Ingredients
Green Beans
- 1 pound trimmed green beans
Sauté Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 finely minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- Coarse salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for serving
Instructions
- Boil the Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans to a large pot of boiling salted water and cook for 3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.
- Drain and Dry: Strain the green beans using a draining basket. Do not rinse or shock them in cold water; instead, let them air dry slightly to retain their texture.
- Heat the Pan: While the beans dry, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat until the oil begins to smoke lightly.
- Sauté the Beans: Add the green beans to the hot pan and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until they develop a light brown sear.
- Cook Garlic and Butter: Lower the heat to medium-low and push the beans to one side of the pan. In the empty side, add the minced garlic and butter and cook while stirring for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Beans and Garlic Mixture: Mix the green beans with the garlic and butter evenly, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Prepare Mustard-Soy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and soy sauce until smooth.
- Add Flavorings: Pour the mustard-soy sauce mixture over the green beans along with the lemon juice, then season with coarse salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.
- Toss and Serve: Mix thoroughly to coat the beans evenly with the sauce, then serve immediately, optionally garnished with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Notes
- Do not shock the green beans in ice water after boiling; air drying helps retain their natural flavor and texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with an additional tablespoon of olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a nice spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- This dish pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, or as a wholesome side for vegetarian meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
