The perfect, tangy side dish recipe
Serving green beans with vinegar is not something that most would think to do. But when this deliciously tangy side dish enters your life, you won’t be able to forget it!
The simple combination of sautéed onions and garlic mixed with tangy red wine vinegar gives the dish a flavor unlike any other.
Plus, there’s no boiling green beans in a separate pot of water. It all comes together in one skillet in just 15 minutes!
And if you buy a bag of pre-trimmed beans, this easy side full of tangy flavor is ready even faster.
Want even more easy green bean recipes? Check out these sautéed green beans, boiled green beans, and Chinese green beans next!
Outstanding and easy to prepare. This goes well with fish, salmon or roasted chicken. You don’t need oils on your protein because this ads so much flavor. Yum.
– Judy
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Vinegar. This recipe was tested with red wine vinegar. Be sure to grab a good quality variety. You can also use balsamic vinegar and apple cider vinegar. Avoid distilled white vinegar and malt vinegar.
- Green beans. You’ll need about one pound of fresh green beans. Save time by buying a bag of pre-trimmed veggies, or prepare them yourself at home. Pay attention to bagged green beans, as “string beans” are often quite thin.
- Onion. A diced onion adds so much flavor to this dish. A white onion is best, but you can go with a yellow or sweet onion, as well.
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Cook the green beans.
Add enough water so that it covers a large saucepan or skillet by ¼-inch. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the green beans, cover, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes.
Drain the green beans in a colander in the sink.
Sauté the onion and garlic.
Dry the skillet off, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the diced onions. Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the green beans and vinegar.
Turn off the heat. Then, stir the crisp-tender green beans, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper to the pan.
Toss the ingredients to combine. Serve these sautéed green beans immediately with extra salt and pepper, if needed.
FAQs
You can season green beans with just about anything for a tasty side dish. However, some of the best options are garlic, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
To avoid soggy or mushy green beans, be sure to season them after cooking.
Wrap up any leftover green beans in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days. Warm back up in a skillet for the best results.
What to serve with it?
A simple side dish like this is the perfect recipe to have in your back pocket to accompany any kind of main.
Go lean with chicken options like Fiesta Lime Chicken, Chicken Cordon Bleu, or Glazed Balsamic Chicken.
This perfect side dish is a great addition to steak, like Filet Mignon or Air Fryer Steak.
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Green Beans with Vinegar Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans trimmed
- 1-2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- ½ cup white onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, to taste
- 1-1¼ teaspoons salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Green Beans: Pour enough water into the bottom of a large saucepan or skillet so that it covers the bottom by ¼”. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the green beans. Cover with a lid and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until bright green and tender. Remove the green beans from the skillet and drain in a colander.1 pound green beans, 1-2 cups water
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon of oil and onions to the dry skillet over medium heat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and continue sautéing for an additional 30 seconds.3 tablespoons olive oil, ½ cup white onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Add the Green Beans: Turn off the heat and add the green beans, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Toss to combine and serve immediately with additional salt and black pepper, if desired.2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1-1¼ teaspoons salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Notes
- Green beans: Buy a bag of pre-trimmed green beans at the store to save time.
- Vinegar: Choose a higher quality vinegar for the best results.
- Boiling: Don’t boil the green beans too long to ensure they have the best texture.
- Garlic: Stick with minced garlic cloves and avoid garlic powder for the most flavor.
- Spice: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes for spice or fresh lemon juice just before serving this easy recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Green Bean Recipes
Green beans are so delicious, when prepared correctly. And these recipes won’t disappoint.
Other Easy Sautéed Side Dishes
You can’t beat quick and easy sautéed sides. Try any of these tasty recipes for a delicious dish with fresh vegetables.
Outstanding and easy to prepare. This goes well with fish, salmon or roasted chicken. You don’t need oils on your protein because this ads so much flavor. Yum.
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Judy! It goes well with so many things. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Easy pesky. All ingredients available. Snap to follow. Served with chicken, fresh Fromm the garden tomatoes, and fresh green beans. Summer treat!
Yay! So happy you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks so much for your comment 🙂
Family Fave!
So thankful for such a wonderful recipe from ya’ll 🙂