Easy Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a simple yet impressive vegetable side, this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant colors and rich flavors, this dish combines tender green beans with a tangy, creamy mustard butter sauce made from plant-based butter and natural ingredients. It’s a perfect addition to any meal, offering a satisfying crunch and a zesty finish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful Twist: The mustard butter sauce adds a zesty kick that elevates simple green beans.
- Plant-Based Ingredients: Uses plant-based butter and natural seasonings for a wholesome dish.
- Versatile Side: Pairs beautifully with everything from grilled proteins to hearty grain bowls.
- Vibrant Presentation: Bright green beans coated in a glossy sauce that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce recipe is chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, making the dish both simple and satisfying. These essentials work together to create a delicious and balanced side dish.
- Green Beans: Fresh and crisp for the best texture and color.
- Plant-Based Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, creamy base for the sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy depth and a pleasant sharpness.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced for a warm, aromatic punch.
- Lemon Juice (natural): Brightens the sauce and adds freshness.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances umami flavor with a complex touch.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, these simple seasonings bring balance.
- Natural Gelling Agent: Used sparingly to give the sauce a silky texture.
Variations for Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce
Feel free to personalize this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. With just a few tweaks, this side dish can adapt to different tastes and dietary needs while remaining delicious.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh dill or thyme to enhance herbal notes.
- Nutty Crunch: Toasted almonds or pecans add texture and nutty flavor.
- Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for an extra punch of aroma.
- Vegan Twist: Use coconut oil instead of plant-based butter for a different richness.
How to Make Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Trim the ends of your fresh green beans and rinse them under cold water. Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and lock in their vibrant color.
Step 2: Make the Mustard Butter Sauce
In a skillet, melt plant-based butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Stir in Dijon mustard, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice (natural), whisking to combine. Sprinkle in a small amount of natural gelling agent to give the sauce a silky finish, stirring continuously until smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Drain the green beans and add them to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every bean in the mustard butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm for another minute, then remove from heat. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for Making Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce
- Choose Fresh Beans: Fresh green beans ensure the best crunch and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Blanch just until tender-crisp to maintain texture and color.
- Fresh Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic rather than pre-minced for a stronger aroma.
- Adjust Mustard: Taste and add more Dijon mustard to increase tanginess if desired.
- Sauce Thickness: Add the natural gelling agent slowly to avoid a sauce that’s too thick.
How to Serve Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced fresh herbs like parsley or chives makes a beautiful finish and adds subtle flavor.
Side Dishes
This vibrant vegetable pairs wonderfully with baked potatoes, roasted plant-based protein, or grain bowls featuring quinoa or brown rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the green beans nestled on a wooden board paired with lemon wedges for a bright burst or in small individual ramekins for elegant plating at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled green beans with mustard butter sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze this dish by packing it tightly in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating or use a microwave with brief bursts, stirring in between to maintain creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can work well; just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
Is Dijon mustard necessary for this recipe?
Dijon mustard offers the perfect tang and creaminess, but you can substitute with yellow mustard if needed, though flavor will be milder.
Can I make this dish oil-free?
The plant-based butter gives richness, but you could try a mild vegetable broth sauté if you want a lighter option.
What natural gelling agent do you recommend?
Use a small amount of agar or pectin powder sprinkled into the sauce to help thicken and give it a smooth texture.
How spicy is the mustard butter sauce?
The sauce has a gentle tangy heat from the mustard without being spicy; adjust by adding crushed red pepper if you prefer more zip.
Final Thoughts
This Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce recipe is a fantastic way to bring fresh, vibrant vegetables to your table with a burst of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just beginning, the simple steps and wholesome ingredients make it an easy staple to revisit again and again. Give it a try and enjoy a side dish that elevates any meal effortlessly!
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Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful vegetable side dish featuring tender-crisp green beans coated in a tangy, creamy mustard butter sauce made from plant-based butter and natural ingredients. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish adds a zesty and satisfying crunch to any meal, making it an ideal accompaniment for a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- Fresh green beans, 1 lb (trimmed)
Sauce
- Plant-based butter, 3 tbsp
- Dijon mustard (natural), 1 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (minced), 2 cloves
- Lemon juice (natural), 1 tbsp
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp
- Natural gelling agent (such as agar or pectin powder), 1/4 tsp
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Trim the ends of your fresh green beans and rinse them under cold water. Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and lock in their vibrant color.
- Make the Mustard Butter Sauce: In a skillet, melt plant-based butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Stir in Dijon mustard (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice (natural), whisking to combine. Sprinkle in a small amount of natural gelling agent to give the sauce a silky finish, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Combine and Finish: Drain the green beans and add them to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every bean in the mustard butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm for another minute, then remove from heat. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose fresh green beans to ensure the best crunch and flavor.
- Do not overcook the green beans; blanch just until tender-crisp to maintain texture and color.
- Use fresh minced garlic rather than pre-minced for a stronger aroma.
- Adjust the amount of Dijon mustard (natural) to increase tanginess if desired.
- Add the natural gelling agent slowly to avoid a sauce that is too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: green beans, mustard butter sauce, plant-based butter, vegetarian, quick side dish, healthy vegetables
