Grilled Garlic Green Beans

When I think of summer cooking, I picture fresh veggies straight from the garden and a nice hot barbecue. These grilled green beans combine the best of both worlds in an easy to make (and delicious to taste) summer side.

Can you grill green beans?

Yes! Green beans are super versatile vegetables that make an easy side dish. You probably already have a few oven-roasted or steamed green bean recipes at home. But have you ever tried grilling your green beans on the barbecue? If not, you’ve got to try it! The grill adds a delicious, slightly charred flavor to the green beans that you just can’t get any other way. The result is tangy, savory, and crisp garlic green beans that make a fantastic side for pretty much any meat or vegetarian main course.

What do I need to make grilled garlic green beans?

These beans require only a few tools and a handful of ingredients. To make grilled garlic green beans, you’ll need:

• A grill—You can use propane or charcoal
• A large pot—For boiling the green beans
• A grill basket or pan—So your beans don’t slip through the grill grates
• Fresh green beans—Fresh beans have the crisp snap you need for this recipe
• Garlic cloves and garlic powder—The powder is part of the seasoning, while the cloves offer added flavor. You could substitute minced garlic for the garlic cloves if it’s easier.
• Fresh lemon juice—Lends a delicious tangy flavor to the garlic green beans
• Onion powder—Adds to the savory flavors
• Salt—Enhances all the other flavors
• Avocado oil—Helps the beans gain a crispy charred coating on the grill. You can use olive oil instead if you prefer.

How do you make this grilled side dish?

One of the best parts of making grilled green beans is how simple they are to make. There are two main parts to the cooking process—boiling the beans and grilling them. The rest of the steps are just as simple.

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat so the internal temperature is 450°F. Keep the grill pan or basket in the grill as it’s heating up.
2. Trim your green beans and slice your garlic cloves in half. Add the beans to a pot of boiling water to blanch for four or five minutes. 
3. As the beans are blanching, mix the spices, avocado oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
4. Transfer the blanched and drained beans to a large bowl with the garlic halves, add the spice mixture, and toss to combine.
5. Add the green beans to the hot grill in the grill basket or pan.  Keep the lid to the grill closed for 15-20 minutes. Every five minutes, give the grill basket a bit of a shake, or stir the beans with some tongs, so the beans don’t cook overcook on one side.

How long does it take to cook green beans on the grill?

From start to finish, it’ll take about half an hour to make grilled green beans. Half of that time is in the prep work and the blanching of the green beans. The beans only need 15-20 minutes on the grill.

How do you cook green beans so they stay bright green?

Blanching your green beans is the key to keeping them crisp, fresh, and bright green. Blanching is the process of quickly submerging the green beans in a pot of boiling water. By cooking them for only four to five minutes, you’re sealing in the flavor, vitamins, and color of the green beans prior to grilling them. Skipping this step will still result in tasty beans. They just might not be as crisp or as bright green.

What seasonings go well with green beans?

Green beans are slightly sweet, crunchy, and they pair well with pretty much any seasoning. This recipe uses a tangy lemon juice with some savory garlic and onion flavors. You could try adding in come coked bacon, fried onions, or mushrooms for a different take on the beans. If you’re in the mood to switch things up, try a few different spice pairings to get some delicious new flavors.

• Salt and black pepper—Simple and delicious.
• Cajun seasoning—Adds a bit of heat to the green beans.
• Parmesan cheese—Add this with salt and pepper, or with your lemon juice, onion powder, and garlic for a delicious addition.
• Balsamic vinegar—Toss the beans in the vinegar prior to cooking, and drizzle a bit on top after they come off the grill for a sweet, tangy flavor.
• Smoked paprika—Adds a smoky flavor that goes great with grilling

What should I serve with garlic green beans?

Green beans are extremely versatile and pair well with a variety of main dishes. These grilled green beans are no exception! They’ll taste delicious when served with meat or vegetarian main courses, making them the perfect side for pretty much any summer dinner. Here are a few ideas for the main courses you can serve with your green beans.

• Crispy Baked Fish and Sweet Potato Chips
• Grilled Blackened Tuna Steak
• Grilled Chicken Thighs
• Sticky Chicken Legs
• Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
• Grilled Veggie Sandwich with Pesto-Feta Mayo