Expand your grilling game with this quick and easy recipe that brings smoky magic to a versatile veggie side!
I used to hate green beans. My mom bought the canned variety, probably because it was all our big family could afford. They were so mushy and flavorless I simply couldn’t stomach them. Once I moved out on my own, I discovered the joy of fresh beans. I’d steam or sauté them and revel in their simple earthy sweetness.
Then a guy I was dating made them on his grill—and I could never go back to those other cooking methods. This grilled green beans recipe is the best relationship remnant ever! It’s quick enough for a weeknight side but tastes sufficiently elevated for a special occasion. Grilling gives the beans a touch of smoky flavor that enhances the simple seasoning of salt and pepper.
But you can totally make this dish your own with other accents! A squeeze of lemon adds brightness, a dash of garlic powder deepens the savoriness, and a sprinkle of Parmesan brings in nutty tang.
Equipment for veggie grilling
This might be stating the obvious, but green beans are skinny. So skinny, in fact, that they’ll fall right through the grates on your grill. Here are your three main options for keeping them out of the flames while allowing for even cooking and a nice char:
- Grill basket or pan: The most effective and popular option is a perforated grill basket or grill pan made specifically for vegetables. These pans have small holes or slots that let the smoky heat in while keeping your veggies contained.
- Grill mat: A reusable, heat-safe mesh or silicone mat that lays directly over the grates also works well for green beans and other small vegetables.
- Heavy-duty foil: As a budget-friendly alternative, fold a sheet of heavy-duty foil into a packet around your beans, leaving the top open for steam to escape. You’ll get less char on them, but they’ll cook to tender-crisp perfection, and cleanup will be a snap.
How do I store leftovers?
Once your grilled green beans have cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked beans for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag with as much air removed as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.
Serving suggestions
Serve your delicious grilled green beans alongside other tasty dishes from the grill. Your feast could include Grilled Salmon With Skin, Grilled BBQ Chicken, or Grilled Ribs. Add this Grilled Romaine Salad or a Grilled Corn Salad With Fresh Herbs for a table filled with the taste of summer!
Grilled Green Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh green beans about 3 cups
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter optional, for serving
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife to cut the tops and tails off the green beans. Discard the tops and tails.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the green beans. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to evenly coat the beans.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high (375°F to 450°F).
- Arrange the green beans in a single layer in a grill basket. Place onto the hot grill. Cook for 4–6 minutes per side, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through, until the beans are tender-crisp and charred in spots.
- Transfer the grilled beans to your serving dish and top with butter if desired. Serve immediately.
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