There’s nothing better than a well-made side dish to complement your main course, and these Garlicky Green Beans are exactly that.
This easy sautéed green beans recipe elevates everyday green beans with crisp-tender texture, smoky bacon and fragrant garlic. The result is a flavourful side that’s simple to prepare and likely to earn second helpings.
Best of all, it uses just a few fresh ingredients and requires minimal prep time.
These garlic green beans are versatile enough for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion. They hold a beautiful green colour and have the ideal bite—slightly crisp, not mushy. If you enjoy garlic and want a fresh take on traditional green beans, this recipe is for you.
How to cook garlic and bacon green beans
Below you’ll find a clear recipe card and step-by-step instructions that turn fresh green beans into a standout side dish. Read on for details about ingredients, equipment and helpful tips.
📖 Step by Step Recipe
Garlicky Green Beans with Bacon
Easy to follow and quick to make, this dish comes together from simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 220 grams Green beans
- 5 slices Bacon (smoked or unsmoked)
- 25 g Unsalted butter
- 2 cloves Garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- ½ Lemon
Instructions
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Prepare all ingredients: roughly chop the bacon, dice the garlic, measure the butter and cut the lemon in half.
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Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them in half.
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Finely dice the garlic.
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Steam the beans for about 6 minutes or boil for 4 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and let them air dry.
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Fry the diced bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy to your liking.
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Lower the heat and add the unsalted butter to the pan so it melts into the bacon fat.
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Add the diced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant.
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Squeeze in lemon juice for brightness, then add the cooked green beans to the pan.
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Season sparingly with salt and add freshly ground black pepper to taste—remember the bacon adds saltiness.
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Toss everything together so each bean is coated in the buttery, garlicky bacon mixture, then serve warm.
Video
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 124 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Vitamin C: 10 mg
Equipment
Having the right tools makes this recipe easier. You’ll need a large frying pan for sautéing, a sharp knife for prepping, and a steamer or saucepan for par-cooking the beans.
Ingredients
Simple, fresh ingredients deliver the best results. For six side-dish servings you’ll need:
- 220 g green beans
- 5 slices bacon (smoked or unsmoked)
- 25 g unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- ½ lemon
Green Beans
Use fresh green beans (also called French or fine beans) for the best texture and colour. Avoid beans with brown spots. If fresh beans aren’t available, frozen green beans are an acceptable substitute.
Bacon
Smoked bacon adds depth, but unsmoked is fine too. For richness use lardons; for a leaner option choose medallions.
Unsalted butter
Butter gives a creamy finish. If you prefer, substitute olive oil or avocado oil, or omit added fat and use small splashes of water to prevent sticking.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is best for aroma and flavour. In a pinch you can use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder, or substitute shallots or finely minced onion.
Lemon
A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish. If you don’t have lemon, a splash of vinegar will also add acidity.
Salt and Pepper
Season carefully: the bacon brings saltiness, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust. Finish with freshly ground black pepper.
Optional Extras
For variation, add chilli flakes for heat, lemon zest for brightness, a dash of soy sauce for umami, or toasted nuts like walnuts or flaked almonds for texture. Fresh thyme or grated Parmesan make nice finishing touches.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the recipe:
Prepare the ingredients
Trim and halve the green beans, chop the bacon, dice the garlic, measure the butter and cut the lemon.
Prep the bacon and garlic so everything is ready to cook.
Cook the green beans
Steam for about 6 minutes or boil for 4 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and let them air dry to avoid sogginess when sautéing.
Avoid overcooking since the beans will be sautéed again with the bacon.
Cook the bacon
Fry the bacon in a large pan until crisp. Remove excess fat if needed, then reduce heat and add the butter.
Add the diced garlic and stir until fragrant, about a minute. Squeeze in lemon juice.
Combine everything
Add the cooked green beans to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Toss until everything is well combined and heated through.
Serve warm straight from the pan for the best flavour and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These garlicky green beans pair well with many mains. They fit especially well alongside roast pork, roasted potatoes, mashed vegetables and other classic roast dinner sides.
Serve with roast pork, apple sauce, mash or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
The bright green of these beans brings colour and freshness to a roast plate.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat
Reheat in the microwave or briefly toss in a sauté pan over medium heat until warmed through.
Enjoy these garlicky green beans as a quick, tasty side whenever you like. They pair with many mains and add a satisfying garlicky, bacony note to your meal.