Sugared Garlic Green Beans.
These sugared garlic green beans are the best green bean recipe ever! Incredibly flavorful and crisp, they are a crowd pleaser and go with just about any entree. They only take five ingredients and can be made in about 20 minutes!
I’m about to give you the best green bean recipe… ever.
These sugared garlic green beans are so deliciously crisp, tossed in a sweet and savory garlic butter mixture. I have a feeling they will become one of the most made side dishes in your home. Five ingredients is all it takes!
I realize… they don’t look overly fancy! Nothing stands out or looks extra special about them, but the flavor is spot on. Green beans were one of the only veggies I actually liked when I was a kid, so they’d have always held a little space in my heart.
If you’re not into the whole green bean casserole thing or if you just want a super easy, tasty side dish that you can serve on busy weekends, this is for you!
This is one of those side dishes that is incredibly neutral and goes great with almost any main dish. It’s fabulous on a holiday table because it doesn’t take over or interfere with any other flavors. It also works with a variety of cuisines.
In a way, it reminds me of my parmesan roasted broccoli because that is how much we make it. I make these green beans at least once a week right now. Everyone loves it, everyone requests it. And it takes minutes to make!
The most frequent thing I hear?
WHY are these so good?
My friend Katie gave me this recipe and told me that I HAD to try green beans this way. I admit, I was a little skeptical and didn’t even try them for a few months. Because it didn’t seem like much, you know? Nothing special. But she swore they were phenomenal.
So, one day I made them for Eddie and he couldn’t even believe how good they were. Like, he was stunned. Especially because they just looked like regular old green beans. Little did he know…
Now here’s the thing: it really doesn’t look like much at all. I know. It sort of looks like… just plain green beans. But I promise you that is not the case.
The other thing: you can use this as a base! If you really want to add other flavors to these, you absolutely can. Toasted almonds or pecans can be thrown on top for more crunch. Orange zest or even pomegranate arils in the winter. Shaved parmesan and fresh herbs in the summer.
Or just “plain” like this, which is our current favorite way.
Not only are these incredibly delicious, but they are very forgiving in terms of flavor. Perfect for a relatable palate. Or dare I say, a picky one!
Here’s how I make them:
First, I blanch the beans. I boil them for three minutes or so and then immediately dunk them in an ice bath. This not only retains their vibrant green color, it keeps them fresh and crisp. I love the snap of the beans!
I gently pat them dry for a few minutes. They don’t have to be completely dry, but removing some of that excess water helps because we’re adding them to a skillet with butter!
Next, I heat the butter in a nonstick skillet and add some sliced garlic. I like to use a good bit! Around 6 cloves, thinly sliced. Then, I add the beans right into the skillet along with a sprinkle of sugar.
I shake and toss the pan for a few minutes. The butter browns, the sugar caramelizes a bit and the beans get a few blistery crisp spots. The sugar and butter also create somewhat of a little sticky sauce. There isn’t a ton of it, but there’s enough to coat the green beans and really bring in a ton of flavor.
Finally, a big pinch of salt and pepper. This makes it taste incredible – savory and sweet and salty and crispy.
When I tell you they go with any meal – you can really serve them with anything. They are so delicious and such a crowd pleaser, but extremely easy!
The Best Green Bean Recipe
Sugared Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 to 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar
- kosher salt and pepper
Instructions
- Start by blanching the green beans. Prepare an ice bath - fill a large bowl with ice and cold water.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Use a strainer to immediately transfer the beans to the ice bath. Let them chill in the bath for 5 minutes. Pat the beans dry with a paper towel.
- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir for 10 seconds. Add in the green beans and toss. Sprinkle the sugar over the beans and toss well. Cook, tossing often, for 4 to 5 minutes, until the butter and sugar have browned a bit and the green beans are slightly blistered in spots. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Taste and season more if needed. Serve immediately!
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I appreciate you so much!
Leave it to me to add sugar to your green beans!
