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green beans with garlic and almonds recipe

Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds

This is a simple, vibrant, and quick side dish made with fresh green beans, sautéed with garlic and toasted almonds. It has a crisp-tender texture with bright, aromatic flavors, perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday meals.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans haricots verts or regular variety
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic about 3 cloves
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds or sliced nuts
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • Fresh ground pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
  • Lemon zest and juice optional, for finishing

Method
 

Prepare the Ingredients:
  1. Trim the stem ends of the green beans.
  2. Pat the beans dry to prevent splatter when cooking.
  3. Mince the garlic and measure out the slivered almonds.
  4. Prepare salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Heat the Skillet:
  1. Preheat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add a swirl of olive oil and wait until the pan is warm and radiating even heat.
Blister the Green Beans:
  1. Add the green beans in a single layer, let them sit for 1 minute before tossing.
  2. Let the beans blister for about 3 minutes, until they show bright color and tiny blisters.
Add Garlic and Almonds:
  1. Once the beans are blistered, add the minced garlic and slivered almonds.
  2. Toss every 30-45 seconds to ensure the garlic doesn't burn, and the almonds toast evenly.
Finish Cooking:
  1. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the almonds to turn golden.
Adjust the Texture:
  1. Taste for doneness. The beans should be crisp-tender.
  2. If you want them softer, add a tablespoon of water and cover the pan for 1 minute, then uncover to let moisture evaporate.
Serve:
  1. Once the beans are golden and tender, transfer to a serving dish.
  2. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and zest, if desired. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

  • If you're using thicker green beans, they may need a little more time to cook, about 8–10 minutes.
  • For a richer flavor, you can use butter instead of olive oil, or a mix of both.
  • You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight heat, or even some lemon zest for a fresh twist.
  • For a vegan version, simply use olive oil and skip the butter.