These easy sautéed green beans are incredibly quick to whip up and only need a couple ingredients. All you need is fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make your green beans outstanding!

Green beans are truly one of the best vegetables. They’re not only quick and easy to cook, but they’re also easy to grow! During the summer I have an abundance of green beans – I usually pick 1/2-1 pound per day. Once I get sick of eating them, I save them in large ziploc bags (not sealed) until it’s full. Then I blanch and freeze them for use throughout the winter.

Look at them! Aren’t they gorgeous?

Personally, I prefer growing green beans over purple beans because the purple lose their colour during cooking and end up looking pale. Green only brighten in colour when cooked.

Should I Use Fresh or Frozen Green Beans?

Either or! I have included instructions for both. Fresh will have more of a tasty crunch to them and are just a touch more flavourful. The frozen will be softer but should still have some bite to them.

I definitely prefer fresh, but frozen works in a pinch!

Don’t I Need to Blanch First?

Nope! I only blanch before freezing to preserve flavour and texture.

I actually prefer my green beans cooked from fresh – they are so flavourful and crisp!

To Cook Green Beans from Fresh:

Rinse the fresh green beans under cool water and pat dry. Use a sharp knife to trim off the stem (the side that was attached to the vine).

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil. Swirl in the pan to heat before adding in the washed and trimmed green beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook for 5-7 minutes, tossing occasionally until they are bright green and tender.

Remove from the heat once cooked and serve immediately with a light drizzle of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy!

To Cook Green Beans from Frozen:

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil. Swirl in the pan to heat before adding in the washed and trimmed green beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, tossing occasionally until hot and beginning to brown.

Remove from the heat once cooked and serve immediately with a light drizzle of fresh lemon juice and adjust seasonings if necessary. Enjoy!

Looking for more tasty side dishes?

Try the Quickest Air Fryer French Fries, Broccoli Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, The Best Traeger Mac and Cheese or Kale Caesar Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs.