Transform your side dish game with these skillet balsamic green beans. A quick sauté with balsamic vinegar creates a delightful combination of flavors and textures in this simple yet elegant dish. The green beans are cooked to crisp-tender perfection in a tangy-sweet glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and has step-by-step photo instructions to ensure success in your kitchen.
If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for new and exciting side dishes that can take your meals to the next level. Today, I'm excited to share a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen: balsamic glazed green beans.
These tender-crisp green beans are cooked to perfection in savory balsamic vinegar, making them the perfect accompaniment to almost any main course.
With a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, green beans with balsamic vinegar are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering.
One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. All you need is a skillet, a handful of ingredients, and about 20 minutes to whip up this delectable side dish.
Skillet green beans are a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. If you’d like to add a kick of heat, finish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Or add more sweetness by adding a touch of honey or maple syrup.
Follow along and I’ll teach you how to wow your friends and family with this scrumptious, restaurant-worthy vegetable dish.
Ingredients
- Butter: You could use salted or unsalted butter; just make sure you take the type of butter used into account when adding additional seasonings. Olive oil may also be used.
- Red Onion: Use a small red onion or half of a large onion.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will always have the best flavor, but frozen or jarred garlic is a time-saving alternative.
- Broth: You can use homemade broth or store bought broth to make these pan fried green beans.
- Green Beans: Choose fresh green beans that are crisp, with no brown spots or bruises. To save time, you can buy pre-trimmed green beans.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds a depth of sweetness to the dish. Use the best quality you can.
- Salt: Sea salt is my go-to, but you can use whatever type of salt you have on hand. Kosher salt is a great alternative.
- Walnuts: Toast the walnuts before adding them to the dish to intensify their flavor. Almonds could also be used.
Step by Step
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Tips and Tricks
- Prep the green beans: Rinse the string beans thoroughly under cold water, then trim the ends. You can also cut the beans into equal-sized pieces.
- Blanching (optional): Although not necessary when making pan seared green beans, blanching the green beans before sautéing can help to preserve their vibrant color and make them more tender. To do this, simply boil the beans for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Choose the right skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan is ideal for making sautéed green beans, as it will provide even heat distribution and prevent the beans from sticking. Make sure to choose something that has a lid.
- Test for doneness: Cook the green beans to your desired level of tenderness. Some people prefer them slightly crisp, while others like them more tender. To test for doneness, pierce a bean with a fork or taste one to see if it's cooked to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Cast iron green beans are a classic side that stands up well to most any meaty main!
Some of my favorite mains to serve with this recipe include slow cooker brisket, Ninja Foodi meatloaf, Instant Pot whole chicken, slow cooker short ribs, or Ninja Foodi chicken thighs.
Round out the meal with Instant Pot mac and cheese, Boursin mashed potatoes, or air fryer mushrooms.
FAQs
How do you toast walnuts?
To toast walnuts, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes. Keep an eye on the nuts while they are in the oven so they don't burn. You can also heat them up in a skillet over medium-high heat until lightly browned, stirring frequently.
Can I use frozen green beans in this recipe?
Yes. Frozen green beans can be used when making this green bean recipe in the skillet.
Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the pan. Using frozen green beans will change the texture of this dish, but it will still be delicious.
Do you have to blanch green beans before sauteeing?
No, blanching is not necessary for this recipe but you certainly can blanch them if you want to. The green beans will cook through in the skillet with all of the other ingredients.
Tools
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- Large skillet with lid; I like a cast iron skillet
Skillet Balsamic Green Beans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 small red onion halved and sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ⅔ cup broth
- ½ pound green beans trimmed
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup walnuts toasted
Instructions
- Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for one more minute. Pour the broth in, and cook for another 4 minutes.
- Add the beans and the vinegar. Cover, and cook for 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and season with salt.
- Toss with walnuts and serve.
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