If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful side dish that’s easy to prepare and complements almost any main course, look no further than this Green Beans with Mushrooms recipe. This classic combination of tender green beans and earthy mushrooms creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Sautéed with garlic and seasoned with a splash of soy sauce or lemon juice, this dish can be served with everything from roast chicken to steak or as part of a holiday feast. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and variations!
What Are Green Beans with Mushrooms?
Green Beans with Mushrooms is a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs fresh green beans with savory, sautéed mushrooms. Both ingredients are lightly cooked to preserve their natural flavors and textures. Mushrooms add an earthy, meaty quality to the dish, making it feel hearty and satisfying, while green beans provide a bright, fresh crunch. The dish is typically seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a splash of soy sauce or lemon juice for added depth and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy: This dish comes together in about 20 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Healthy: It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from the green beans and mushrooms.
- Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or even as a light vegetarian main course.
- Low-carb and vegan: Naturally low in carbs and calories, and can easily be made vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients List for Green Beans with Mushrooms
You don’t need many ingredients to create this tasty side dish, and most of them are probably already in your kitchen.
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
- 8 oz mushrooms (button, cremini, or baby Bella mushrooms), cleaned and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for umami flavor) or 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a brighter flavor)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Shallots or onions: Sauté them with the garlic for added depth.
- Red pepper flakes: For a hint of heat.
- Toasted almonds or pine nuts: For extra crunch and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated over the top for a savory, cheesy twist.
Substitutions and Variations
Green Beans with Mushrooms is a versatile dish that you can customize in many ways. Here are a few suggestions:
- Frozen Green Beans: If you don’t have fresh green beans, you can use frozen. Just thaw them and pat dry before adding them to the pan.
- Other Mushrooms: Try using shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms for different flavors and textures.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep the dish gluten-free.
- Herb Butter: For a richer dish, sauté the vegetables in herb-infused butter instead of olive oil.
- Vegan Option: Use olive oil or vegan butter for a plant-based dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create this flavorful and healthy Green Beans with Mushrooms recipe:
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by trimming the ends off the green beans and rinsing them under cold water. If you prefer your green beans softer, you can blanch them first by boiling them in salted water for 3-4 minutes, then transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Green Beans
Once the mushrooms are browned, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Then, add the green beans to the skillet and toss them together with the mushrooms and garlic.
Step 4: Season and Cook
Season the green beans and mushrooms with salt, pepper, and soy sauce (or lemon juice). Continue to sauté everything for another 3-4 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still crisp. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the green beans with mushrooms to a serving platter. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Cook Green Beans with Mushrooms: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Trim and rinse green beans. Blanch if desired for a softer texture.
- Sauté mushrooms in olive oil or butter until browned.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Toss in green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce or lemon juice.
- Garnish and serve with fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: When sautéing mushrooms, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan. If the mushrooms are too close together, they will steam instead of browning, resulting in a soggy texture.
- Overcooking the green beans: Be careful not to overcook the green beans, as they can turn mushy. They should be tender but still crisp.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn easily and turn bitter. Make sure to add it after the mushrooms are mostly cooked, and stir it quickly to avoid burning.
- Underseasoning: Don’t forget to season your dish generously with salt and pepper. Mushrooms and green beans benefit from proper seasoning to bring out their natural flavors.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Green Beans with Mushrooms makes a beautiful and flavorful side dish that works for both casual dinners and elegant gatherings.
How to Serve Green Beans with Mushrooms
- Holiday Side Dish: This dish pairs perfectly with roast turkey, ham, or beef, making it an ideal addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter menu.
- Weeknight Dinner: Serve alongside baked chicken, grilled pork chops, or salmon for a simple yet healthy meal.
- Vegetarian Meal: Add a grain like quinoa or couscous, and sprinkle with toasted nuts for a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Presentation Ideas for Green Beans with Mushrooms
- Serve on a Platter: Arrange the green beans and mushrooms on a long platter for a more elegant presentation.
- Top with Garnishes: Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness and color.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted almonds, pine nuts, or Parmesan cheese just before serving for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Green Beans with Mushrooms Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Green Beans: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh green beans when possible. If using frozen green beans, be sure to thaw and dry them before cooking.
- Cook Mushrooms Until Browned: To get the best flavor from the mushrooms, let them brown nicely in the pan before adding the green beans. This caramelization adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dish as you cook and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice or soy sauce to suit your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen green beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet to avoid adding excess moisture to the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the green beans and mushrooms a few hours ahead of time and reheat them just before serving. For best results, add the lemon juice or soy sauce right before serving to maintain the freshest flavor.
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! Button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, and baby Bella mushrooms are all great choices. For more variety, try shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a more exotic flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce (or omit it entirely), this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Green Beans with Mushrooms recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious side dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you're preparing it for a special holiday dinner or a quick weeknight side, the combination of fresh green beans, savory mushrooms, and a hint of garlic is sure to impress. Customize it to your liking by adding herbs, cheese, or a splash of lemon juice, and enjoy a flavorful, nutrient-packed dish in no time!
PrintGreen Beans with Mushrooms Recipe
This green beans with mushrooms recipe is a delicious and healthy side dish, perfect for any meal. Fresh green beans are sautéed with earthy mushrooms and garlic for a flavorful, simple dish that's ready in under 20 minutes. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight side or a dish to serve alongside holiday meals, this green beans and mushrooms recipe is an easy, wholesome choice packed with nutrients and taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and golden.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Toss in the blanched green beans and stir to combine with the mushrooms. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. For extra richness, add butter just before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute frozen green beans; just thaw and sauté them directly without blanching.
- For added flavor, toss with a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or can be served as a light vegetarian main.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 240mg
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