Garlic Butter Green Bean Rice Skillet

Name: Garlic Butter Green Bean Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Optional: grated parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Fresh Collection

I absolutely love this Garlic Butter Green Bean Rice Skillet! It’s such a quick and satisfying meal that brings together wonderful flavors in less than 30 minutes. The garlic butter creates a rich sauce that perfectly coats the tender green beans and fluffy rice. We often whip this up on busy weeknights, and it’s become a family favorite. Each bite is infused with the essence of garlic, while the green beans add a nice texture that complements the rice beautifully. It’s really a must-try dish for any home cook looking for delicious simplicity.

Created by

Hester Lockwood

Last updated on 2026-01-21T22:01:34.847Z

I remember the first time I made this Garlic Butter Green Bean Rice Skillet. It was a rainy evening, and I needed something comforting yet quick. The aromatic garlic filled my kitchen, and within minutes, my family gathered around the table, eagerly waiting for dinner. What makes this dish stand out is the richness of the garlic butter, which enhances the flavor of every ingredient.

As I sauté the green beans, I find that keeping them just tender while retaining a slight crunch is key. It creates a beautiful contrast with the soft rice. I’ve learned to always add a squeeze of lemon just before serving, which brightens the flavors and makes the dish even more delightful!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Convenient one-pan meal for busy nights
Loaded with vibrant green beans and aromatic garlic
Deliciously buttery flavor that is irresistible
Mixes both healthy vegetables and comforting rice

The Role of Garlic Butter

Garlic butter is the star of this dish, elevating it from a simple skillet recipe to something truly special. The unsalted butter ensures that you have control over the salt level, allowing the fresh garlic to shine through without being overpowered. As the butter melts, it creates a luscious coating for the green beans and rice, adding richness and depth. To ensure the best flavor, sauté the garlic just until fragrant; overcooking can lead to a bitter taste that detracts from the overall dish.

Using fresh garlic is essential for a vibrant flavor profile. If you don't have fresh garlic on hand, garlic powder can serve as a substitute in a pinch, although the flavor won’t be as robust. Generally, one teaspoon of garlic powder can replace each clove, but keep in mind that it should be added with the rice to prevent burning and maintain its aromatic qualities.

Selecting and Preparing Green Beans

Choosing the right green beans is key to achieving that perfect bite. Opt for fresh green beans that are bright green and firm, avoiding any that appear wilted or have blemishes. Trim the ends for a tidy presentation and easier eating. You can also snap them for a rustic touch, creating a more casual feel to your dish.

For those who prefer a different vegetable, feel free to switch out the green beans for asparagus or broccoli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly; asparagus will cook in about 4-6 minutes, while broccoli may need an extra minute or two until tender-crisp. This flexibility allows you to customize the recipe to fit your family’s tastes and whatever vegetables are in season.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating can be done on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the texture of the rice and beans, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. Microwaving is an option too, but be careful not to overheat as it can make the rice chewy.

This Garlic Butter Green Bean Rice Skillet can be enjoyed on its own or paired with proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a rounded meal. If you're hosting, try serving it as a side dish alongside roasted meats or fish, enhancing the meal's buttery notes. Top with grated parmesan cheese or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful Garlic Butter Green Bean Rice Skillet:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: grated parmesan cheese for serving

With these simple ingredients, you're all set to make this delicious skillet dish!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Garlic Butter Green Bean Rice Skillet:

Sauté the Green Beans

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the trimmed green beans and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender yet crisp.

Combine Rice and Mix

Next, add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine with the green beans. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the garlic butter flavor.

Finish and Serve

Finally, drizzle the lemon juice over the rice mixture, stir, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, optionally topped with grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Green Bean Rice Skillet!

Pro Tips

For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or mixing in some chopped herbs like parsley or basil just before serving.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable depending on your needs. To double the recipe, simply increase your ingredients proportionately. For an even larger batch, consider cooking in two skillets, which will help maintain even cooking and prevent overcrowding, ensuring that the green beans remain crisp.

If you're cooking for a smaller group or meal prepping, you can halve the ingredients without losing flavor. When halved, keep an eye on the cooking times to ensure the green beans maintain their delightful texture.

Flavor Variations

To introduce new flavors, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary. Adding them along with the garlic can infuse the dish with aromatic notes that complement the garlic butter beautifully. If you're feeling adventurous, a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce towards the end can add an umami punch that's delightful.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha can kick up the spice factor. This makes it a versatile dish that can be tailored to accommodate various palates, making it suitable for everyone at the table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen green beans instead?

Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Just thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This dish is already vegetarian. Just ensure to use vegetable broth if you’re substituting the butter.

→ What type of rice works best for this recipe?

You can use white rice, brown rice, or even jasmine rice. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice you choose.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be excellent additions for some extra protein.