Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Filipino Fish Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Green beans quickly sautéed with fragrant garlic and finished with a splash of savory Filipino fish sauce for a simple yet deeply flavorful vegetable side. This filipino-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes blends trimmed and halved fresh green beans, vegetable oil, minced fresh garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 70 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Filipino cuisine 70 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb trimmed and halved fresh green beans and stir-fry for 2 minutes, tossing frequently to coat with garlic oil.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp water and cover skillet. Steam the green beans for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove lid, add 1 tbsp Filipino fish sauce and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring well to combine. Cook uncovered for another minute until the sauce is absorbed and green beans are glossy. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Filipino Fish Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Filipino Fish Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Filipino Fish Sauce?

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 Filipino Fish Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Filipino Fish Sauce 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.

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