Keto Sauteed Green Beans
Crisp-tender green beans sauteed in butter and garlic with a squeeze of lemon and toasted almonds. A fast, low-carb side at just 4.2g net carbs per serving, ready in 20 minutes total.
Head of Nutrition · June 18, 2026
Nutrition per serving
Per serving · makes 4. Values are estimates; brands vary.
These garlicky sauteed green beans come together in about 20 minutes and deliver buttery, crisp-tender bites with a bright pop of lemon and toasted almond crunch. It is the kind of simple keto side that goes with almost any protein on your plate.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 3 minutes, then drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and lock in the bright green color.
- 2
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast dry for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a small plate.
- 3
Add the butter and olive oil to the same skillet. Once the butter foams, add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 to 45 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- 4
Add the blanched green beans, salt, and black pepper. Saute for 5 to 6 minutes, tossing frequently, until the beans are crisp-tender and lightly blistered in spots.
- 5
Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Toss to coat, then transfer to a serving dish and top with the toasted almonds and grated Parmesan, if using. Serve warm.
Tips & notes
- Blanching first guarantees crisp-tender beans without overcooking in the pan. Skip it if you prefer a softer, more rustic texture and add 3 to 4 minutes to the saute time.
- Swap the almonds for toasted pine nuts or pecans, or add crumbled cooked bacon for a heartier side. The Parmesan adds about 0.2g carbs per serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a hot skillet to keep the beans from going limp.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many carbs are in keto sauteed green beans?
- Each serving has 4.2g net carbs (7.5g total carbs minus 3.3g fiber), with 142 calories, 3.4g protein, and 12g fat. This recipe makes 4 servings.
- Are green beans keto-friendly?
- Yes. Green beans are one of the lowest-carb legumes, with roughly 4g net carbs per cup cooked. They fit comfortably into a keto diet when prepared with high-fat ingredients like butter and olive oil instead of breading or sugary glazes.
- Can I make this side dish ahead of time?
- You can blanch the green beans up to 2 days ahead and store them in the fridge, then saute just before serving for the best texture. Fully cooked leftovers keep for 4 days and reheat well in a hot skillet.
