Easy Italian Steamed Green Beans with Garlic is a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings out the best in fresh green beans. With just a few ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and a touch of lemon, these steamed beans make the perfect side dish for any meal.
If you like this recipe you might like my Italian Green Beans or my Caramelized Coconut Green Beans.
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Jump To
- 💖Why we love these steamed green beans
- 🛒 Ingredients for easy sauted Green Beans
- Equipment for how to cook green beans
- How to trim green beans
- How to steam green beans
- 🍽️ How to make these garlicky green beans
- An Italian Thanksgiving Menu
- Sauted Green Beans Serving Suggestions
- 🫙 Leftover and Storing Instructions
- 📃 Substitutions & Variations
- ☑️ Our Top Tips for sautéed green beans recipe
- ❓ FAQ'S
- Some other recipes you'll love:
- 📖 Recipe
- Italian Green Beans
Green beans are a classic side dish that never goes out of style, but this Italian-inspired recipe takes them to a whole new level. Steamed to perfection and infused with the rich flavors of garlic and olive oil, these green beans are simple yet packed with bold, fresh taste. These delicious green beans are naturally vegan, sugar-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Using just a handful of ingredients—fresh green beans, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and lemon—you can create a vibrant side that pairs beautifully with just about any main course. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.
Steaming green beans is not only one of the easiest cooking methods but also one of the healthiest. It preserves their natural crunch and vibrant color while locking in key nutrients. With just a few minutes of steam time, you’ll have perfectly tender green beans that still hold a delightful bite.
This recipe adds an Italian twist to classic steamed beans, inspired by the Mediterranean love of simple, high-quality ingredients. The garlic infuses the beans with a subtle, savory aroma, while the olive oil and lemon elevate their natural flavor. Every bite bursts with freshness and zest.
If you are looking for a different sort of green bean recipe for Thanksgiving, this is an easy and delicious one to try!
💖Why we love these steamed green beans
- Simple and Healthy: Steamed green beans are light, nutritious, and packed with vitamins, making them a guilt-free side dish.
- Crisp and Fresh: Their tender-crisp texture and natural sweetness shine through with minimal seasoning.
- Versatile: Perfect with any main course, from hearty roasts to light seafood.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just minutes, they’re a hassle-free addition to any meal.
- Customizable Flavor: With a touch of garlic, olive oil, or lemon, you can elevate their taste effortlessly!
🛒 Ingredients for easy sauted Green Beans
- Green beans: Look for super fresh ones. The more fresh and firm they are the more crisp they'll cook up.
- Extra virgin olive oil: I always use a really good quality olive oil. Extra virgin has the best flavor. You don't need a lot for the recipe, but the better the quality, the better the flavor.
- Garlic: Two small cloves or one large one. I sliced in large pieces but you could also finely mince the garlic using a knife.
- Sea salt: A bit of sea salt brings out the flavor of the beans.
- Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors of the beans and garlic. It brings the whole dish together.
Equipment for how to cook green beans
- Cutting board: I have bamboo and I have plastic cutting board, but use whichever type of cutting board you have.
- Sharp knife: Get out your sharpest knife to cut carrots, celery, and onions.
- Sauce pan: Any medium sauce pan with a lid will work.
- Steamer basket: If you have a steamer basket, the beans will go right in there.
- Colander: Any colander that fits on top of your pan can be covered with a lid will work. You just need to steam the beans a few minutes. So if you don't have a steamer basket, no problem. Use a colander.
How to trim green beans
- Step 1: Wash your green beans really well in cold water and strain them.
- Step 2: Line up the beans on a cutting board evenly and with a sharp knife, trim off the ends. Do it in 2 or 3 portions if it's easier for you.
- Step 3: You could also do it with your hands. My Calabrian in-laws would pick the green beans from their garden in the summer and lay them all out on newspaper. They would one by one snap up of the ends of the beans. The kids would help them, it's that easy to do!
So as you see, either use a sharp knife, or use your hands to clean off the ends. Now they're ready to cook!
How to steam green beans
The choice is up to you steam or not. If you prefer, you could quickly boil them before sauteeing with the olive oil and garlic. The point is to keep them crispy. Some people like their green beans softer. I like mine with a little crisp. My kids like them softer. It's up to you what texture you like to cook them to. The longer they steam (or boil), the softer they will become.
- Step 1: You will use either a steamer basket or you could use a collander. I couldn't find my metal steamer basket, so my colander did the trick!
- Step 2: Fill the bottom of a medium sized pot with water. When water boils, add the steamer basket on top or use a colander (like I did).
- Step 3: Add the green beans. Close the lid over the beans and let the steam cook them up just until they start to get tender.
- Step 4: Continue on with cooking the rest of the recipe.
🍽️ How to make these garlicky green beans
Here is how make sautéed green beans with garlic: (the full recipe is below!):
- Step 1: Steam the beans for a few minutes. You could also quickly boil them instead of steaming.
- Step 2: While the beans steam, heat the olive oil in the skillet.
- Step 3: Add in the garlic and let it cook for less than 1 minute. It should just start to soften. You don't want it to burn. It's ok if it gets a little color, but not burned.
- Step 4: Remove the beans from the steamer or from colander, and add to the pan with the oil and garlic.
- Step 5: Stir and combine with the garlic and oil. You want the beans to be crisp, so you're just quickly heating with the oil and garlic.
- Step 6: Season with salt and squeeze on some lemon juice.
- Step 7: Serve and ENJOY!
📃 NOTE: Recipe card with detailed instructions are below! Print it out for later!
An Italian Thanksgiving Menu
These green beans are another recipe in our Italian Inspired Thanksgiving Menu series. Be sure to try my Pancetta Cornbread , Roasted Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Lasagna. Italian Cranberry Sauce is just delicious! My Roasted Balsamic and Honey Brussels Sprouts will make you a Brussels sprouts fan! If you need Italian desserts, try my Amaretti Almond Pumpkin Pie or my cranberry almond biscotti.
Sauted Green Beans Serving Suggestions
This green bean recipe goes nicely with a side dish of pasta.
- Sautéed Chicken Breast with Lemon Butter Sauce >>The zesty lemon butter sauce complements the fresh flavor of the green beans.
- Baked Turkey Tenderloin with Cranberry Glaze >>The sweetness of the cranberry glaze contrasts nicely with the savory green beans.
- Mojo Turkey Tenderloin>>The green beans would go really nicely with this delicious tenderloin.
- Garlic Pork Tenderloin >>> This pork tenderloin is so tender and has the best garlic and herb flavor! Goes perfectly with the green beans.
🫙 Leftover and Storing Instructions
If you don’t have leftovers yet but want to store extra steamed or sautéed green beans, here’s how to do it properly to maintain their flavor and texture:
1. Cool Them Quickly
- After cooking, let the green beans cool to room temperature. Spreading them out on a baking sheet can help them cool faster and prevent sogginess.
2. Use Airtight Containers
- Transfer the cooled green beans into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible if using a bag to prevent freezer burn or oxidation.
3. Refrigeration
- Steamed or sautéed green beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
4. Freezing for Longer Storage
- If you want to store them for a longer period, freeze the green beans:
- Blanch First: Briefly boil the green beans for 1–2 minutes, then plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Pat them dry before freezing.
- Spread the beans in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours (this prevents them from clumping together).
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
5. Reheating
- To reheat steamed or sautéed green beans, gently warm them in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or butter, or steam them lightly to revive their texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain their crispness.
📃 Substitutions & Variations
Substitutions
- Green Beans Alternatives
- Asparagus: Similar texture and cooking time, perfect for sautéing.
- Broccolini or Broccoli: Add a slightly different flavor but work well with the same seasonings.
- Snow Peas or Snap Peas: Provide a similar crunch and cook quickly.
- Oil Alternatives
- Butter: For a richer, creamier taste.
- Ghee: A nutty, clarified butter alternative.
- Coconut Oil: Adds a mild sweetness.
- Avocado Oil: Neutral and healthy.
- Seasonings
- Garlic Powder: If fresh garlic isn’t available.
- Lemon Zest: For a bright, citrusy twist.
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you’re out of black pepper and want a kick.
- Herbs de Provence or Italian Seasoning: For a herby aroma.
- Topping Alternatives
- Parmigiano cheese: Sprinkle on some Parmigiano or Pecorino Roman, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Toasted Almonds: Use walnuts, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds for a nice crunch.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping.
Variations
- Asian-Inspired
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Toss in ginger and garlic for extra depth.
- Mediterranean Style
- Sauté with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add oregano and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Spicy Kick
- Include fresh chili peppers or a dash of cayenne powder.
- Finish with a drizzle of hot honey or chili oil.
- Creamy and Cheesy
- Toss green beans in a creamy garlic sauce or a cheese sauce made with heavy cream and grated cheese.
- Finish under the broiler for a gratin-style dish.
- Lemon and Herb
- Add fresh parsley, dill, or chives with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Toss in capers for a tangy flavor.
- Bacon or Pancetta
- Sauté chopped bacon or pancetta until crispy and toss with the beans.
- Finish with caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Sweet and Savory
- Add caramelized shallots and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
- Sprinkle with dried cranberries for a festive touch.
☑️ Our Top Tips for sautéed green beans recipe
- Choose the Best Green Beans
- Look for bright green, firm beans without blemishes or limpness. Fresh beans cook more evenly and retain their natural crispness.
- Trim the stems, but leave the tails intact for a beautiful presentation and to avoid over-handling them.
- Prep the Garlic Like a Pro
- For a subtle, aromatic flavor, slice garlic into larger pieces; they’ll infuse the oil and can be removed before serving.
- Prefer a bolder garlic punch? Finely mince or grate the garlic and add it later in the cooking process to prevent burning.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil
- Opt for cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, as it enhances the dish with its natural fruity or peppery notes.
- Don’t overheat the oil! Start on medium heat to avoid burning the garlic and losing the olive oil’s delicate flavor.
- Season Strategically
- Add sea salt after cooking to maintain the beans’ moisture and allow the salt to adhere better to the surface.
- Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to avoid overpowering the beans’ natural flavor.
- Perfect the Lemon Finish
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice won’t deliver the same brightness.
- Add the lemon juice off the heat to preserve its fresh, tangy notes without dulling them.
❓ FAQ'S
Steaming fresh green beans takes about 5–7 minutes for a crisp-tender texture. Adjust the time based on your preference for softness.
Steaming is healthier because it preserves more nutrients compared to boiling, which can cause some vitamins to leach into the water.
Blanching isn’t necessary before steaming unless you plan to freeze them or need to pre-cook them for another recipe.
Tough green beans may be undercooked, over-mature, or not fresh. Ensure they steam long enough and choose fresh, tender beans.
No, soaking isn’t needed for fresh green beans—just wash and trim them before cooking.
Enhance flavor with garlic, lemon juice, fresh herbs, butter, Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
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📖 Recipe
Italian Green Beans
Equipment
- 1 steamer
- 1 Colander use a colander to steam if you don't have a steamer basket
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans washed and trimmed
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves sliced
- 1 lemon juice of
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Steam the beans: With a steam basket or a colander over a pot of boiling water, steam beans for a few minutes. You could also quickly boil them instead of steaming.
- Heat oil: While the beans steam, heat the olive oil in the skillet.
- Cook garlic: Add in the garlic and let it cook for less than 1 minute. It should just start to soften. You don't want it to burn. It's ok if it gets a little color, but not burned.
- Combine beans: Remove the beans from the steamer or from colander, and add to the pan with the oil and garlic.
- Stir and combine with the garlic and oil. You want the beans to be crisp, so you're just quickly heating with the oil and garlic.
- Season: Sprinkle on the salt and squeeze on some lemon juice.
- Serve: Serve and ENJOY!
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Annie says
I added extra garlic and some hot pepper flakes!! This is what I'll make for my Thanksgiving green bean dish. I don't like the creamy mushroom one, so this is perfect!
Lora says
Hi Annie-THANK YOU for letting me know you like my green beans and you added extra garlic. Enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!