Description
This Chili Garlic Easy Green Beans recipe is a simple and flavorful side dish featuring fresh green beans steamed to tender perfection, then sautéed in a aromatic mixture of butter, garlic, and chili flakes for a delicious spicy kick. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for adding a vibrant and healthy vegetable option to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Green Beans
- 24 ounces green beans, topped and tailed
Cooking Liquids
- 1/2 cup water
Seasonings & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (or to taste)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil Water: Add the water to a deep skillet and place it over high heat. Bring the water to a rolling boil to prepare for steaming the green beans.
- Steam the Green Beans: Add the topped and tailed green beans to the boiling water in the skillet, then cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium and let the beans steam for about 10 minutes until they start to become tender.
- Check for Doneness: Taste the green beans to check their tenderness. If they are not yet as soft as preferred, cover the skillet again and continue cooking until they reach almost the desired tenderness, then drain off the water.
- Sauté with Garlic and Chili: Add the butter, minced garlic, and chili flakes to the skillet with the drained green beans. Use tongs to toss the beans constantly in the melted butter and garlic mixture as you sauté for a couple of minutes until the garlic is slightly cooked and fragrant. You can continue to sauté longer if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
- Season and Serve: Season the green beans generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Toss once more to distribute the seasoning evenly and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- You may substitute butter with olive oil for a different flavor profile or dietary preference.
- Do not overcook the green beans during steaming to avoid mushiness; aim for tender-crisp texture.
- Serve as a side dish with a variety of main courses, such as grilled meats or roasted chicken.
