Easy Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe

If you are looking for a vibrant, tasty, and effortlessly elegant side dish, this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce recipe is your new best friend. Featuring crisp-tender green beans tossed in a luscious plant-based butter sauce infused with natural mustard, this dish elevates your everyday veggies into a flavorful experience everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dinner party side, these green beans bring just the right balance of tangy and creamy to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses a handful of pantry staples that come together for maximum flavor after just a few minutes.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something fresh and tasty.
• Bright and Tangy Flavor: The natural mustard gives a delightful zing that perfectly complements the buttery texture.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with a variety of mains, from roasted chicken to grilled seafood or plant-based proteins.
• Vibrant Presentation: The glossy green beans coated in mustard butter sauce add a pop of color to any plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that deliver an impressive flavor profile without fuss. Each component enhances the taste, texture, and color of the Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce to make the dish truly shine.

• Fresh Green Beans: Choose crisp and bright green beans for the best texture and flavor.
• Plant-Based Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps blend the sauce beautifully.
• Natural Mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy bite that brightens the sauce effortlessly.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic gives a savory depth that complements both the mustard and butter.
• Lemon Juice (natural): A splash to add fresh acidity and balance the richness.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled at the end for color, freshness, and a subtle herbaceous note.

Variations for Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to swap or add ingredients to make it your own. Whether you’re following a specific diet or simply want to switch up the flavors, these variations can help.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for a touch of heat.
• Nutty Twist: Toss in some toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Herb Swap: Use fresh dill or thyme in place of parsley for a different herbal profile.
• Vegetable Mix: Combine the green beans with blanched asparagus or snap peas for variety.
• Lemon Zest Boost: Stir in lemon zest along with lemon juice for a brighter citrus aroma.

How to Make Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

Start by washing and trimming the ends off the green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then blanch the green beans for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender and vibrant green. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and preserve the beautiful color.

Step 2: Make the Mustard Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. Stir in the natural mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine into a smooth, tangy sauce.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Drain the green beans from the ice water and add them to the skillet with the mustard butter sauce. Toss gently to coat every bean evenly in the sauce. Cook together for another minute or two just to warm through and marry the flavors. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce

• Blanch Perfectly: Don’t skip the ice water bath to keep the green beans crisp and brightly colored.
• Quality Mustard: Use a natural Dijon or whole grain mustard for more depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Low and Slow Garlic: Cook garlic gently in plant-based butter to avoid bitterness and burnt taste.
• Avoid Overcooking: Green beans should remain slightly crunchy, not mushy, for the best texture.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Add parsley just before serving to bring the dish to life visually and taste-wise.

How to Serve Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce

Garnishes

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and subtle aromatic flavor. You can also add a few thinly sliced radishes or toasted nuts on top for a crunch contrast.

Side Dishes

This Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled proteins such as chicken breasts, salmon, or tofu steaks. It also complements hearty grains like quinoa or brown rice, making an entire meal more wholesome and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these green beans on a rustic wooden platter with lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze extra brightness. Drizzle a little extra mustard butter sauce over the top at the table for a beautiful glossy finish that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover green beans with mustard butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or adding to salads.

Freezing

While green beans can be frozen, the mustard butter sauce may change texture after thawing. If you want to freeze leftovers, store the green beans and sauce separately and combine them fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat in a skillet or microwave to prevent the plant-based butter from separating. Adding a splash of water or lemon juice can help maintain moisture and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Absolutely, frozen green beans work well when thawed and blanched briefly before adding to the mustard butter sauce. They make a convenient option without sacrificing too much texture or flavor.

What type of mustard is best for the sauce?

Natural Dijon mustard is ideal for a smooth and slightly spicy flavor, but whole grain mustard adds a lovely texture and rustic appeal if you prefer some seeds in the sauce.

Is plant-based butter necessary?

Using plant-based butter enhances the creamy texture and richness of the sauce. However, if you prefer, olive oil can be substituted for a lighter, fruitier profile.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan by using plant-based butter and natural mustard, making it a perfect side for plant-powered meals.

How do I keep the green beans bright green and crisp?

Blanch the green beans in boiling water, then immediately transfer them to ice water to stop cooking. This method locks in the vibrant color and maintains a perfect crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce recipe is a delightful way to turn simple green beans into a standout side dish with layers of flavor and texture. It’s quick, easy, and adaptable, making it a kitchen favorite worth trying again and again. Bring this tasty dish to your next meal and watch it become a beloved classic at your table.

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