Simple Sautéed String Beans: A Quick & Delicious Side

 I'm always looking for easy and healthy side dishes. And these Simple Sautéed String Beans? They're a winner every time. They're quick to make, require minimal ingredients, and are packed with fresh flavor. Plus, they pair perfectly with just about any main course, from grilled chicken and fish to steak and vegetarian options.

 

Forget mushy, bland string beans – this method brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a lovely crisp-tender texture.

 

Here's how to create this simple yet satisfying side dish:

 

Ingredients:

 

1 pound fresh string beans, trimmed

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

 

Prep the Beans: Wash the string beans and trim off the stem ends. You can leave them whole or cut them in half, depending on your preference.

Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the Beans: Add the string beans to the skillet and toss to coat them with the garlic-infused oil.

Cook: Cook the string beans, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender and bright green. They should still have a slight bite to them.

Season: Season the string beans with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Transfer the sautéed string beans to a serving dish and serve immediately. If desired, serve with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Tips for Perfect String Beans:

 

Fresh is Best: Use fresh, firm string beans for the best flavor and texture.

Don't Overcook: The key to delicious string beans is to cook them until they are crisp-tender, not mushy.

Garlic is Key: The minced garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the beans.

Get Creative with Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to the skillet along with the string beans, such as sliced shallots, chopped red pepper flakes, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Serving Suggestions: These sautéed string beans make a great side dish for almost any meal. They're also delicious served cold in a salad.