Quick and easy side with just 5 simple ingredients and about 15 minutes from start to finish. The green beans are blistered for flavor, while still crunchy, fresh and garlicky.
Prepare the green beans by rinsing, trimming the stem ends, and patting them completely dry. For smaller bites, cut the beans in half or into 1-inch pieces.
Heat a large heavy-bottom skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil or butter (or both).
Add the green beans and cook for 2 minutes, without stirring, so they can begin to brown. Season well with kosher salt.
Reduce heat to medium and stir frequently, cooking for 5-6 more minutes until beans are bright green and charred in some spots.
Add the chopped garlic (and other add-ins if using) and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly, until softened.
Add 1 tablespoon of water or broth to the pan and finish cookng for 1 minute to steam the beans until just tender but still crunchy.
Taste and season with more salt and pepper as desired.
Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
Notes
Tips
Use the freshest green beans - The fresher they are the better the texture, flavor, cooking evenness and appearance will be.
Use fresh garlic and chop it with a knife. A garlic press will make the garlic too fine and it will easily burn.
When are they done? Different size and types of green beans cook at different times. Looking at the color for when it turns bright and taste testing is the best way to know when they're ready.