beans pair beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, roasted salmon, or even pasta dishes.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Green Beans are one of my favorite quick sides because they bring bold flavor to the table with minimal effort. I like that they’re versatile, easy to customize, and ready in under 15 minutes. This is a dish I come back to again and again whenever I want a tasty, fuss-free side.