If you’re on the lookout for a side dish that feels fancy but comes together in a snap, I’m thrilled to share my Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe with you. This recipe hits that perfect balance of tangy, buttery, and just a little kick from the mustard — making plain green beans feel like a star on your dinner table. Trust me, you’ll find that this simple sauce brings so much personality to the humble green bean, and it’s definitely one I keep coming back to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: You can have this dish ready in about 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bright & Flavorful: The mustard butter sauce adds a lovely tang and richness that you’ll crave.
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to hearty steaks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and I always get asked for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients list is delightfully short — which I always appreciate. Each one brings something important to the table, creating a harmonious flavor combo that feels indulgent yet fresh. When you shop, pick the freshest green beans you can find, and for the mustards, I like to have both coarse grain and Dijon because their contrasting textures and flavors really shine together.
- Fresh green beans: Look for bright green, firm beans without any brown spots or wrinkles for the best crunch.
- Coarse grain mustard: This brings a lovely texture and sharp tang — it’s the star of the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a smooth, mellow sharpness that complements the grainy mustard.
- Kosher salt: Enhances flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked for a little bite.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten the sauce with a touch of acidity.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to create a rich base that coats the beans perfectly.
Variations
I love how flexible this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe is — it’s easy to tailor it to what you have on hand or how you’re feeling that day. I often switch it up depending on the season or my mood, and it always turns out great.
- Vegan version: I discovered this trick when I swapped butter for good quality olive oil, and it still feels rich but lighter.
- Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice heat that my spice-loving friends adore.
- Nutty crunch: Toasted almonds or walnuts sprinkled on top provide a lovely texture contrast that adds a special touch.
- Fresh herbs: Toss in chopped tarragon or parsley for a burst of freshness I find irresistible.
How to Make Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans Until Crisp-Tender
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water — the salt seasons the beans from the inside out. Cook the green beans for about 5 minutes, or until they’re crisp-tender. That means they’re cooked through but still have a bit of snap, which I personally like because it keeps the beans fresh and vibrant. If you prefer softer beans, just add a couple more minutes. Don’t forget to drain them well to avoid watering down your sauce afterward!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Mustard Butter Sauce
While your beans are cooking, whisk together the coarse grain mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and melted unsalted butter in a medium bowl. This sauce is where the magic happens — the creamy butter mellows the sharpness of the mustards and lemon, creating this silky, tangy coating that clings to each bean beautifully.
Step 3: Toss the Beans in the Sauce and Serve
Once drained, immediately add your green beans to the bowl with the mustard butter sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Serving it right away is key to keeping the beans bright and snappy, and the sauce smooth and luscious. This is one time when a quick toss really makes all the difference. Plus, it smells amazing!
Pro Tips for Making Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
- Freshness Matters: Using fresh green beans really elevates this dish — avoid those that look limp or dull to keep your sauce tasting vibrant.
- Don’t Overcook the Beans: Blanch just until crisp-tender; it preserves color, crunch, and nutrients.
- Whisk the Sauce Thoroughly: To get that creamy, perfectly emulsified mustard butter, make sure the melted butter and lemon juice are well combined with the mustards.
- Serve Immediately: The sauce coats better while warm and the beans taste best fresh out of the pot.
How to Serve Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For me, a sprinkle of toasted almonds or slivered pecans adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with the tangy mustard sauce. Sometimes I also toss on some freshly chopped parsley or chives — the green pops visually and freshens up the flavors. If you like a little extra zing, a dusting of flaky sea salt never hurts either!
Side Dishes
I often serve these green beans alongside roast chicken or pan-seared salmon. They’re a fantastic match for creamy mashed potatoes or a rustic grain like farro or quinoa. Honestly, they brighten any comfort food meal or add a fresh touch to heavier dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to arrange the green beans in a neat nest on a platter, then drizzle extra mustard butter sauce on top and scatter toasted nuts and fresh herbs around. It feels so elegant but is incredibly easy to pull off — your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover green beans with mustard butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. I’ve found that a gentle toss before storing helps keep them from sticking together. Keep in mind the sauce may thicken as it cools, but it still tastes delicious the next day!
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t my favorite because the texture of the green beans changes after thawing. However, if you do want to freeze it, I recommend only freezing the plain green beans (blanched), and then whipping up the mustard butter sauce fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I gently warm the green beans in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or a little extra butter to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave is quickest but sometimes dries beans out — the stovetop method gives me better texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen green beans for this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen green beans, thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before tossing with the sauce to avoid watery results. You may want to reduce blanching time since frozen beans are usually pre-cooked.
-
What can I substitute for butter if I want a dairy-free version?
Olive oil is a wonderful substitute that keeps the sauce silky while making it vegan-friendly. Use the same amount of olive oil as the butter called for, and whisk it with the mustards and lemon juice just the same.
-
Is it necessary to use both Dijon and coarse grain mustard?
Not strictly, but using both adds a lovely balance of texture and flavor—the coarse grain mustard gives bite and visual interest while the Dijon lends smoothness and depth. If you only have one, all Dijon works fine.
-
How long do the green beans last after making this recipe?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, the green beans with mustard butter sauce will stay fresh for about 2 days. I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe turns simple green beans into something so memorable. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel accomplished — with minimal effort — and it’s rich with flavor and personality. When I first tried this, it quickly became a family favorite, and I hope you’ll enjoy it just as much. Give it a go next time you want a quick, delicious side that brings everyone to the table.
Print
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
Description
This simple and flavorful Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce recipe features crisp-tender green beans tossed in a tangy, creamy mustard butter sauce. Perfect as a quick and elegant side dish, it combines whole grain and Dijon mustard with lemon juice and melted butter to complement the fresh green beans with a vibrant, zesty flavor.
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 pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. For softer beans, extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes as desired.
- Prepare the Mustard Butter Sauce: While the beans are cooking, combine the coarse grain mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Drain the cooked green beans and immediately transfer them to the bowl with the mustard butter sauce. Toss the beans thoroughly to coat them evenly with the sauce. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Butter: For a vegan option or a lighter vinaigrette-style sauce, substitute unsalted butter with olive oil.
- Mustard: The combination of coarse grain mustard and Dijon mustard provides texture and flavor, but if unavailable, you can use all Dijon mustard instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
