This Sweet Garlic Balsamic Green Beans recipe is made with fresh green beans that are sauteed to perfection! It's the perfect answer to a quick and easy side for all types of meals.
Balsamic glazed green beans are a delicious and healthy side dish that highlights the natural flavors of fresh green beans while adding a touch of tanginess and sweetness.
This dish is perfect for a variety of occasions, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, green beans with balsamic and garlic are easy to prepare and can elevate your meal to new levels of flavor.
Preparing the dish is simple and requires minimal time in the kitchen, with the end result being a beautiful and flavorful side dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
This was inspired by my sweet and sour green beans recipe! It goes great with most pork chops recipes and a perfectly cooked Denver steak.
Why You Will Love Green Bean Recipe
- A simple yet flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion that goes with everything.
- Quick and easy to make.
- Easy to adjust ingredients to suit personal preference.
Ingredients
You won't believe how simple it is to prepare this fresh green bean recipe!
- Green Beans: Fresh is best! They're easier to cook to tender crisp but if fresh are unavailable you can use canned or defrosted frozen beans instead.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The sweet tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar works great with green beans. You can also use white balsamic or apple cider vinegar but the results are a bit different.
- Honey: For a bit of sweetness. You can also use agave syrup, golden syrup, maple syrup, or molasses but may alter flavor somewhat.
- Seasoning: We will be using a blend of onion and garlic powder. Plus don't forget a bit of salt and pepper.
- Olive Oil: Just a bit for sauteing the green beans. You can also use avocado, canola, or vegetable oil.
- Butter: It's optional but adds a richer flavor when added to the green beans along with the olive oil. It adds a creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Variations
Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this balsamic green beans recipe.
- Add Vegetables: Some grape or cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, asparagus, or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and add the extra veggies at the appropriate stage during the cooking process.
- Serve Cold: Add halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and crumbled feta or goat cheese and toss to combine.
- Add some cheese or nuts: Just before serving sprinkle some pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts over the top or a generous amount of fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
- A bit of heat: If you want to add just a hint of zing consider adding in a dash or two of crushed red pepper flakes.
- A squeeze of lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the balsamic glazed green beans just before serving.
How to Cook Green Beans with Balsamic Vinegar
Making these sweet garlic balsamic glazed green beans is so easy. I bet you'll be wondering why you didn't make them sooner.
- Prep the fresh green beans by washing and removing the ends.
- Cook the green beans and then drain the water.
- Add the drained green beans to your skillet with the olive oil and cook for two minutes. Then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the balsamic vinegar, honey, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for a couple more minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately and enjoy this sweet and savory dish that is truly a party on your tongue!
Hint: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure you've achieved your desired balance of flavors and adjust as needed.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy sweet balsamic carrots and onions.
Storage
Personally, I find fresh green beans are best when served fresh. I don't recommend making this dish ahead. You can prep some of the components to save some time but you should wait to cook them.
Leftovers: Transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don't recommend freezing them especially if you used canned or frozen beans.
Reheat: In the microwave or on the stove. For the microwave, place the beans in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer the stovetop method, heat a pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and sauté your green beans until they're heated through.
Make Ahead: Go ahead and blanch the green beans and prepare the balsamic glaze separately. Store the green beans in the refrigerator, while keeping the glaze at room temperature in an airtight container if it's only for a few hours otherwise refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the green beans and toss them with the glaze until evenly coated.
What to Serve with Balsamic Green Beans
Balsamic Green Beans are a fantastic side dish that you can serve elegantly at any event or gathering. Here are just a few recommendations for serving.
- Baked Pasta or Casseroles: They make a tasty side dish for easy dinner favorites such as Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese or Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta.
- Try serving them alongside grilled or roasted meats, such as pork roast, roasted chicken, grilled steak, seafood dishes, or beef.
- They make a tasty side dish for these steak bites with potatoes!
Tips
To ensure your balsamic glazed green beans turn out perfect every time, consider the following tips and tricks:
- Use fresh green beans! They have the best flavor and texture! Make sure to choose beans that are bright green, crisp, and free from brown spots or wrinkles.
- Use good balsamic vinegar for a tangy-sweet flavor.
- Don't overcook the beans. You want them to maintain their crunch no matter the cooking method you choose.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure you've achieved your desired balance of flavors.
- Serve beans immediately so they maintain their crisp texture and color.
FAQ
Do you have questions about Balsamic Green Beans? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about it.
Choose a good-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor. There are many varieties available, but a standard, well-aged balsamic vinegar works well for this dish.
Yes, you can use frozen green beans for this recipe. Make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess water before cooking. Frozen green beans may have a slightly different texture than fresh ones, but they still taste delicious when prepared with balsamic vinegar.
Recipe Video
Of course, we have included a video for you to check out below! I hope you enjoy these beans as much as we do!
Unique Green Bean Recipes
Do you like green beans? If green beans are not your favorite vegetable, these dishes may just change your mind. Here are some of my favorites.
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Quick and Easy Balsamic Green Beans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups green beans, fresh, trimmed, cut
- 3 tblsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tblsp honey
- 1 tblsp onion powder
- 1 tblsp garlic, minced
- 3 tblsp olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter, optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Wash your green beans, trim the ends with either a sharp knife or scissors, and allow the beans to dry.
Steaming
- In my opinion, the easiest and fastest way to cook green beans is steamed, in a skillet with a lid on your stovetop. You don't need a fancy steamer or double boiler.
- Get out your skillet and place it over medium high heat. Add about ⅔ cup of water and ½ teaspoon salt to your skillet. Once water is boiling add your prepared beans.
- Your beans will not be submerged in water, they will steam while the lid is on so don't remove it for at least four minutes. Your beans will be bright green and tender.
- Drain your beans in a colander in your sink.
Boiling
- In a medium to large sized pot boil approximately 4 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Once water is boiling, carefully add your prepared green beans. Cook until beans are bright green and starting to become tender, about 4 minutes.
Making the Balsamic Green Beans
- While your beans are draining in the colander inside your sink, wipe your skillet dry with paper towel if you used it to steam your green beans. If you didn't just use it there is no need for paper towel!
- Turn your heat to medium, add olive oil (and butter if desired) and wait until it shimmers or a drop of water flicked in it dances.
- Add green beans to the large saucepan with the oil in it. Cover, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and stir for another 30 seconds to a minute. You will be able to smell the garlic.
- Add vinegar, honey, onion powder, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium low. Stir regularly for a couple more minutes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published in August 2018. It has been updated with new images and content.
Tonni
Delicious!!
We loved them!
Karin and Ken
I can't thank you enough for taking the tie to let me know! You made my day. All the best. Karin
Beverly
OMG! This dish was delicious, and my husband wants me to make it again next weekend for Sunday dinner. Simple recipe, you can’t mess it up if you follow the recipe . Thank you for posting this recipe.
Karin and Ken
As always you are most welcome! So happy to hear you enjoyed it as much as we do! I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to let me know! You truly made my day! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! Take care and all the best! Karin
Max
If you want a different and delicious way to serve green beans you have to try this recipe you will be happy you did. DELICIOUS change and everybody loved them. Thank you for sharing it.
Karin and Ken
You really made my day! So glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for the testimonial! I am truly grateful! Take care of you and enjoy the rest of your day! Karin
Sandra
Thank you for this recipe. I just love it. These beans are delicious and family loves them.
Karin and Ken
You are most welcome! They are a favorite of mine too! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! Take care and all the best. Karin
Sheilah
These beans are wonderful. Thank you for sharing
Karin and Ken
As always you are most welcome! Glad you enjoyed them as much as we do! All the best. Karin
Nola
I make this recipe weekly! I eat it cold as a "salad" but after reading your cooked version I am going to try it that way too!
I LOVE this recipe and my boys who hate green beans eat it all the time, they even ask for it. In a pinch, I use canned green beans (drain the juice) and add the sauce uncooked as well.
Try it cold and I will try it warm.
Thank you!
Karin and Ken
Cold. I never thought of that and now I have to try it. Canned beans too. Another great idea. Thank you for the suggestions. I really do appreciate them. Also please, if you don't mind, let me know what you think after tasting them warm. Take care and have a great rest of your day! Thank you again. All the best. Karin
Vicky Spangler
Love green beans & this is a must absolutely try recipe
Karin and Ken
We love this recipe! Please let us know what you think when you try it! We would love to hear! Take care and all the best! Karin