Easy Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a simple yet irresistible side dish, Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce is the answer. This recipe brings together tender green beans coated in a creamy, tangy mustard butter sauce with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that can elevate any meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something fresh and vibrant on the plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy days when time is tight.
- Fresh and vibrant: The crisp green beans maintain their bright color and crunch.
- Rich mustard flavor: The tangy mustard butter sauce adds warmth and depth without overpowering the beans.
- Versatile side dish: Pairs wonderfully with poultry, fish, or plant-based mains.
- Minimal ingredients: Uses pantry staples that combine for maximum flavor with little fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce recipe keeps the ingredient list straightforward but powerful. Each element brings a unique note fresh green beans for crunch, buttery richness from plant-based butter, and a touch of tangy mustard (natural) to tie it all together beautifully.
- Fresh green beans: Trimmed and washed for crispness and natural sweetness.
- Plant-based butter: Adds creamy richness to create a luscious sauce.
- Dijon mustard (natural): Provides a bright, tangy kick that lifts the flavors.
- Garlic: Finely minced for a warm, aromatic base note.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami depth to the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the dish with a gentle acidity that balances richness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season perfectly and bring out all flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of green color and herbal freshness as garnish.
Variations for Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce
This recipe is super flexible and easy to customize based on what you have or your personal taste preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
- Nutty crunch: Toss in toasted almonds or pine nuts for texture contrasts.
- Herb swap: Try fresh thyme or dill instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of plant-based cream to thicken and mellow the sauce.
- Extra tang: Use grape juice in place of apple cider vinegar for a sweeter acidic note.
How to Make Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Start by washing the green beans thoroughly, then trim off the ends. Blanch them in boiling salted water for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender but still bright and crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve that vibrant green color.
Step 2: Make the Mustard Butter Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, gently melt the plant-based butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar, whisking to combine. Let the sauce warm through but do not boil.
Step 3: Combine Green Beans and Sauce
Drain the green beans from the ice bath and add them to the skillet with the mustard butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the beans evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma. Serve warm and enjoy your easy green beans with mustard butter sauce!
Pro Tips for Making Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce
- Blanch to perfection: Stop cooking by plunging the beans in ice water to keep them bright and crisp.
- Use fresh mustard (natural): Dijon mustard adds the perfect balance of tang and creaminess.
- Season carefully: Taste as you go to get the perfect balance between tang, saltiness, and richness.
- Low to medium heat: Prevent the sauce from separating by warming gently instead of boiling.
- Fresh herbs: Add at the end to maintain freshness and color of parsley or your chosen herb.
How to Serve Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce
Garnishes
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives to add a botanical note and a visual pop. Toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts also add a pleasant crunch and earthy flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This mustard butter green bean recipe pairs delightfully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or savory mushroom dishes. It also complements hearty grain bowls or plant-based protein mains for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Sheet the cooked green beans on a serving platter in a neat row or in a casual pile with the sauce spooned generously over the top. Drizzle a little extra mustard butter sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle a touch of apple cider vinegar for added brightness at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover green beans with mustard butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify after resting, making it perfect for next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh since the tender green beans can lose their crispness after freezing. However, the mustard butter sauce can be frozen separately in a sealed container for up to 1 month and reheated gently.
Reheating
Warm gently on low heat in a skillet to preserve texture and prevent sauce separation. Add a splash of water or apple cider vinegar if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, frozen green beans can work well; just make sure to thaw and drain them completely before cooking so the sauce doesn’t get watery.
Is Dijon mustard difficult to find?
Not at all! Dijon mustard (natural) is widely available in most grocery stores and adds a smooth, tangy flavor perfect for this sauce.
Can I substitute the plant-based butter with olive oil?
Yes, olive oil will work nicely, though the sauce will be lighter and less creamy, so add a little more mustard (natural) for richness.
How do I make sure the green beans stay crisp?
Blanching them briefly in boiling water followed by an ice bath is the key to locking in their vibrant color and crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely. Using plant-based butter and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce keeps the dish entirely plant-friendly and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce is such a gem for a quick, fresh side that feels both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a fantastic way to spotlight bright, healthy green beans with a mustardy, buttery twist that’s sure to be a repeat on your dinner table. Give it a try you might find it becoming your new favorite way to enjoy this classic vegetable!
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Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce is a quick and vibrant side dish featuring crisp green beans coated in a creamy, tangy mustard butter sauce made with plant-based butter, natural Dijon mustard, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, this versatile recipe enhances any meal with fresh flavors and a delightful texture.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
Mustard Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash the green beans thoroughly, then trim off the ends. Blanch them in boiling salted water for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender but still bright and crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve the vibrant green color.
- Make the Mustard Butter Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, gently melt the plant-based butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar, whisking to combine. Let the sauce warm through but do not boil.
- Combine Green Beans and Sauce: Drain the green beans from the ice bath and add them to the skillet with the mustard butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the beans evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma. Serve warm and enjoy your easy green beans with mustard butter sauce!
Notes
- Blanch to perfection: Stop cooking by plunging the beans in ice water to keep them bright and crisp.
- Use fresh mustard (natural): Dijon mustard adds the perfect balance of tang and creaminess.
- Season carefully: Taste as you go to get the perfect balance between tang, saltiness, and richness.
- Low to medium heat: Prevent the sauce from separating by warming gently instead of boiling.
- Fresh herbs: Add at the end to maintain freshness and color of parsley or your chosen herb.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: green beans, mustard butter sauce, plant-based butter, vegan side dish, quick vegetables, healthy side, Dijon mustard natural, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce