Who knew Green Beans on the BBQ could be such a game-changer? Get ready to grill up these tender, charred beauties and watch them steal the spotlight!
I know I can’t be the only one that uses her BBQ literally DAILY in the summertime. That’s right. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. And yes, it’s me, the woman of the household that does all of the grilling. Whether we’re talkin’ burgers, chicken breasts, or tuna steaks, I’m just as much as a self-proclaimed grill master as I am a self-proclaimed chef, if you know what I’m sayin’.
There’s just something I personally find therapeutic when it comes to firing up the grill. Maybe it’s because my boyfriend rarely bothers me while cooking anything – let alone grilling on the outside deck. So there I am, glass of wine in hand, listening to the sound of green beans sizzling away on the grill all on my lonesome. Oh, the life.
I feel like green beans are a super underrated vegetable – at least in my house. I mean, they do find their way on my weekly grocery list from time to time but, for someone who always gets reminded of how delicious they are every time she cooks them, probably not often enough.
They’re great cooked up in so many different ways but I think I may have found my new favourite – green beans on the BBQ, my friends. They take on a smoky flavour that you just can’t get from stovetop cooking, and that charred edge? It’s pure magic.
These green beans are so simple to prepare and yet pack a punch of flavour that complements any BBQ spread. So next time you fire up the grill, give these green beans a spot on the rack—you might just find they’re the highlight of your BBQ! Plus, they’re an effortless way to impress your guests with something a little different.
INGREDIENTS FOR GRILLED GREEN BEANS
Simple, fresh, and delicious is the name of the game when it comes to these bbq’d green beans. Super easy to make and packed full of flavour, this will be your new favourite Summer side dish. Let’s get into them in a little bit more detail down below:
- Fresh Green Beans: Also known as string beans or snap beans, green beans are crisp and vibrant. They provide a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a satisfying crunch. Look for beans that are firm and bright green, with no brown spots or wilting.
- Olive Oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavour and helps the green beans cook evenly on the grill. It also prevents them from sticking and adds a glossy finish. I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its superior taste and health benefits. However, you can use a different oil (such as avocado) instead, if you prefer.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavour that pairs beautifully with green beans. Minced garlic releases more of its oils, providing a stronger taste that infuses the beans with a savory kick.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavour without the acidity of the juice. It brightens the dish and enhances the flavours of the other ingredients.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a burst of acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil and the savory garlic. It adds a refreshing, tangy flavour that complements the grilled beans nicely.
- Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances the natural flavours of the green beans and other ingredients. Pepper adds a mild heat and a bit of complexity. Adjust these seasonings to your preference.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds a savory, umami flavour and a bit of saltiness. The cheese melts slightly over the hot beans, adding a creamy texture.
- Toasted Almonds (optional): Provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavour. Toasting the almonds brings out their natural oils, intensifying their taste. They add a delightful contrast to the tender beans.
HOW TO MAKE GREEN BEANS ON THE BBQ
You can find full instructions for how to make these green beans on the grill in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Trim your green beans. Trimming green beans removes the tough, woody ends and any stems, ensuring a tender and more enjoyable eating experience. Plus, it helps them cook evenly and look more appealing on the plate! PRO TIP: For quick and easy green bean trimming, gather a handful of beans, align the stem ends, and then cut off the ends in one go using a sharp knife. This way, you trim multiple beans at once, saving time and effort!
- Preheat the grill. Make sure you fully preheat your grill to medium-high heat before adding the green beans. This helps achieve a nice char and even cooking.
- Use a grill basket or foil. To prevent the green beans from falling through the grill grates, use a grill basket or a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This also makes turning the beans easier.
- Ensure the green beans are well-coated with olive oil and seasoning. This not only enhances flavour but also prevents sticking and helps them cook evenly.
- Keep the lid closed. Closing the grill lid creates an oven-like environment, helping the beans cook through while maintaining a consistent temperature.
- Check and turn frequently. Grill the beans for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice char without burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. Spread the green beans out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of grilling, resulting in less char and a softer texture.
- Adjust cooking time for desired tenderness. If you prefer your green beans crisper, reduce the cooking time slightly. For softer beans, leave them on the grill a bit longer.
- Add lemon juice at the end (after grilling). Adding it earlier can cause the beans to steam instead of grill and can also dull the fresh citrus flavour.
- Serve immediately. Green beans are best enjoyed fresh off the grill while they’re still warm and slightly crispy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, it’s recommended to cut fresh green beans before cooking. The first step is to trim the tough ends, which can be done by aligning a handful of beans and slicing off the ends all at once. You can leave the beans whole for a rustic presentation or cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces, depending on your recipe and preference.
Cutting them into uniform lengths ensures they cook evenly, whether you’re grilling, steaming, boiling, or sautéing them. Additionally, trimming and cutting the beans enhances their presentation and makes them easier to eat, especially in dishes where they are mixed with other ingredients.
Cooking green beans typically takes about 10-15 minutes on the grill. The exact time can vary depending on the thickness of the beans and your preferred level of doneness. Aim for a tender-crisp texture with a slight char, turning them occasionally to cook evenly. If you’re boiling or steaming green beans, they generally take about 4-6 minutes.
Yes, you can overcook green beans. When overcooked, they can become mushy, lose their vibrant green colour, and develop a bland flavour. Overcooking can also diminish their nutritional value. To avoid this, it’s best to cook them just until they are tender-crisp, which means they are still firm to the bite but cooked through. This method helps preserve their texture, colour, and taste.
To elevate the flavor of your grilled green beans, you can incorporate a variety of seasonings and add-ons. Start with a good quality olive oil to coat the beans, which adds richness and helps other flavors stick. Minced garlic infuses the beans with a savory depth, while lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing, zesty kick that brightens the dish.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. You can also finish the beans with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a nutty, umami boost, or toasted almonds for a crunchy contrast (I used both and it was amazing!). Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme can add a fragrant, herbal note, making these green beans not just a side dish, but a standout feature of your BBQ spread.
Leftover cooked green beans are good for about 3-4 days when stored properly. Just pop them into an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the microwave or give them a quick sauté to bring back some of that delicious char and flavour!
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LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
GREEN BEANS ON THE BBQ
Ingredients
- 1 pound Fresh Green Beans trimmed
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese finely grated (optional)
- 1/4 cup Toasted Almonds chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Place the green beans in a grill basket or on a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Grill for about 10-15 minutes with the lid closed, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have a slight char.
- Once the green beans are done, transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss to combine. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and/or toasted almonds (I used both!) for extra flavour and crunch.
Video
Notes
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