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If you’re searching for a vegetable side dish that is quick, vibrant, and unexpectedly delicious, look no further than Simple Green Beans with Tangy Mustard Butter Sauce. This recipe transforms humble green beans into something restaurant-worthy with just a few pantry ingredients. The magic lies in the velvety mustard butter – a blend of warm melted butter, Dijon mustard, lemon, and garlic. It coats every bean with a glossy, tangy, savory flavor that feels both comforting and gourmet.
Whether you’re preparing an easy weeknight dinner, hosting a holiday feast, or looking for a healthier side dish that doesn’t taste “healthy,” this recipe delivers every single time. It’s fast, uses simple ingredients, and pairs with almost any protein, from chicken and salmon to beef roasts and plant-based mains.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of why this dish works so well, cooking tips to keep your green beans crisp and bright, variations to make it your own, and serving ideas that elevate the entire meal. Let’s dive into the delicious simplicity of this mustard-kissed side dish.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Fresh green beans keep their crunch and color.
Green beans cook quickly and maintain their tender-crisp texture when simmered or steamed lightly. This gives the dish a fresh, vibrant bite that pairs beautifully with the rich mustard butter sauce.
2. The mustard butter adds layers of flavor with minimal effort.
Dijon mustard brings tanginess and depth, butter offers richness, lemon brightens everything, and garlic adds aromatic warmth. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and zesty.
3. Completely ready in under 15 minutes.
This is the ultimate fast vegetable side dish. You can even make the mustard butter earlier in the day and store it in the fridge.
4. Works with almost any meal.
From roasted meats to grilled fish, or even vegetarian dinners like lentils or tofu, these green beans are endlessly versatile.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ tsp lemon zest for extra brightness
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Prepare the green beans:
Rinse and trim the ends. Pat dry. - Cook the green beans:
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then add the green beans. Cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. - Make the mustard butter sauce:
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. - Combine:
Add the cooked green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the mustard butter. - Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add lemon zest or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Simple Green Beans with Tangy Mustard Butter Sauce
Tender-crisp green beans coated in a rich, tangy mustard butter sauce that’s bright, savory, and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Trim and wash the fresh green beans.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook green beans for 3–4 minutes until bright and tender-crisp.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- In a skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds.
- Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add green beans to skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve warm and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Add lemon zest or red pepper flakes for extra brightness or heat.
Tips for the Best Green Beans
1. Don’t overcook.
Overcooked green beans turn dull and mushy. A quick 3–4 minute boil keeps them crisp and bright.
2. Shock in cold water.
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and locks in color.
3. Use good mustard.
Dijon mustard gives the sauce its tang. Avoid yellow mustard for this particular recipe.
4. Add lemon last for maximum brightness.
Lemon juice keeps the dish fresh and prevents the butter from feeling too heavy.
5. Try finishing with toasted nuts.
Slivered almonds or chopped pecans add an irresistible crunch.
Variations You’ll Want to Try
Creamy Honey-Mustard Version
Add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of cream to the mustard butter for a sweeter, fuller sauce.
Garlic-Parmesan Version
Add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan and an extra clove of garlic.
Spicy Dijon Beans
Add ¼ teaspoon chili flakes or a few drops of hot sauce.
Herb-Infused Version
Stir in one of the following:
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary or thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill for a fresh twist
Sheet Pan Option
Instead of boiling, roast the green beans at 425°F for 12–14 minutes, then toss with melted mustard butter.
Serving Suggestions
These green beans are incredibly versatile. Pair them with:
- Roasted chicken
- Baked or grilled salmon
- Holiday ham
- Steak or prime rib
- Vegetarian bowls with quinoa or mashed potatoes
- Holiday meals as a light, bright contrast to richer casseroles
They also reheat beautifully, making them great for meal prep.
Fun Facts About Green Beans
- Green beans are also called string beans or snap beans because of their crisp snap.
- They are high in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants yet very low in calories.
- Green beans originated in Central and South America and were cultivated more than 7,000 years ago.
- Today, they are one of the most common vegetables in North American kitchens because they cook fast and pair with almost anything.
