Garlic Green Beans

Ingredients

2 lbs frozen green beans (thawed, frost rinsed off)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon garlic paste (about 3 cloves)

1 additional clove garlic (paste or minced)

Kosher salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

¼ cup shallots, thinly sliced

(or red/yellow onion)

1½ teaspoons honey (divided)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon chicken stock

(or vegetable stock)

Fresh lemon zest (for finishing)

Method

1. Build the Garlic Oil

Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil and butter.

Stir in 1 tablespoon garlic paste and cook briefly until fragrant.

You’ve just made garlic-infused cooking fat — flavor layer #1.

2. Sauté the Green Beans

Add green beans to the pan and spread evenly.

Season with kosher salt and black pepper.

Let them cook undisturbed so moisture releases and browning begins.

3. Add Sweetness & More Garlic

Stir in shallots and the second clove of garlic.

This second garlic addition clings to the beans and deepens the flavor.

Let everything sauté 3–5 minutes, allowing light browning and caramelization.

4. Flavor Boost

When most moisture has cooked off, stir in:

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Mix well to coat the beans.

Add 1 tablespoon stock and let it reduce down until it forms a light glaze.

Taste and add the remaining ½ teaspoon honey if you want a touch more sweetness.

5. Let Cooking Cook

Allow the pan to cook another minute or two until the liquid reduces and the beans are glossy, tender, and coated in flavor.

6. Bright Finish

Turn off heat. Plate the green beans.

Finish with fresh lemon zest over the top.

This adds aroma and brightness without making the dish sour.

Chef Brian’s Tips

Adding garlic in two stages builds deeper flavor.

Frozen green beans are flash-frozen at peak freshness — great texture, great nutrition.

Lemon zest is the secret weapon. It brightens everything without watering the dish down.

These aren’t just garlic green beans.

They’re the kind people ask you to bring again next time.