If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet show-stopping side dish, you absolutely have to try this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that I keep coming back to because it’s quick, tasty, and elevates ordinary green beans into something you’ll proudly serve. Trust me, once you drizzle that tangy mustard butter sauce over your crisp green beans, you’ll wonder how you ever ate them plain before!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Prep and Cook: You’re looking at under 10 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Tangy, Buttery Flavor: The combo of whole grain and Dijon mustard in melted butter creates a sauce that’s bright and rich at the same time.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a holiday meal, this recipe fits right in.
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably have everything in your kitchen already—no last-minute grocery runs needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work in perfect harmony—the freshness of green beans is balanced by the sharpness of Dijon mustard, the texture of whole grain mustard, and the richness of butter. A splash of lemon juice brightens everything up, making the sauce couldn’t be more delicious.
- Green Beans: Fresh and crisp is best here; trimming the ends helps them cook evenly.
- Coarse Grain Mustard: I love the little mustard seeds for a tiny bit of extra texture and tang.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds smooth heat and depth; if you don’t have whole grain, you can use all Dijon.
- Kosher Salt: Helps season the beans perfectly without overpowering the sauce.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground brings a subtle kick that wakes up the flavors.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed, it adds that bright pop that cuts through the richness.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter makes the sauce creamy and luxurious; olive oil swaps well if you prefer a vegan version.
Variations
I like to keep things classic with this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe, but feel free to tweak it based on what you have or your family’s tastes! Trust me, a little creativity can take it even further.
- Add Crunch: Toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans sprinkled on top add an incredible texture contrast—I always get compliments when I do this.
- Make it Vegan: Swap butter for good-quality olive oil, and you’ve got a lovely vinaigrette-based version that’s just as tasty.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives a subtle heat; my husband loves it with this extra kick.
- Fresh Herbs: Toss in chopped parsley or chives at the end for a fresh herbaceous twist—it adds a lovely pop of color too.
How to Make Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Boil the green beans until crisp-tender
Fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add your trimmed green beans and cook for about 5 minutes until they’re crisp-tender. If you prefer them more tender, just add a minute or two. This part is key—you want them bright green and slightly crunchy, not mushy. Drain them immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Whisk together the mustard butter sauce
While the beans cook, grab a medium bowl and whisk the coarse grain mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth and combined. Whenever I whisk this, I find the aroma of mustard and lemon juices is insanely good—gets me excited to toss it all together!
Step 3: Toss the beans with the sauce and serve
Once the green beans are drained, add them to your mustard butter bowl and toss gently but thoroughly to coat each bean. I like to serve this immediately while it’s still warm, as the sauce clings beautifully to the beans when fresh. This is where your kitchen starts smelling amazing and everyone’s ready to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Beans: I learned the hard way that mushy green beans kill the dish. Keep them crisp-tender for the best texture.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon can taste flat; fresh juice brightens the sauce and makes a big difference.
- Warm Butter Works Best: Melt your butter gently so it blends easily with the mustard—too hot and you’ll lose that silky texture.
- Coarse Mustard Adds Crunch: Including the grainy mustard is what I think gives this sauce a fun pop of texture beyond just flavor.
How to Serve Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple with this recipe—fresh lemon zest or a sprinkle of chopped parsley works wonders. Sometimes, I toss some toasted almonds on top for crunch and nuttiness, which my family absolutely adores.
Side Dishes
This Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roast beef, or even a creamy risotto. I especially love serving it alongside roasted potatoes and a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ll arrange the green beans in a circular pattern on a platter and drizzle extra mustard butter sauce on top, finishing with a handful of vibrant pomegranate seeds. It makes the dish not only taste great but also look super festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay good for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the green beans may soften a bit, but the flavors actually deepen nicely overnight.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this dish because the texture of the green beans changes when thawed, turning quite mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the green beans in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or butter if it seems dry. Reheating slowly helps keep the beans from getting tough or losing their sauce’s creamy texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
You can, but I recommend defrosting and patting them dry first, then sautéing rather than boiling, because frozen beans tend to be softer and can get mushy if boiled too long. Fresh green beans really shine with this mustard butter sauce.
-
Can I substitute olive oil for butter in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you want a vegan option or prefer a lighter sauce, swap melted butter for good-quality olive oil. It turns this into a lovely mustard vinaigrette that still tastes fantastic.
-
How do I make Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe less tangy?
If you find the mustard or lemon a little too strong for your taste, reduce the amount of mustard or lemon juice by half and add a touch more melted butter to balance it out. You’ll still get great flavor but a milder profile.
-
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can mix the mustard, lemon juice, and seasonings ahead, but I suggest adding the melted butter last and tossing the green beans in right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe turns a simple veggie into something your whole family will rave about. It’s quick, uses pantry staples, and has just the right balance of tangy, buttery, and fresh flavors. Next time you want a fuss-free side that feels a little special, give this one a whirl—I promise it will become a staple in your rotation, too!
Print
Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and flavorful side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans tossed in a tangy and creamy mustard butter sauce, perfect for a quick and elegant accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
Mustard Butter Sauce
- 1 tablespoon coarse grain mustard
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Cook the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the trimmed green beans. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. If you prefer softer beans, cook for a few additional minutes.
- Prepare the Mustard Butter Sauce: While the beans are cooking, combine the coarse grain mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Whisk until fully blended and smooth.
- Toss and Serve: Drain the green beans thoroughly and immediately add them to the bowl with the mustard butter sauce. Toss well to coat all the beans evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.
Notes
- Butter Substitution: You can substitute olive oil for the butter to make the sauce vegan or to create a lighter vinaigrette-style dressing.
- Mustard Options: Whole grain mustard adds texture and depth of flavor, but if unavailable, you can use all Dijon mustard instead without compromising taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4 ounces green beans with sauce)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
