Sautéed Haricots Verts (French Green Beans) with butter, garlic, and seasonings create an easy, elegant, and flavorful side dish.
Let me confess something—I didn’t always know what Haricots Verts were. To me, green beans were just… green beans. Then, on a random weeknight, I decided to branch out and try this “fancy French version” I’d heard about. What could go wrong, right?
That first attempt wasn’t great. I overcooked the beans, skipped trimming the ends (rookie mistake), and somehow managed to burn the garlic. But when I finally got it right, oh boy, did it feel like a win. These beans were buttery, garlicky, and crisp-tender—like something you’d find on the side of a steak at a fancy bistro.
Now, they’re my secret weapon. They’re quick, versatile, and make me feel like I know my way around the kitchen (even on the days when I absolutely don’t). And the best part? They look impressive, but they’re so easy to make that even my “non-cook” friends can pull them off.
Why You’ll Love This Haricots Verts – French Green Beans Recipe?
Here’s why this recipe might just become your go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to dinner parties:
- Quick and Easy: 15 minutes. That’s it.
- Elevated Simplicity: A handful of ingredients = big, bold flavor.
- Healthy-ish: Naturally gluten-free, with a vegan option if you swap the butter.
- Fancy Without the Fuss: Haricots Verts just sound more impressive than green beans, don’t they?
- Versatile Side: These pair beautifully with almost any main dish.
Ingredient Notes:
With so few ingredients, every one of them matters. Here’s what makes this dish shine:
- Haricots Verts: These are thinner and more delicate than regular green beans, so they cook quickly and evenly. They also have a slightly sweeter flavor that feels a bit… elevated.
- Butter: Adds richness and a little bit of indulgence. Swap it out for olive oil if you’re going vegan—it’s still delicious.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key here. If you love garlic as much as I do, feel free to add an extra clove. No judgment!
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: These simple seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the beans without stealing the spotlight.
- Water: Used to steam the beans briefly before sautéing, so they’re perfectly tender.
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How To Make Haricots Verts – French Green Beans?
- Get Prepped
First things first—trim the ends off your Haricots Verts. (Yes, it’s a little tedious, but it makes such a difference.) Mince the garlic, and have your butter, salt, and pepper ready. Trust me, having everything set up beforehand will make this recipe a breeze. - Steam the Beans
In a large sauté pan, add ¾ cup of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the beans and cover the pan with a lid. Let them steam for about 3 minutes. They should be vibrant green and just starting to soften. - Drain and Dry the Pan
Carefully pour the beans and water into a colander. Put the empty pan back on the stove and let any leftover water evaporate—this step is important so the beans don’t get soggy when you sauté them. - Sauté the Garlic
Melt the butter in the dry pan over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling (and smells amazing), add the minced garlic. Stir it constantly for about 30 seconds—it should be fragrant but not brown. - Toss the Beans
Add the steamed Haricots Verts back into the pan. Toss them in the garlicky butter for about 1–2 minutes, just enough to coat them and warm them through. - Season and Serve
Sprinkle on some kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve them immediately, because they’re best when piping hot. Bonus points if you sprinkle a little extra garlic butter on top before digging in.
Storage Options:
Let’s be honest, these are best eaten fresh. But if you’ve got leftovers, here’s how to handle them:
- Refrigerate: Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm them gently in a skillet with a splash of water or a little butter to bring them back to life.
- Freezing: Not recommended. Haricots Verts lose their beautiful texture when frozen and thawed.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun twists to try:
- Lemony Kick: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving. It’s like a flavor wake-up call.
- Herbs: Toss in some fresh parsley, thyme, or dill for extra depth.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pine nuts, or hazelnuts on top for texture.
- Cheese, Please: Grate a little Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the beans for a savory finish.
- Spicy Flair: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle kick.
What to Serve with Haricots Verts – French Green Beans?
These beans are super versatile, so you can pair them with almost anything. A few ideas:
- Roasted Chicken: The buttery beans complement the crispy, juicy chicken perfectly.
- Grilled Salmon: The rich fish + the garlicky beans = a match made in heaven.
- Steak: Serve these alongside a medium-rare filet, and you’ve got a bistro-worthy meal.
- Risotto: A creamy risotto paired with these beans is pure comfort food.
- Holiday Favorites: These are elegant enough to serve with turkey, ham, or prime rib at your next holiday feast.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use regular green beans instead of Haricots Verts?
Absolutely. Just keep in mind that regular green beans are a bit thicker, so they might take an extra minute or two to cook.
How do I make this vegan?
Easy! Just swap out the butter for olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Kind of. You can steam the beans in advance and store them in the fridge. Just sauté them with garlic and butter right before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful.
So, are you ready to give these Haricots Verts a try? They’re simple, quick, and just fancy enough to make you feel like a chef. Plus, they’ll have everyone at the table asking, “How did you make these taste so good?” Let me know how yours turn out—and don’t be shy about adding your own twists!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Haricots Verts - French Green Beans
Ingredients
- ¾ cup water
- 1 pound Haricots Verts French green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter substitute olive oil for a vegan option
- 1 clove garlic finely minced or pressed (adjust to taste)
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Begin by trimming the stem ends off the Haricots Verts to create a uniform and clean appearance. Mince the garlic finely and set aside. Measure the butter and prepare the salt and pepper for seasoning.
Steam the Green Beans
- Place ¾ cup water into a large sauté pan with a lid and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the trimmed green beans in an even layer and cover the pan. Steam the beans for approximately 3 minutes, until they are vibrant green and slightly tender.
Drain and Dry the Pan
- Carefully drain the beans and boiling water into a colander. Return the empty pan to the stove over medium heat and allow any residual water to evaporate completely.
Sauté the Garlic
- Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt fully. Once the butter is bubbling, incorporate the minced garlic, stirring constantly. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown.
Combine and Toss
- Return the steamed green beans to the pan and toss them gently with the garlic butter, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow them to sauté for an additional 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Season and Serve
- Sprinkle the green beans with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
