These green beans are super quick and tasty and only require 5 ingredients: olive oil, green beans, crushed red pepper, garlic, and salt.
Pan-frying, then steaming them results in tender yet blistered green beans that have delicious texture and flavor.
What Makes Quick Pan-Fried Green Beans Healthy?
These green beans are healthy because they are low in calories and packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K.
The fiber in the green beans also supports digestive health. The fiber in green beans acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial bacteria in our gut
Cooking these green beans with minimal oil and simple seasonings preserves their nutritional value while adding flavor.
Ingredients
Aside from a splash of water, this recipe calls for 5 simple ingredients:
- extra virgin olive oil
- crushed red pepper
- trimmed green beans
- fresh minced garlic
- salt
- a bit of water
Scroll to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
How to Make Quick Pan Fried Green Beans
Heat oilve oil and crushed red pepper in a large frying pan on medium-high heat.
Add green beans and cook 5-6 minutes. Let them blister slightly, stirring to avoid burning.
Add garlic and salt. Cook an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously to avoid burning the garlic.
Add 2 tbsp water and cover immediately with a lid that fits the pan. Let steam for 1 to 2 minutes or until tender.
Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.
Recipe FAQs
What type of oil is best for pan-frying green beans?
Olive oil (as shown in the recipe) is a great choice for flavor and health benefits, but you can also use avocado oil as another mild and healthy alternative.
How do I know when the green beans are done?
The green beans are done when they are tender but still crisp, with a slight blistering or browning on the outside.
Can I make this dish without the crushed red pepper?
Yes, you can omit the crushed red pepper if you prefer a milder flavor or replace it with another seasoning like black pepper or lemon zest.
What can I pair these green beans with?
Quick Pan-Fried Green Beans pair well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a side to rice and tofu dishes.
How long do leftovers last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a pan or microwave before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for additional flavor and variety. It’s a great way to add plant fiber diversity that we always recommend for gut health.
What if I don’t have garlic on hand?
You can substitute garlic powder or minced shallots for a similar flavor, or simply omit the garlic for a simpler dish.
Quick Pan-Fried Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and crushed red pepper in a large frying pan on medium-high heat.
- Add green beans and cook 5-6 minutes. Let them blister slightly, stirring to avoid burning.
- Add garlic and salt. Cook an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously to avoid burning the garlic.
- Add 2 tbsp water and cover immediately with a lid that fits the pan. Let steam for 1 to 2 minutes or until tender.
- Serve immediately.
2 Comments
Hate soggy beans so this recipe is great.
The one veggie dish that’s fast and everyone loves in the fam!