Grilled Green Beans

Grilled green beans make a delicious side dish that, once prepped, is ready to serve in 10 minutes. Perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of fresh green beans, savory butter, aromatic shallots and garlic topped with melted Parmesan cheese, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how to make these mouth-watering grilled green beans at home.

Ingredients for Grilled Green Beans

• Green beans: Fresh green beans provide a crisp texture that holds up well on the grill.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps in cooking the shallots and garlic to enhance their flavors. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter.
• Shallot: Similar to an onion, shallots offer a mild, sweet flavor that compliments the green beans. If you don’t have shallots, a small red onion can be used instead.
• Garlic: This root vegetable adds a robust, savory depth to the dish. Freshly minced garlic is best but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish that pairs perfectly with the beans. For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

Directions

Step 1: Blanch the green beans

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In a 6-quart stockpot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook uncovered until crisp-tender, about two to three minutes. Remove the beans and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry.

Step 2: Prepare the shallot and garlic

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In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced shallot and cook until lightly browned, about two to three minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine the ingredients

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In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans, shallot mixture and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat the beans evenly.

Step 4: Place the green beans on the grill

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Transfer the bean mixture to a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 18 inches square) coated with cooking spray. Fold the foil around the beans, sealing it tightly. Grill over medium heat or broil about 4 inches from the heat source until the cheese is melted, about seven to nine minutes. Carefully open the foil to release the steam.

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Recipe Variations

• Add spices: Experiment with adding smoked paprika, cumin, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
• Keep it simple: Season with some salt, pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Get saucy: Before grilling, toss your beans in some balsamic vinegar or soy sauce.

How to Store Green Beans Grilled

Store any leftover grilled green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Can you freeze grilled green beans?

Yes, you can freeze grilled green beans. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Grilled Green Beans Tips

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Can you grill green beans without tin foil?

We love the ease of wrap-and-cook foil packets but you don’t need tin foil to grill green beans. While you can cook green beans directly on the grill, they are skinny enough to fall through the grates. We recommend using a grill pan or grill basket with small perforations to achieve maximum grill flavor without sacrificing beans to the coals below.

What other seasonings can you put on grilled green beans?

There are many seasoning options for grilled beans. A classic combo is garlic, salt and black pepper but feel free to experiment with adding spices like smoked paprika, cumin or chili powder for a hint of smokiness and heat. Fresh herbs such as rosemary or oregano provide an aromatic touch and lemon or orange zest brings a burst of bright flavor. Check out some of our other green bean recipes for more inspiration.

What do you serve with grilled green beans?

Grilled green beans are a versatile side dish for any cookout or barbecue menu. They’re great alongside other grilling recipes, like sirloin tip roast, dry-rub grilled pork chops and just about any chicken dish. You can also serve them with seafood, including grilled mahi mahi or shrimp. For a vegetarian meal, combine grilled green beans with other vegetables and serve over grains or mixed into salads.