These garlicky green beans are a delicious, easy side dish that will disappear fast! There’s sesame oil, lots of minced garlic, sesame seeds and chili pepper. And this one can be on table in about 10 minutes!
Hi friends!
I have a super quick recipe for you all today … garlicky green beans, actually a garlicky haricot verts recipe (or French green beans), if we’re getting specific!
I’m such a huge fan of garlic. I probably use more than the average person I love it that much. I even take a big whiff of the cloves after I peel them. And the smell of garlic as it cooks? Oh yeah! That stuff is downright heavenly.
Basically, I’m one of those people, LOL. Great to be friends with me, right? Ha!
If you are team garlic, you’re going to love this recipe! By the way, it goes great with this honey Dijon salmon recipe!
What We Love This Garlicky Green Beans Recipe
- This recipe is made with only 8 ingredients (including salt & pepper).
- It comes together in about 10 minutes.
- Of course, it’s delicious!
What Are Haricot Verts?
Haricot verts (or French green beans) are a thinner, shorter variety of traditional string green beans. They are typically more tender and take a tad less time to cook than their larger counterparts.
Should I Trim Them?
As mentioned, the green beans I used were haricot verts. Because they were super fresh, non-fibrous or stringy I didn’t trim or cut off any ends.
However, if yours isn’t as fresh or you are using a string green bean, you should trim. Simply cut a little off the non-tapered end of the green beans and proceed with recipe. Basically, you know how you snap or cut off the fibrous ends of asparagus? Well, same goes here for the green beans … you cut off the not-so-great ends.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Absolutely! I usually go for fresh when getting produce, but as far as frozen veggies goes, I tend to find frozen green beans are pretty close to fresh. You will have to cook a little longer (because they are frozen), but it will still work.
Can I Use String Green Beans Instead of Haricot Verts?
Yes, most definitely. Just trim and cook a little longer (because they are thicker than their haricot verts counterpart).
Tips for Making This Recipe
- This recipe is portioned for 2 people, but you could totally double.
- I used 3 large garlic cloves. If you aren’t as much of a garlic fan (or maybe even more of a fan) adjust to your taste.
- Don’t overcook those green beans! You want a little bite, not floppy and soggy. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
- If you are using a string green (which are larger than haricot verts), they will require a little longer cook time. Just cook to your taste.
- Chili pepper was used, but you could omit if you aren’t a spice fan.
- Don’t have fresh chili pepper on hand? Use a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes.
More Yummy Vegetable Sides
If you make this French green beans recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!
Garlicky Green Beans
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ pound haricot verts (French green beans)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 chili pepper (use your favourite variety), thinly sliced (or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes)
Instructions
- Heat butter and sesame oil in a 10-inch sauté pan over medium heat.
- When butter is melted, add garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in green beans (see "Notes" below regarding trimming) and season with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.
- Pour in water, cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes or until green beans are tender crisp. Don't overcook.
- Transfer green beans to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced chili pepper. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- The green beans I used were haricot verts. Because they were super fresh, non-fibrous or stringy I didn’t trim or cut off any ends. However, if yours isn’t as fresh or you are using a standard string green bean, you should trim. Simply cut a little off the non-tapered end of the green beans and proceed with recipe.
- This recipe is portioned for 2 people, but you could totally double.
- I used 3 large garlic cloves. If you aren’t as much of a garlic fan (or maybe even more of a fan) adjust to your taste.
- Don’t overcook those green beans! You want a little bite, not floppy and soggy.
- If you are using a regular green bean (which are larger than haricot verts), they will require a little longer cook time. Just cook to your taste.
- Chili pepper was used, but you could omit if you aren’t a spice fan.
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
Tried this recipe?
If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!
Leanne Combden
Green beans are such a great side dish! I’m a garlic lover too, so I would most definitely go with the three cloves of garlic. And spicy? Bring on those chilis! Great recipe Dawn!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Woo hoo! Thanks Leanne 🙂
Kevin
You had me at garlicky and at 10 minutes. Love how simple yet satisfying this dish is! Great recipe!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Haha…right?? Thanks Kevin!
Marissa
These garlicky green beans look fabulous, Dawn! I could honestly eat that whole pan of them by myself, lol!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
I think I could too! Thanks Marissa 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Such a great way to enjoy green beans! I’m definitely all about the garlic. With anything and everything 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Same here! Thanks Jennifer 🙂
[email protected]
These are amazing! So funny….we were with my parents over the weekend and my mom made an Italian version of this recipe…added a little tomato sauce! 😉 One of my faves! Yours sounds great!! Have a nice week, my friend! 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
That is too funny! Goes to show how good they are 😉 Thanks Annie! You too!
Laura
I love this quick and easy recipe, Dawn! Ive made haricot verts with garlic several times, but I think the chile addition is brilliant! Pinning and making this week! Thanks for the inspiration!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you Laura! Hope you love them 🙂
Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl
I’m the exact same way when it comes to garlic! I usually add double the amount a recipe says! LOL! Although I’ve still yet to find out a trick to get that garlic smell off of my fingers. I’m just used to it at this point haha! I love these green beans – such a wonderful Spring and Summer side dish! Crunchy, juicy, delicious! Happy Monday!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Haha…I do love the smell of garlic on my hands! Thank you Haylie! Hope you’re having a lovely week 🙂
Kelly | Foodtasia
Dawn, french green beans are one of my favorite side dish. I’m with you on the garlic – gimme lots! I’ll have to add the sesame next time. It sounds wonderful!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Mine too! Thank you Kelly!
David @ Spiced
Green beans are such a quick and easy side dish! In fact, we whip them up with a bit of soy sauce and garlic quite often. I’ll have to try adding some red pepper flakes in next time, though! I’m all about having quick and easy side dishes on hand. I bet these would go well with any sort of grilled recipe…say maybe a burger?? 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Totally! Hope you love them! And these would definitely go really well with a burger 😉
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
Mmmmmm….love all that garlic and sesame! This is my kind of vegetable dish. I love fresh, and still snappy green beans. Those chilies would add just the right amount of spice!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Me too! Thank you Kathy 🙂
Shashi at SavorySpin
Mmmmm – the smell of garlic cooking is one hard to beat! I’m a huge fan of garlic too – especially when it’s cooked and/or roasted! I could lick the pan after polishing off these beans! Dawn, what a flavorful tasty side this is!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Right??! Thanks Shashi 🙂
Valentina
I could be the captain of Team Garlic! 😜This is a beautiful, bright side dish that I would welcome on my plate any time! Just lovely! Hope you had a lovely weekend, Dawn.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hahaha…me too 😉 Thanks Valentina! Have a great week!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
These would have been perfect today to round off my Mother’s Day dinner!! I will definitely be trying, Dawn. We love green beans, especially in the summer when they’re in season and SO tasty! That little bit of spice is perfect!!
Hope you had a great weekend!! XO
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
So happy to hear that! Love ’em too! Thanks Katherine! Hope you’re having a lovely week 🙂 XO
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
Oh my gosh, I love that you use sesame oil here! Sesame, garlic, chilis and green beans? Talk about my favorite things! And I love how easy these are. I’m definitely going to be making these all summer! Have a great week, Dawn!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Love that stuff soooo much! Yay! Hope you love ’em! Thanks Kelsie 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
Can’t beat easy, flavorful sides like this one Dawn! Perfect for busy weekenights! Pinned!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
I agree! Thank you Mary Ann 🙂