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.
Today, I'm excited to share a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen: balsamic glazed green beans.
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 side dish.
Skillet green beans are a versatile dish that can be easily adapted. 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.
They hold their own next to a holiday prime rib roast (they're on my Thanksgiving and Christmas tables every year), and they're just as happy on a weeknight with chicken bacon ranch mac and cheese.
Ingredient Notes
- 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.
- 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.
A Few Things I've Learned
The trick to a balsamic green beans recipe you'll want to make again, is getting the glaze right.
Make sure you give the broth and balsamic time to cook down until they are glossy and clingy. It only takes a few minutes, but if you rush this step you will get green beans with balsamic rather than balsamic glazed green beans.
I recommend you toast your walnuts before adding them. It is a small step that I always appreciate. A few minutes in a dry pan or about 8 minutes in a 350 degree oven wakes them up.
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. This is a step I skip.
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
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.
20-Minute 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.
Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe