Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Chili
Crisp-tender green beans cooked with garlic and dried chili for a vibrant, savory vegetable side. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 18 minutes pairs green beans, vegetable oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz green beans
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 dried red chilies
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim 12 oz green beans and cut into 1-inch pieces; discard ends.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 dried red chilies, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add green beans and 1/2 tsp salt, stirring to coat; cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender-crisp with light char marks.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 tsp sugar and cook for 1 minute until sugar dissolves and beans are evenly coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Chili take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Chili?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep green beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Chili?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Chili vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.