Quick Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe

If you are looking for a vibrant and quick side dish, Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce is a perfect choice that combines crisp-tender green beans with a creamy and tangy plant-based butter sauce infused with mustard’s zesty kick. This recipe brings freshness and flavor to your table using simple ingredients that highlight the natural sweetness of green beans while making every bite irresistibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, it fits perfectly into busy weeknight dinners.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Uses fresh green beans that retain their crunch, paired with an exciting mustard butter sauce.
• Plant-Based Richness: The creamy plant-based butter sauce adds indulgence without heaviness.
• Versatile Side Dish: Complements a variety of mains from roasted veggies to grilled meats or seafood.
• Colorful Presentation: A vibrant green dish that brightens your plate and appetite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple yet essential, relying on fresh green beans and a handful of carefully chosen ingredients that enhance both taste and texture. Each element plays a role, from the creamy plant-based butter that carries the mustard’s boldness to subtle notes that lift the dish.

• Fresh Green Beans: Crisp and tender, the star of the dish offering vibrant color and crunch.
• Plant-Based Butter: Provides a creamy base that balances the mustard’s sharpness beautifully.
• Dijon Mustard (natural): Adds a tangy warmth with depth and complexity.
• Garlic (fresh): Delivers aromatic layers that boost savory flavors.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (natural): Brightens the sauce with a subtle acidity that uplifts the entire dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight all the natural flavors.
• Chopped Parsley (fresh): For a final pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.

Variations for Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Whether you want to add more spice, experiment with different herbs, or adjust textures, the Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce is incredibly easy to customize. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
• Herb Blend: Swap parsley for dill or chives to vary the herbal brightness.
• Nutty Crunch: Toasted sliced almonds or chopped walnuts add texture and depth.
• Extra Creaminess: Stir in a spoonful of plant-based cream for a richer sauce.
• Lemon Zest: Add fresh lemon zest at the end for a citrusy twist.

How to Make Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

Start by trimming the ends of your green beans and washing them thoroughly. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then blanch the green beans for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking and lock in their vibrant color.

Step 2: Make the Mustard Butter Sauce

In a medium skillet, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Add freshly minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the Dijon mustard (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Drain the green beans from the ice bath and add them to the skillet with the mustard butter sauce. Toss gently to coat every bean evenly while warming them through for about 1 to 2 minutes. This will help the sauce cling to the beans beautifully without making them soggy.

Step 4: Final Touches

Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Give the green beans a final gentle toss, adjust seasoning if needed, and transfer to your serving dish. This last step brightens the flavor and adds a pop of fresh color.

Pro Tips for Making Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce

• Choose Fresh Beans: Use the freshest, firmest green beans you can find for the best texture and taste.
• Avoid Overcooking: Blanch the green beans just until tender-crisp to retain their snap and vibrant color.
• Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust mustard and vinegar to find your perfect tanginess.
• Gently Toss: Use a spatula or tongs carefully to coat beans without breaking them.
• Use Natural Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and natural condiments to keep flavors bright and pure.

How to Serve Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives enhances the dish visually and aromatically, while a few toasted nuts add a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This green beans recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes, quinoa salads, baked plant-based proteins, or simply alongside grilled fish or chicken for a vibrant, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve in a beautiful shallow bowl with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zest burst, or arrange the beans on a platter and drizzle the mustard butter sauce over, topping with fresh microgreens for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and beans together to maintain flavor integrity.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze green beans separately if needed. Blanch them beforehand, dry thoroughly, and freeze in a sealed container. Reheat and prepare the mustard butter sauce just before serving.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve texture and flavor balance.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, frozen green beans can work in a pinch, but fresh green beans provide the best flavor and texture for Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce.

Is Dijon mustard the only type of mustard I can use?

Dijon mustard (natural) offers the ideal balance of tang and smoothness, but you can experiment with whole-grain or spicy brown mustard for different flavor profiles.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

The plant-based butter provides richness, but you can substitute it with a small amount of vegetable broth and a touch of nutritional yeast for a lighter option.

How spicy is the mustard butter sauce?

The sauce has a mild warmth from the mustard without overpowering heat; feel free to add more mustard if you prefer stronger flavors.

What other vegetables pair well with this sauce?

Asparagus, baby carrots, or snap peas are excellent candidates for the mustard butter sauce and allow for a fun twist on the recipe.

Final Thoughts

Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce is a refreshing and quick way to elevate fresh vegetables that will enchant your taste buds and guests alike. Its balance of vibrant green beans and lush, tangy sauce makes it a go-to side dish for many occasions. Give this recipe a try, and watch how it transforms simple ingredients into a delightful plate full of flavor and color.

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