You know that moment when you need a side dish that's both elegant enough for company and simple enough for a Tuesday night? Last week, I was scrambling to find something to go with our roasted chicken when I remembered this garlic green beans with almonds recipe sitting in my collection. Emily took one bite and asked, "Can we have this every week?" (She never asks for vegetables, so this was basically a miracle!)
This recipe transforms ordinary green beans into something special with just a handful of pantry staples. The combination of tender-crisp beans, aromatic garlic, and crunchy almonds creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it's ready in just 15 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
If you're looking for more quick vegetable sides, you'll love this air fryer sweet potato wedges recipe that pairs beautifully with any main dish.
Why You Will Like This Garlic Green Beans With Almonds Recipe

- Lightning fast - From start to finish in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Incredibly simple - Only 5 ingredients and one pan needed
- Restaurant-quality flavors - The tamari glaze adds an amazing depth of flavor
- Nutritious and filling - Packed with fiber, protein, vitamins A and C
- Diet-friendly - Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free
- Kid-approved - Even picky eaters love the crunchy almonds and mild garlic flavor
Fresh Green Beans With Almonds And Garlic Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh green beans - Look for bright green, crisp beans without brown spots
- 2 cloves garlic - Fresh garlic makes all the difference here
- ½ cup vegetable broth - Use low-sodium if you're watching salt intake
- 1 ½ tablespoons tamari - This adds amazing umami flavor (soy sauce works too)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds - Also called almond slivers, these add perfect crunch
The beauty of this recipe is how few ingredients you need! I always keep sliced almonds in my pantry because they add instant elegance to any dish.
How To Make The Best Garlic Green Beans With Almonds


- Rinse the green beans under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Trim both ends of the green beans using a sharp knife. I like to line up several beans at once to speed up this process.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely. Don't skip this step - fresh garlic is what makes this dish shine!
Cook The Green Bean Side Dish
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable broth.
- Bring the broth to a light simmer - you'll see small bubbles forming around the edges.
- Add the green beans to the skillet in a single layer. Cover immediately with a lid.
- Steam for 3 minutes covered. This helps the beans get tender while keeping their bright color.
Finish With Garlic And Almonds


- Add the minced garlic and stir everything together with tongs. The garlic should sizzle slightly.
- Cover and cook for 2-3 more minutes until the beans reach your desired tenderness.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the tamari and sliced almonds.
- Stir and cook for 1 final minute until the almonds are lightly toasted and everything is well combined.
- Transfer to a serving dish immediately, making sure to scrape up all those flavorful garlic bits from the bottom of the pan!
The key to perfect green beans with almonds is not overcooking them. They should still have a slight bite when you're done.
Storage And Reheating Your Green Bean Recipe
Store any leftover garlic green beans with almonds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I actually think they taste even better the next day because the flavors have had time to meld together.
For reheating, you have a couple of options. You can enjoy them cold straight from the fridge (Emily does this all the time), or gently reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
Avoid using the microwave if possible - it tends to make the green beans mushy and the almonds lose their crunch.
Tips And Variations For Green Beans With Garlic
Here are some ways I've switched up this easy green bean recipe over the years:
- Add lemon zest - A little fresh lemon brightens up the whole dish
- Try different nuts - Chopped walnuts or pine nuts work beautifully too
- Make it spicy - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic
- Use different seasonings - A splash of balsamic vinegar instead of tamari is delicious
- Add herbs - Fresh thyme or rosemary takes this to the next level
Want to make this even more special? Try adding a tablespoon of butter at the very end for extra richness (though this won't be vegan anymore).
The most important tip I can give you is to taste as you go. Some people prefer their green beans side dish more tender, while others like them with more crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Beans With Almonds
Just 15 minutes total - 8 minutes prep and 7 minutes cooking time.
Yes! Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos as a 1:1 replacement for tamari.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Enjoy cold or reheat gently.
Absolutely! It's vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins A & C.
Recipes You May Like
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges - Another quick and healthy vegetable side that pairs perfectly with any main dish
- Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes - Creamy, comforting potatoes that complement these green beans beautifully
- Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks - If you love garlic vegetables, you'll go crazy for these zucchini steaks
Simple Green Beans That Everyone Will Love

This garlic green beans with almonds recipe has become one of my go-to sides because it works with absolutely everything. Whether you're serving it alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a simple pasta dish, it adds that perfect pop of color and nutrition to your plate.
The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now. I love recipes that don't require a special trip to the store!
Next time you're looking for a side dish that's both impressive and effortless, give this one a try. Don't forget to save it to Pinterest so you can find it again later!




Garlic Green Beans With Almonds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the green beans under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Trim both ends of the green beans using a sharp knife. Line up several beans at once to speed up this process.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable broth.
- Bring the broth to a light simmer - you'll see small bubbles forming around the edges.
- Add the green beans to the skillet in a single layer. Cover immediately with a lid.
- Steam for 3 minutes covered. This helps the beans get tender while keeping their bright color.
- Add the minced garlic and stir everything together with tongs. The garlic should sizzle slightly.
- Cover and cook for 2-3 more minutes until the beans reach your desired tenderness.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the tamari and sliced almonds.
- Stir and cook for 1 final minute until the almonds are lightly toasted and everything is well combined.
- Transfer to a serving dish immediately, making sure to scrape up all those flavorful garlic bits from the bottom of the pan!






