Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Caramelized Shallots

These vibrant and crunchy Garlicky Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots serve as an effortless, nutritious, and tasty side that can be prepared in just 15 minutes! No need for blanching. Ideal for hectic weeknights or to accompany a festive meal.

You’re sure to adore these garlic-infused green beans with shallots! A straightforward, nutritious, and delicious side that takes only 15 minutes to whip up. These fresh, crisp green beans—a perfect complement to caramelized shallots and garlic—are brimming with savory-sweet goodness that’s incredibly simple to prepare. Great for busy evenings but also refined enough for special gatherings or your Thanksgiving feast. This green bean with shallots recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Adore This

• Quick and Simple – these green beans cook up in just 15 minutes in a single skillet with minimal preparation and no blanching required!
• Nutritious Side Dish – green beans are full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this dish as healthy as it is tasty.
• Basic Ingredients – all you need are a few common pantry items to create this scrumptious side dish.
• Customizable – easily tailor this to your family’s preferences. Add a bit of heat, toss in some crunchy nuts, or sprinkle parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients You Will Require

• green beans – you’ll want a pound of fresh green beans or french green beans (also known as haricot verts) for this recipe. Skip the canned versions!
• olive oil – I prefer using a quality extra-virgin olive oil or butter for caramelizing the shallots. You can also mix both or opt for avocado or canola oil.
• shallots – caramelized shallots lend natural sweetness to these green beans without needing added sugar. You can substitute with sweet onion, white onion, or red onion if you prefer. Feel free to toss in some green onions as well.
• garlic – you may use fresh minced garlic or the jarred kind. While I don’t typically advise using garlic powder here, it can work in a pinch.
• soy sauce – just a tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce significantly enhances the flavor of these green beans, adding a touch of umami. You can swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• salt and pepper – kosher salt (or sea salt) and black pepper are essential for seasoning these green beans.

How to Prepare Garlic Green Beans

1. Caramelize the shallots. Heat extra virgin olive oil or melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Incorporate the shallots and cook until soft and translucent, stirring often, for about 8 to 10 minutes. Add in the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
2. Simmer green beans. Introduce the green beans, about a teaspoon of salt, pepper, soy sauce, and half a cup of water, bringing it to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the beans, and let simmer for roughly 8 minutes.
3. Complete cooking. Lift the lid and turn the heat up to medium-high. Cook the green beans for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until all the liquid has evaporated, and the beans are tender with jammy shallots.
4. Serve and Enjoy. Season the sautéed green beans with extra salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to a serving dish. Serve warm and savor!

Serving Suggestions

Recipe Variations

• Spice it up – introduce some red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce for an added kick.
• Add mushrooms – sauté sliced mushrooms alongside the shallots for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Include some crunch – toss in some sliced almonds, toasted pecans, or walnuts for a delightful crunch and texture.
• Top with bacon – adds a rich, smoky flavor that beautifully balances the salty and savory notes with added crunch.
• Squeeze of lemon juice – incorporate a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice or zest to brighten up the beans if you wish.
• Sprinkle with cheese – add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.

Preparation and Storage

Any leftover green beans can be stored in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm them up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil, or microwave for 30-second intervals until heated through. I discourage freezing leftovers, as the delicate green beans will lose their texture once thawed.

More Side Dish Ideas

Additional Green Bean Recipes

Hope you all savor these Garlicky Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots! If you enjoy them as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! I love seeing all your delicious recreations!