If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful way to enjoy your veggies, this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe is a total winner. I absolutely love how the tangy mustard pairs with the rich butter, bringing simple green beans to life in a way that’s fresh and comforting all at once. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving a quick, tasty side, you’ll find that this recipe is foolproof and packs a serious punch of flavor. Stick around—I’ll walk you through everything so you can nail it every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bright and Flavorful: Mustard butter sauce adds a zesty, creamy kick to crisp green beans.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to hearty grains.
- Customizable: Easy swaps make it friendly for vegans and different taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work harmoniously to create that perfect balance of buttery richness and tangy mustard punch. When shopping, choose fresh, firm green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Fresh green beans: Look for bright green, snap-ready beans without blemishes or wrinkles.
- Coarse grain mustard: Adds texture and a robust flavor that really stands out.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a smooth and slightly spicy note, balancing the coarse mustard.
- Kosher salt: Enhances flavor without overpowering; adjust based on your salt preference.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for that fragrant heat.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity—don’t skip it!
- Unsalted butter: Melted to bring creaminess; you can swap with olive oil if needed.
Variations
I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood we’re in. Feel free to make it your own! Sometimes I add little extras or switch out ingredients to match what’s fresh or to suit dietary needs.
- Make it vegan: I swapped the butter for good-quality olive oil once, and it was still delightful—with a lighter, bright flavor.
- Add garlic: For a garlicky twist, sauté minced garlic in the butter before tossing with the beans—I’ve done this when I wanted an extra savory touch.
- Use different mustards: Try all Dijon or spicy brown mustard if you don’t have coarse grain—each gives a unique flavor profile.
- Roasted green beans: Roasting instead of boiling gives a smoky edge, great for a fall twist.
How to Make Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—seasoning the water is key since it’s your chance to add flavor from the get-go. Toss in the green beans and cook them until they’re crisp-tender, which usually takes about 5 minutes. If you like your beans softer, give them an extra 2 or 3 minutes. When they’re just right, drain them immediately to stop the cooking process—no mushy beans here!
Step 2: Whisk Together Your Mustard Butter Sauce
While the beans cook, grab a medium bowl and combine the coarse grain mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and the melted butter. Give it a good whisk until everything’s blended into a creamy, zesty sauce. The lemon juice really brightens this up, so don’t skimp on it!
Step 3: Toss and Serve Immediately
Drain the green beans well, then add them straight into the bowl with your sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly so every bean is coated in that gorgeous mustard butter. Serve right away for the best texture and flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to dig in immediately!
Pro Tips for Making Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
- Don’t Skip Salting the Water: It seasons the beans from within and keeps the flavors balanced.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled juice won’t give you the same brightness that fresh lemon provides.
- Dry Beans Well: After draining, pat them dry with a kitchen towel to avoid watering down the sauce.
- Make Sauce Ahead: You can prepare the mustard butter sauce a day ahead to save time—just re-whisk before tossing with warm beans.
How to Serve Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds or crispy shallots on top for crunch. A little extra lemon zest also brings a fresh burst of citrus aroma that elevates the dish. Don’t underestimate a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley—it adds a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This green bean dish plays super well with grilled chicken or steak, but honestly, I’ve served it next to roasted salmon and creamy mashed potatoes for a dinner that’s impressive yet easy. It’s also a fantastic component at holiday meals, cutting through richer mains beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I’ve arranged these green beans in a neat ring on a platter with lemon wedges fanned out alongside. Adding edible flowers or microgreens as a finish makes it really feel special. I also like serving them in individual ramekins for a cozy, elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—green beans stay best when eaten within 2 days. Make sure to keep the sauce and beans together to keep the flavors melding.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t my favorite because the texture of green beans changes, but if you must, freeze the beans and sauce separately, and thaw slowly in the fridge to preserve some texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the beans in a skillet over low heat just until heated through to avoid turning them mushy. Add a splash of water or a little extra melted butter if needed to refresh the sauce.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans can be convenient and still taste great. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before tossing with the mustard butter sauce to avoid excess water in your dish.
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What’s the secret to making the mustard butter sauce creamy and smooth?
Whisk the melted butter together with both mustards and lemon juice thoroughly—that emulsifies the flavors and textures into a silky sauce that clings beautifully to your green beans.
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Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?
You can make the mustard butter sauce ahead and keep it chilled. Cook and blanch the green beans just before serving, then toss everything together warm for the freshest results.
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What can I substitute for coarse grain mustard if I don’t have any?
Dijon mustard alone works great as a substitute. It’s smoother but still brings that nice mustard flavor; you can also add a small pinch of whole mustard seeds if you have them for texture.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for gluten-sensitive folks.
Final Thoughts
I’ve made this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe countless times, and honestly, it’s one of those quick side dishes that never fails to impress guests or brighten up a weekday meal. The simplicity and warmth of the sauce make it feel a little fancy without needing fuss or fancy techniques. Next time you want a vegetable side that’s bursting with flavor and effortless to whip up, give this one a go—I promise it’ll quickly become a staple in your cooking rotation.
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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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant and tangy Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce recipe combines crisp-tender green beans with a flavorful mustard butter dressing. Quick to prepare, it’s a perfect side dish that balances the sharpness of Dijon and coarse grain mustard with the richness of melted butter and a splash of fresh lemon juice, delivering a bright, delicious complement 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, then add the trimmed green beans. Cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes, or a few minutes longer if you prefer softer beans.
- Prepare the Mustard Butter Sauce: While the beans cook, combine the coarse grain mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and melted unsalted butter in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly to create a smooth, emulsified sauce.
- Toss and Serve: Drain the cooked green beans well, then immediately add them to the bowl with the mustard butter sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every bean in the flavorful dressing. Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Butter Substitute: For a vegan option or a lighter sauce, you can substitute olive oil in place of butter, which will transform the mustard butter sauce into a vinaigrette.
- Mustard Type: Whole grain mustard adds texture and depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, using all Dijon mustard will keep the sauce smooth and equally tasty.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 4 ounces)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg