The easiest, most flavorful sautéed green beans with ham take one skillet and 15 minutes, and the combination never misses. Crisp-tender beans and salty diced ham brown together with dried minced onion. It is a keto side that eats like half a main course.
The Easiest, Most Flavorful Green Beans Ever!
Tired of the same old steamed veggies? Let’s talk about a side dish that’s ready in a flash and packed with savory flavor! These Sautéed Green Beans with Ham are my go-to when I need something delicious on the table in under 20 minutes. The combination of crisp-tender green beans and salty, diced ham is an absolute classic. And if you want to take things to a whole new level of amazing, try drizzling them with the Cheesy Bacon Sauce from my Cauliflower Steaks recipe. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons / 30 ml olive oil
• 1 pound / 450 g (15.9 oz) fresh green beans, trimmed
• 8 ounces / 225 g (7.9 oz) ham, diced
• 1 tablespoon / 7 g (0.25 oz) dried minced onions
• ½ teaspoon / 3 g (0.11 oz) sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon / 1.5 g (0.05 oz) ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the pan and oil to get hot before proceeding.
2. Carefully add the trimmed green beans, diced ham, dried minced onions, sea salt, and black pepper to the hot skillet.
3. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, or until the green beans are vibrant green and crisp-tender.
4. Serve immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutritional Information
• Yields 6 servings. Amount per serving.
• Calories: 113
• Fat: 7 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Total Carbs: 6.5 g (0.23 oz)
• Dietary Fiber: 2.7 g
• Net Carbs: 3.8 g (0.13 oz)
Pro Tips
• For the best texture, ensure your green beans are completely dry before adding them to the hot pan. This helps them sear rather than steam.
• Feel free to use fresh minced garlic or shallots instead of dried onions. Add them during the last 2 minutes of cooking to prevent them from burning.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end will brighten up all the flavors and cut through the richness of the ham.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook in two batches to ensure the green beans get a nice char instead of steaming.
FAQ
Q: How do I keep my green beans from getting soggy
A: For the best crisp-tender texture, make sure your green beans are completely dry before adding them to a hot skillet. This helps them sear rather than steam. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if you need to.
Q: Can I use fresh garlic or onion in this recipe
A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh minced garlic or shallots instead of dried onions. To prevent them from burning, it’s best to add them during the last two minutes of cooking.
Q: Is this green bean recipe low carb
A: Yes, this Sautéed Green Beans with Ham recipe is a great low-carb and keto-friendly option. Each serving contains only 3.8 grams (0.13 oz) of net carbs.
Q: How long do these green beans last in the fridge
A: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week.
Pro Tips
- Dry the green beans completely before they hit the hot pan; wet beans steam instead of searing.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet — cook in two batches if needed so the beans get a real char.
- Fresh minced garlic or shallots can replace the dried onion; add them during the last 2 minutes so they don't burn.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end brightens the whole dish and cuts the ham's richness.
- Leftovers keep up to 1 week in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sautéed green beans with ham keto?
Yes: each serving has 6.5 g of total carbs and 2.7 g of fiber (3.8 g net), with 8 g of protein and 7 g of fat.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh beans sear best. If you use frozen, thaw and dry them thoroughly first so they char instead of steaming.
What can I use instead of dried minced onions?
Fresh minced garlic or shallots, added in the last 2 minutes of cooking so they soften without burning.
How long do leftovers keep?
Up to one week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Rewarm quickly in a hot skillet to bring back the char.
Recipe card below.
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The Easiest, Most Flavorful Sautéed Green Beans with Ham
Ingredients
Method
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the pan and oil to get hot before proceeding.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans, diced ham, dried minced onions, sea salt, and black pepper to the hot skillet.
- Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, or until the green beans are vibrant green and crisp-tender.
- Serve immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook in two batches to ensure the green beans get a nice char instead of steaming.
