Sautéed Green Beans with Tarragon and Thyme

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

Fresh green beans cooked with aromatic herbs and a touch of lemon for a vibrant, garden-fresh side dish. This french-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs green beans, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 100 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 French cuisine 100 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim green beans and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp fresh tarragon, 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Squeeze 1/4 lemon juice over beans and cook for 1 more minute until bright green and tender-crisp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Green Beans with Tarragon and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Tarragon and Thyme?

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 Tarragon and Thyme?

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 Tarragon and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Tarragon and Thyme?

French 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.

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