Are you tired of the same old green beans being served at every family gathering or holiday meal? Look no further! We’ve got 18 mouth-watering and innovative green bean recipes that are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. From savory and spicy to sweet and tangy, these unique green bean dishes offer a world of flavor and excitement. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a main course that’s packed with nutrients, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, featuring recipes like Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans, Spicy Szechuan Green Beans, and Balsamic Glazed Green Beans with Bacon. We’ll also explore some unexpected twists, such as Green Bean Fries with Sriracha Aioli and Green Bean and Walnut Pesto Pasta. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Elevate your vegetable game with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the brightness of green beans with the richness of parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side dish or added to your favorite main courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place green beans on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the green beans and sprinkle minced garlic evenly.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, followed by salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Szechuan Green Beans
Experience the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine with this simple yet exciting recipe! Spicy Szechuan green beans are a great side dish or snack that will add some excitement to your meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
– Chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the green beans to the bowl and toss to coat.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the green beans in a single layer.
5. Roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and stir in soy sauce and rice vinegar.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Green Bean and Mushroom Stir-Fry
A flavorful and healthy stir-fry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish. This recipe combines the crunch of green beans with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, all in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mushrooms and garlic; cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the green beans, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still crisp.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with sliced scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Green Beans with Bacon
A sweet and savory twist on a classic green bean dish, this recipe pairs crispy bacon with caramelized balsamic glaze for a delicious side that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender.
4. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Toss roasted green beans with cooked bacon and balsamic glaze. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
This beloved casserole is a staple of American comfort food, and the addition of crispy onions takes it to the next level. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
– 6 slices butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook green beans in a large skillet over medium-high heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. In a separate pan, cook sliced onions and minced garlic until caramelized and crispy, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Combine cooked green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with crispy onions and butter slices.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Thai Peanut Green Bean Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional green bean salads, this Thai-inspired dish combines crunchy green beans with creamy peanut sauce and tangy lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons peanut oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush green beans with peanut oil and season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Grill for 5-7 minutes or until tender and slightly charred.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Toss grilled green beans with the peanut sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions, if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Herb Steamed Green Beans
Elevate your side dish game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the brightness of lemon with the subtlety of herbs. Perfect for accompanying a variety of main courses, these tender green beans are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Fill a medium saucepan with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and add green beans, butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and dill.
3. Cover the pan and steam for 8-10 minutes or until green beans are tender but still crisp.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Green Bean and Tomato Mediterranean Salad
A refreshing twist on a classic salad, this Green Bean and Tomato Mediterranean Salad combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the crunch of blanched green beans, all tied together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for 3-5 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
2. Shock the green beans in an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, and parsley leaves to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Green Bean Fries with Sriracha Aioli
Transform ordinary green beans into crispy, flavorful “fries” and pair them with a spicy aioli for a unique snack or appetizer. This recipe combines the crunch of fries with the freshness of green beans and the heat of Sriracha.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Sriracha sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut green beans into fry-like strips.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
4. Dredge green bean strips in the mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Fry in hot oil until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
6. Drain and season with salt and pepper.
7. For Sriracha Aioli: mix equal parts Sriracha and mayonnaise to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (frying time) + 5 minutes (aioli preparation)
Green Bean and Almond Stir-Fry
This quick and flavorful stir-fry is a perfect combination of crunchy green beans and toasted almonds, all wrapped up in a savory sauce. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can enjoy this tasty dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
3. Remove the green beans from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced almonds and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
6. Stir in the soy sauce and honey until well combined.
7. Return the green beans to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Green Bean and Potato Curry
This vibrant curry combines the natural sweetness of green beans and potatoes with the warmth of Indian spices, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt, to taste
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup water or vegetable broth
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, and turmeric; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add green beans and potatoes; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes and water or broth; bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let curry cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Green Bean and Feta Stuffed Phyllo Cups
A flavorful and elegant appetizer or snack that combines the sweetness of green beans with the tanginess of feta cheese, all wrapped up in crispy phyllo cups.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut into triangles.
3. In a bowl, mix together green beans, feta cheese, parsley, garlic, and olive oil.
4. Place a spoonful of the green bean mixture onto the center of each phyllo triangle.
5. Fold the phyllo over the filling to form a cup shape and press edges together to seal.
6. Place cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Green Bean and Corn Succotash
A delicious twist on traditional succotash, this recipe combines fresh green beans and corn with a hint of garlic and lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the green beans and garlic in butter until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the corn kernels and chicken broth to the skillet; stir to combine.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the succotash is hot and bubbly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with parsley or chives, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Bean and Quinoa Buddha Bowl
Nourish your body and soul with this delightful vegetarian bowl, packed with protein-rich quinoa, tender green beans, and a hint of Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sliced avocado, pickled carrots, toasted almonds
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger.
4. Pour the sauce over cooked green beans and toss to coat.
5. Divide quinoa into bowls and top with green bean mixture, optional toppings of your choice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Bean and Tofu Thai Basil Stir-Fry
This vibrant stir-fry is a perfect combination of crunchy green beans, savory tofu, and aromatic Thai basil. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal solution for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons Thai basil leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the green beans, garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for 5 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.
4. Return the tofu to the pan and stir in the chopped Thai basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook for an additional minute, then serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Bean and Caramelized Onion Tart
This sweet and savory tart is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The caramelized onions add a deep, rich flavor that complements the crispy green beans perfectly.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes or until caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, toss green beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender.
5. Arrange roasted green beans on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with caramelized onions and Parmesan cheese.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and press edges to seal.
7. Brush top with egg wash and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Green Bean and Chickpea Coconut Curry
This flavorful and nutritious curry is a perfect blend of Indian spices, green beans, and chickpeas in a creamy coconut sauce. A great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and cook until they start to brown, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, curry powder, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add green beans and chickpeas. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the green beans are tender.
5. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Bean and Walnut Pesto Pasta
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish that combines the freshness of green beans with the richness of walnuts and pesto sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
– 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1/2 cup walnut halves
– 1/4 cup freshly made basil pesto
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the walnut halves to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
4. Combine the cooked pasta, green bean mixture, and pesto sauce in a large serving bowl. Toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your green bean game with these 18 unique and flavorful recipes! From classic roasted green beans with garlic parmesan to spicy Szechuan stir-fries, there’s something for every taste bud. Discover creative ways to enjoy green beans in dishes like balsamic glazed bacon-wrapped beans, Mediterranean salads, and even green bean fries with sriracha aioli. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for some new ideas, these recipes will inspire you to get cooking!
