Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Mustard Seeds
A simple Indian-style side of crisp green beans sautéed with fragrant mustard seeds and garlic, perfect to accompany any meal. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 15 minutes pairs green beans, trimmed and halved, vegetable oil, mustard seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 3, 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, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and cook until they begin to pop, about 1 minute.
- Step 2: Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz trimmed and halved green beans along with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Stir well and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender-crisp and bright green.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Mustard Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Mustard Seeds?
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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Mustard Seeds?
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 Mustard Seeds 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Mustard Seeds?
Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
