Pan-Grilled Green Beans: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Grilled green beans are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. They are easy to make and only require a handful of simple ingredients: fresh green beans, olive oil, and spices such as garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The key to achieving the perfect grilled flavour is to lightly char the beans while cooking, giving them a unique taste and texture that is superior to canned or frozen beans. This recipe is a great way to use up fresh garden green beans during warm summer evenings, and they go well with any meal.

How to Prepare Pan-Grilled Fresh Green Beans

Trimming the green beans

Trimming the ends of green beans is a necessary but tedious task. Here are some quick and easy methods to get it done efficiently:

The first method is to line up a handful of green beans on a cutting board so that the stem ends are all facing the same direction. Using a sharp knife, cut off the stem ends in one swift motion. Repeat this process, cutting the beans into your desired length. This method is much faster than breaking off the ends by hand.

Another technique is to grab a small bunch of 15-20 beans and place them on your cutting board. Quickly create a uniform pile with the beans lined up lengthwise. It doesn't matter if they are facing the same direction. Line up the ends of the beans against the edge of your knife, grab them with your non-dominant hand, and slice off the ends in one motion. Then, flip the beans over, push them towards the knife blade so the other ends are lined up, and slice off those ends as well. This method ensures you don't spend hours snapping off the tops and bottoms of each individual bean.

If you're looking for an even faster way to trim green beans, try this method: First, line up the beans on your cutting board so the tips are even. You can keep them bunched up or spread out. Using a chef's knife or paring knife, cut off the tips in a single slice. Flip the beans so the tips are closer to the hand you cut with, and realign them if needed. Then, slice through the beans again in one motion. If you want shorter beans, you can repeat this process until they're the length you desire.

Remember, the stem end of the bean is tough and fibrous, so it's essential to remove it before cooking. By trimming your green beans efficiently, you'll save time and get to enjoy your delicious pan-grilled beans even faster!

Choosing a cooking oil

To prepare pan-grilled fresh green beans, you'll need to trim and snap the beans, and combine them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Now, here's what you should consider when choosing a cooking oil for pan-grilled green beans:

When choosing a cooking oil for pan-grilled green beans, there are a few factors to consider, such as smoke point, flavour, and health benefits.

Smoke Point:

The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it starts to smoke and break down, releasing free radicals and undesirable flavours. Oils with higher smoke points are better suited for high-heat cooking methods like searing or pan-grilling. Some oils with high smoke points include:

• Avocado oil (over 500°F)
• Peanut oil (450°F)
• Vegetable oil (400°F)
• Canola oil (400°F)
• Sunflower oil (450°F)
• Refined sesame oil (410°F)
• Olive oil (390-468°F)

Flavour:

Different cooking oils can also impart unique flavours to your dish. Here are some options to consider:

• Olive oil: Neutral and mild flavour, suitable for most dishes.
• Peanut oil: Smooth, nutty flavour commonly used in Asian or Middle Eastern cooking.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral-tasting and versatile.
• Canola oil: Neutral flavour and versatile smoke point.
• Sunflower oil: Subtle nutty flavour.
• Sesame oil: Refined sesame oil has a mild nutty flavour, while toasted sesame oil offers a deeper, richer flavour.
• Avocado oil: Subtle buttery and avocado-like flavour.

Health Benefits:

When choosing a cooking oil, you may also want to consider the health benefits of different oils. Some oils, like olive oil, avocado oil, and peanut oil, are high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can be beneficial for your health.

In conclusion, when choosing a cooking oil for pan-grilled green beans, consider selecting an oil with a high smoke point to withstand the high temperatures of pan-grilling. Additionally, choose an oil that complements the flavour of your dish, and take into account the potential health benefits of different oils.

Adding spices and aromatics

Spices and aromatics are essential to enhancing the flavour of your pan-grilled green beans. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish:

Garlic

Minced, powdered, or granulated garlic adds a savoury kick to your beans. If you're using fresh garlic, be sure to mince or finely chop it before adding it to your dish. You can also use garlic salt to add a punch of flavour.

Onion

Onions are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. Mince, powder, or granulate them to add a subtle sweetness to your beans. Alternatively, use onion salt to enhance the natural sweetness of the onions.

Red Pepper Flakes

If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes are a great addition. You can control the spice level by adding more or less, depending on your preference. They add a nice punch of colour to your dish as well.

Salt and Pepper

Classic salt and pepper are essential for seasoning your green beans. Kosher salt is a good option as it is easier to sprinkle than table salt, but be aware that it has a higher sodium content. Black malabar pepper is a great choice to pair with salt.

Olive Oil

While not technically a spice, olive oil is a key ingredient to help distribute the spices evenly and prevent your beans from sticking to the pan. Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice for a robust flavour, but other cooking oils such as avocado oil or canola oil will also work.

Lemon

Lemon zest and juice can add a bright, tangy note to your beans. A squeeze of lemon can also help to enhance the flavour of other spices and herbs used in the dish.

Fresh Herbs

Woody herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can be added with the garlic for a more complex flavour profile. If using softer herbs like basil or tarragon, add them after removing the beans from the heat to preserve their delicate flavour and texture.

Grilling the beans

When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to a medium heat and lightly oil the grate. Place your green beans on a grill pan and put the pan on the grill. Cook and stir the beans for around 10 minutes, until they are lightly charred. If you don't have a grill pan, you can place the beans directly on the grill grates, which will give you more char marks. Alternatively, you can use a cast-iron skillet or a grill basket, which will result in less charring.

Serving suggestions

These pan-grilled green beans are a versatile side dish that can accompany a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions:

• For a traditional holiday meal or Sunday supper, pair the green beans with roasted meats such as turkey, rack of lamb, or herb-roasted chicken.
• If you're grilling during the warmer months, try serving the green beans with grilled Greek chicken thighs or cedar plank salmon.
• For a vegetarian option, the green beans go well with vegetable lasagna or a veggie quiche.
• To add a creative twist, you can include fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, or finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• For some added crunch and flavour, toss in some almonds, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts after cooking the beans.
• If you're feeling indulgent, crumble some crispy bacon into the green beans for a savoury touch.
• To complement Asian-inspired dishes, add a little minced ginger with red pepper flakes and finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• For a cheesy touch, sprinkle some shaved or grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled chevre, or goat cheese on top of the green beans.

Frequently asked questions