Imagine transforming ordinary green beans into a mouthwatering side dish that's crispy, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy—all in just 25 minutes! Our Skillet Charred Green Beans recipe is about to revolutionize your vegetable game, delivering a perfect blend of smoky caramelization and vibrant green goodness that will have your family and guests begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the tough stem ends by snapping or cutting them with a knife.
- Pat the green beans completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a proper char.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to shimmer but not smoke.
- Carefully add the green beans to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of charring.
- Let the green beans sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a deep brown, caramelized exterior. This creates the signature charred flavor.
- Using tongs, turn and rotate the green beans to ensure even charring on multiple sides. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, stirring to prevent burning and infuse flavor.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter, ensuring the beans maintain their crisp-tender texture.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the smoky, caramelized exterior and vibrant green color.
Tips
- Dryness is Key: Thoroughly pat your green beans dry before cooking to ensure maximum charring and prevent steaming.
- Use the Right Pan: A cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan is crucial for achieving that perfect, even char.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook beans in a single layer to guarantee proper caramelization and prevent soggy results.
- High Heat, Minimal Movement: Let the beans sit undisturbed initially to develop a deep, rich brown exterior.
- Timing Matters: Add garlic in the last 1-2 minutes to prevent burning while maximizing flavor infusion.
- Season Boldly: Don't be shy with salt and pepper—they enhance the beans' natural flavors and charred notes.
- Serve Immediately: These beans are best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet, to maintain their crisp-tender texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
