Crispy Green Beans with Garlic and Roasted Almonds
These crispy green beans with garlic and toasted almonds maintain their vibrant green color and are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Using fresh beans and a simple one-skillet method, they’re sautéed with crispy garlic and almonds for the perfect side dish for weeknights, holidays, or as a snack!
Crispy green beans are an absolute favorite in my kitchen, especially when using my easy one-skillet method! This green beans recipe gives you that perfect crunch on the outside with a tender bite on the inside that’s honestly hard to find in most recipes. With just a few simple ingredients and a reliable one-skillet method, these fresh beans turn into a delicious side dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for any holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter.
What sets this recipe apart is the method: we blanch the green beans first to lock in that vibrant green color and just the right crispness. Then, a quick sauté with crispy garlic and toasted almonds in a Hexclad Hybrid pan (my go-to for even cooking) adds a nutty flavor that’s all about simple, comforting flavors. No need for deep frying here—this is a convenient, mess-free recipe that still gives you that irresistible crunch. Paired with your favorite dipping sauce, these crispy green bean fries have a flavor that turns a basic green bean recipe into something everyone will love.
What Are the Healthy Benefits of Serving Green Beans as a Side Dish?
Green beans are a fantastic choice for a side dish because they’re packed with nutrients that can easily fit into any meal. They’re full of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling satisfied, plus they’re a good source of vitamins like vitamin C, which supports the immune system. Green beans also contain potassium, folate, and antioxidants, which are great for overall wellness. And with their low calorie count, you can enjoy them generously without overloading on calories. Adding green beans as a side dish brings fresh flavor and a boost of natural goodness to your plate!
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Why You’ll Love This Almond & Garlic Green Bean Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a few everyday ingredients, this recipe packs a ton of flavor that everyone will love.
- Quick and Easy Side Dish: Ready in just 15 minutes, this is a perfect last-minute side for any meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything is cooked in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfectly Crunchy Texture: The green beans are blanched and sautéed to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Why Do I Love to Sauté Green Beans in a Hexclad Hybrid Pan?
I love to sauté green beans in my Hexclad Hybrid pan because it gives them the perfect crunchy texture every time! The pan’s unique design combines the durability of stainless steel with the non-stick ease of ceramic, so the green beans get a beautiful, even sear without sticking. Plus, I don’t have to use much oil, which keeps things light and lets the fresh flavor of the beans shine through. The Hexclad pan heats up quickly and evenly, making it so easy to get those crisp edges and vibrant color in every batch. It’s my go-to for reliable, fuss-free cooking!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best sautéed garlic green beans with almonds recipe:
Green Beans: You can use thin French green beans (haricots verts) if you want a slightly more delicate texture.
Light Olive Oil: Feel free to swap with avocado oil, sesame oil, or extra-virgin olive oil for a subtle flavor twist.
Butter: Use light olive oil or avocado oil for a dairy-free version.
Sliced Almonds: Chopped pecans or walnuts are great alternatives that add a different crunch.
Fresh Garlic: Garlic powder works in a pinch, but fresh garlic adds the best flavor to these green beans.
Salt and Pepper: Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper give the best results, but use what you have on hand.
How to Make My Crispy Green Beans Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my green beans with almonds and garlic recipe. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Prep the Green Beans and Garlic
Rinse and trim off the ends of 12 ounces of green beans. Mince 3 fresh garlic cloves and set aside.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 4 cups of warm water. Add green beans to the pan and cover with a lid. Once it comes to a rapid boil, set a timer for 4 minutes.
Carefully transfer the green beans to a bowl filled with ice water. This step stops the cooking and keeps them bright green and crisp.
Step 3: Toast the Almonds (optional)
Carefully pour the hot water out of the skillet and pat it dry with a towel. Turn the heat to medium/high and add 1 teaspoon of butter in the skillet, then add ¼ cup of sliced almonds, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of garlic powder (optional). Stir to coat the almonds evenly in butter.
Toast the almonds, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant. Transfer them to a small bowl and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Green Beans
Lay out the green beans on a clean dish towel, roll them up, and gently press to remove as much water as possible. This will help them get nice and crispy when sautéed.
Heat the skillet again over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of light olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the green beans to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes.
Add 3 minced garlic cloves and gently spread it over the green beans. Cook for several more minutes, stirring every 15-20 seconds, or until the green beans start to brown slightly at the edges and the garlic is golden but not burnt.
Turn off the heat, spread the green beans on your serving dish, and sprinkle with toasted almonds.
Helpful Recipe Notes
Blanch for Brightness: Blanching keeps the green beans vibrant and crunchy. Don’t skip this step!
Dry Thoroughly: Drying the green beans helps them get that crispy texture when sautéed.
Garlic Timing Matters: Add the garlic toward the end to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
Salt to Taste: Start with a pinch, then add more as needed for perfect seasoning.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Perfect with Roasted Chicken: These crispy fried green beans with garlic and almonds pair beautifully with roasted or grilled chicken. Sprinkle with a hint of onion powderfor extra depth.
- Add to a Fresh Salad: Toss these breaded green beans into a salad for added crunch. Top with parmesan cheese, cashews, or pecans for extra flavor.
- Serve with Pasta: These green beans are a fantastic side to creamy or garlic-based pasta. A sprinkle of lemon zest and parmesan cheese adds a fresh twist.
- Try It with Steak: The crunch and flavor of these crispy fried green beans balance hearty steaks. Add a touch of chili powder or onion powder for a bolder taste.
- Holiday Side Dish: These vibrant green beans make a light, festive side for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or serve with walnuts and pecans for a holiday flair.
- Great with Rice and Tofu: Pair with rice and crispy tofu for a vegetarian meal. Coat with panko breadcrumbs or a beaten egg for extra texture and flavor.
- Simple Appetizer: Serve as a light, crunchy appetizer with a dusting of onion powder and parmesan cheese. Perfect with a side of balsamic glaze for dipping!
Do you love green beans? Check out more of my easy and nutritious green bean recipes:
Crispy Green Beans with Garlic and Roasted Almonds
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh green beans
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 3 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon light olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
Instructions
- Rinse and trim off the ends of 12 ounces of green beans. Mince 3 fresh garlic cloves and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 4 cups of warm water. Add green beans to the pan and cover with a lid. Once it comes to a rapid boil, set a timer for 4 minutes.Carefully transfer the green beans to a bowl filled with ice water. This step stops the cooking and keeps them bright green and crisp.
- Carefully pour the hot water out of the skillet and pat it dry with a towel. Turn the heat to medium/high and add 1 teaspoon of butter in the skillet, then add ¼ cup of sliced almonds, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of garlic powder (optional). Stir to coat the almonds evenly in butter.Toast the almonds, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant. Transfer them to a small bowl and set aside.
- Lay out the green beans on a clean dish towel, roll them up, and gently press to remove as much water as possible. This will help them get nice and crispy when sautéed.
- Heat the skillet again over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of light olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the green beans to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes.Add 3 minced garlic cloves and gently spread it over the green beans. Cook for several more minutes, stirring every 15-20 seconds, or until the green beans start to brown slightly at the edges and the garlic is golden but not burnt.Turn off the heat, spread the green beans on your serving dish, and sprinkle with toasted almonds.
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Thank you for this amazing recipe!
It was yummy, healthy, and easy to make!
Hi Carolyn, thank you so much for the review! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Thank you for this delicious recipe! I loved the crispy green beans, sliced almonds, and garlic combination! It was also easy to make. I’ll be making this again.
Hi Carolyn, you’re so welcome! And thank you for the review 🙂
this was so easy to make in one pan! the beans were crunchy and the garlic tasted great!
thank you so much for the review, Amanda!
I’m excited to share this recipe for crispy beans that are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside with incredible garlic flavor 🙂