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These easy Garlic Green Beans are sautéed until crisp-tender and make the perfect side dish for just about any meal. Vegan, gluten-free, and ready in just 15 minutes!
Plenty of fresh garlic and herbaceous Italian seasoning are featured in this quick green bean recipe.
Use fresh green beans when they’re in season or frozen when they’re not. These garlic green beans are so easy and versatile!
Ingredients you need
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Green beans ~ Use fresh green beans when they’re in season. There is no comparison in terms of taste and texture.
However, you can use frozen green beans when fresh aren’t in season. Let them thaw on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes before adding to the skillet.
Do not used canned green beans!
Garlic ~ Four small garlic cloves provides plenty of garlic flavor without being overwhelming. If you really love garlic, you can increase the amount.
Fresh is best. In a pinch, you can use jarred minced garlic. And if you have neither of those, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Oil ~ Olive oil, avocado oil, even coconut oil would all work. Vegan butter can be substituted.
For an oil-free option, use ½ cup of water or vegetable broth instead.
Herbs ~ Dried Italian seasoning is a plant-based pantry staple and works really well in this dish. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use any combination of dried oregano, parsley, thyme, and/or basil.
Extras ~ Like heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Like pepper? Add a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper.
Like brightness? Add a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving.
Like crunch? Add toasted sliced almonds or toasted panko bread crumbs just before serving.
Like cheesy? Sprinkle a couple tablespoons of vegan parmesan cheese over the top.
How to make the recipe
Heat the oil in a non-stick large skillet over medium heat, then add the green beans (1), minced garlic (2), and Italian seasoning and salt (3).
Stir well to combine, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
Storage and freezing
Fridge: Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: While cooked green beans can be frozen, they do lose some of the texture after thawing. These Garlic Green Beans are so quick and easy to make, that I suggest just making them fresh every time. However, they will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months if you must.
How to serve
Garlic Green Beans are a great side dish for almost any meal.
Pair them with Vegan Bolognese and pasta for an Italian feast.
Serve them alongside Vegan Chicken Cutlets, Baked Tofu, or BBQ Lentils.
They’ll also be a quick and healthy addition to your vegan Thanksgiving menu along with Vegan Mushroom Stuffing, Roasted Rainbow Carrots, Dairy-Free Cornbread, and Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce.
Pro tips and tricks
~ Trim the stem end of the green beans using kitchen shears or a sharp knife. You’ll also want to trim and discard any discolored or damaged spots.
~ Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid to ensure the beans get cooked through.
~ Stir occasionally during the cooking process and make sure the garlic doesn’t burn. Turn down the heat if necessary.
~ For an oil-free option, use ½ cup of water or vegetable broth instead of oil.
~ Add crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper, if you like.
FAQs
Yes, wash them well and trim off the stem end of the beans…the part that was attached to the plant. No need to trim the tail end, but you can if you prefer the way it looks.
I don’t think it’s necessary to blanch green beans before sautéing. Blanching can help them maintain their bright green color, but since we aren’t cooking them that long, they won’t lose much color anyway.
Green beans are a nutrient dense vegetable. They’re low in calories and fat and contain good amounts of vitamins A, C, K, folate and fiber. [source]
While these garlicky green beans do contain fat from the oil, you can make it oil-free by using water or vegetable broth instead.
More vegan recipes with green beans
- Easy Green Bean Broccoli Stir Fry
- Vegan Green Curry Vegetables
- Vegan Minestrone Soup
- Vegetable White Bean Soup
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment below with your feedback.
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Sautéed Garlic Green Beans
Recommended Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons oil olive, avocado, or vegetable
- 1 pound fresh greens beans washed and trimmed
- 4 small cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the green beans, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and decrease the temperature to low. Cook the green beans for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender, but still crisp.
- Serve immediately.
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