If you love a vibrant and flavorful vegetable side dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, then you are going to adore this Pan Garlicky Green Beans with Slivered Almonds Recipe. Crisp-tender green beans get the perfect boost from golden toasted almonds and a rich garlicky butter sauce, creating layers of texture and a savory punch that will brighten up any meal. It’s a quick, one-pan wonder that combines freshness, crunch, and a comforting hint of garlic, making it a stellar addition to your weeknight dinners or holiday feasts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pan Garlicky Green Beans with Slivered Almonds Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple but every ingredient brings its own magic to the table—whether it’s the nuttiness of the almonds, the buttery garlic aroma, or the crisp snap of fresh green beans.
- Slivered or sliced raw almonds (1/3 cup): Toasting these adds a delightful crunch and deep nutty flavor that complements the veggies beautifully.
- Sea salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors with a clean, mineral-rich touch.
- Green beans, 1 lb, trimmed: Fresh, preferably organic beans bring that vibrant, satisfying snap and brilliant color to the dish.
- Avocado oil (1 Tbsp): Its high smoke point allows you to cook the beans with perfect browning without burning.
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste: The essential seasoning duo that rounds out the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic, 3 cloves minced: Infuses the dish with savory, aromatic warmth that keeps you coming back for more.
- Dairy-free butter (1 Tbsp): Or swap with organic dairy butter, this adds a luscious, silky finish to the green beans.
How to Make Pan Garlicky Green Beans with Slivered Almonds Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Almonds
Start by heating a large rimmed skillet over medium heat. Drop in the almonds with a pinch of sea salt, stirring frequently for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re a gorgeous golden brown and perfectly toasted. Keep an eye on them because they can go from toasted to burnt in a flash. Once done, remove and set aside—this step is all about unlocking that crisp, nutty flavor that’s so crucial to the dish.
Step 2: Prep the Green Beans
While the almonds cool, rinse your green beans under cold water and thoroughly dry them. Trim away any tough stems or rough ends using a knife or kitchen scissors. This little extra step ensures every bite is tender and enjoyable without any fibrous bits.
Step 3: Cook the Green Beans
Using the same skillet (no need to dirty another one), heat over medium-high and add your avocado oil. Give it about a minute to get hot, then add the green beans. Season with a good sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper—start with about half a teaspoon salt and a quarter teaspoon pepper, then adjust to your taste. Cover the pan tightly and let the green beans cook for about 8 minutes, tossing them now and then. This technique steams and browns the beans, achieving that perfect balance between tender and crisp.
Step 4: Garlic Butter Finish
When your green beans are almost done, toss in the minced garlic and butter. Stir frequently for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic smells fragrant and your beans soak up the buttery garlicky goodness, turning a beautiful golden hue. Finally, sprinkle in your toasted almonds and give everything a good toss to combine all those amazing textures and flavors.
Step 5: Serve Fresh
Delicious right out of the pan, these green beans are best enjoyed immediately while still crisp and warm. The combination of fresh, tender beans with the crunch of slivered almonds and rich garlic butter is truly unbeatable.
How to Serve Pan Garlicky Green Beans with Slivered Almonds Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh burst of color and herbaceous brightness that complements the nutty and garlicky notes perfectly. A light squeeze of lemon juice right before serving also adds a refreshing zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a hearty grain bowl. It’s a versatile vegetable side that can easily elevate casual dinners or more formal occasions, lending a touch of elegance and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these green beans atop a bed of fluffy quinoa or wild rice for a textured, wholesome plate. Alternatively, scatter some crispy fried shallots or sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired twist. You can even toss them with cooked pasta and a splash of lemon-infused olive oil for a light, summery dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, gently transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days, maintaining good texture and flavor if stored properly.
Freezing
This Pan Garlicky Green Beans with Slivered Almonds Recipe is not freezer friendly. The beans tend to lose their firm texture and the almonds can become soggy or bitter when frozen and thawed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat to preserve the crispness of the beans and the toasted crunch of the almonds. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the green beans soft and limp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
While fresh green beans yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen beans—just thaw and pat them dry before cooking. The final result won’t be quite as crisp but still tasty.
Is there a substitute for slivered almonds?
Yes, you can swap in sliced or chopped pecans, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds for a different but equally delightful crunch and flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter or olive oil instead of regular butter and you’ll have a delicious vegan-friendly version without compromising on rich flavor.
How can I make the green beans more tender?
If you prefer softer green beans, add a splash of water before covering the pan and cook a couple of minutes longer, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best way to prevent burning the garlic?
Add the minced garlic towards the very end of cooking and stir constantly. This prevents the garlic from burning and turning bitter while still infusing the dish with its wonderful aroma.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about this Pan Garlicky Green Beans with Slivered Almonds Recipe—it’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together in no time using one skillet. Whether you’re adding a pop of green to dinner or need a crowd-pleasing side, this recipe never disappoints. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to vegetable dishes that everyone asks for again and again.
PrintPan Garlicky Green Beans with Slivered Almonds Recipe
This quick and flavorful 1-Pan Garlicky Green Beans with Slivered Almonds recipe features tender green beans sautéed with garlic, buttery almond crunch, and simple seasonings, making for a perfect side dish ready in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Almonds
- 1/3 cup slivered or sliced raw almonds
- 1 pinch sea salt
Green Beans
- 1 lb green beans, stems and rough ends trimmed (organic when possible)
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste (start with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper)
Cooking Essentials
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil (or other neutral oil with high smoke point)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp dairy-free butter (or substitute organic dairy butter as needed)
Instructions
- Toast Almonds: Heat a large rimmed skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the slivered almonds with a pinch of sea salt and toast for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove almonds from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare Green Beans: Rinse and dry the green beans thoroughly. Trim off any stems and rough ends using a knife or scissors to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture.
- Heat Oil and Cook Green Beans: Using the same large skillet, heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the avocado oil and let it heat for about 1 minute. Add the green beans and season generously with sea salt and black pepper, starting with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and adjusting to taste.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet tightly and cook the green beans for approximately 8 minutes, stirring or tossing occasionally. Maintain a high heat to allow the beans to brown while becoming tender. If they start to burn, reduce the heat slightly.
- Add Garlic and Butter: In the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, add the minced garlic and butter to the skillet. Toss the beans frequently to coat them evenly. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and the green beans turn golden brown and tender.
- Combine with Almonds: Add the toasted almonds back into the skillet and toss to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the garlicky green beans immediately for the best texture and flavor. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. This dish is not freezer friendly.
Notes
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil for best results.
- To keep the green beans browned and tender, maintain high heat but monitor to prevent burning.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning to your taste preferences.
- For a richer flavor, use organic dairy butter instead of dairy-free butter if desired.
- This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated on stovetop; avoid freezing.
