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Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a fresh and flavorful veggie side that’s anything but boring, this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the tangy mustard sauce pairs with tender-crisp green beans — and trust me, once you try this, you’ll probably make it a regular in your rotation. It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor! Keep reading — I’ll walk you through every step to make it a total breeze.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy and Easy: It comes together in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Burst of Flavor: The mustard butter sauce adds a tangy, rich kick that elevates simple green beans.
  • Versatile: You can tweak ingredients to suit dietary needs without losing the essence.
  • Favorite Side Dish: My family always asks for seconds — it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I adore about this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe is how the ingredients are so simple yet work harmoniously. Each one brings something special — fresh green beans provide that satisfying crunch, while the combo of whole grain and Dijon mustards adds layers of tang and texture. When you shop for your green beans, look for ones that are bright green and snap easily. Freshness really makes a difference here!

Flat lay of fresh green beans with ends trimmed, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse grain mustard with visible mustard seeds, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl containing melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl with lemon juice freshly squeezed, a few grains of kosher salt scattered beside a tiny mound, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce, green beans with mustard butter, easy green bean side dish, flavorful vegetable side, healthy green bean recipe
  • Fresh green beans: Choose firm, crisp beans with no wrinkles or blemishes for the best texture.
  • Coarse grain mustard: I love the texture it gives, but if you don’t have it, regular Dijon works just fine.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a smooth, tangy depth that balances the whole grain’s bite.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground for a bit of subtle heat.
  • Lemon juice: Brings a bright, zesty finish that wakes up the dish.
  • Unsalted butter: Melts into a rich, velvety sauce — but if you want to keep it vegan, olive oil is a great swap.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe as my baseline and then experiment depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. The beauty of this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe is how flexible it is — you can really make it your own easily!

  • Adding toasted almonds: My family loves the crunch they add — it feels a bit fancy without much extra effort.
  • Using vegan butter or olive oil: I switched to olive oil once to keep it plant-based, and it still tasted amazing with a lighter vinaigrette feel.
  • Sprinkling fresh herbs: A handful of chopped parsley or dill really brightens the dish in the spring or summer.
  • Making it spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice heat kick that I sometimes crave.

How to Make Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the green beans to crisp-tender perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 5 minutes — you want them to stay crisp-tender, not mushy. Trust me, this part makes all the difference. If you prefer softer beans, add an extra couple of minutes, but keep a close eye. Overcooked green beans lose that snap that makes this dish so vibrant.

Step 2: Whisk together the mustard butter sauce

While the beans are boiling, get a medium bowl ready. Combine the coarse grain mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and the melted butter. Whisk everything until it’s smooth and beautifully blended. This is the flavor punch that sets the dish apart — bright, tangy, and buttery all at once.

Step 3: Toss and serve immediately

Drain the green beans thoroughly — I like to give them a little shake to get rid of excess water so the sauce sticks well. Then, pour the beans into the mustard butter sauce bowl and toss gently to coat every piece. Serve these up right away while they’re still perfectly warm and fresh. You’ll notice how the sauce clings to the beans, adding that magical mustardy richness.

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Pro Tips for Making Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Salted Boiling Water: Salting the cooking water seasons the beans from the inside out — it’s a small step that really elevates flavor.
  • Use Fresh Mustards: I’ve found that fresh coarse grain and Dijon mustards make a big difference — avoid anything past its expiration for the best tang and texture.
  • Toss Quickly and Serve Warm: The sauce tastes best when the beans are warm, so toss them right after draining and serve instantly.
  • Avoid Overcooking: I used to boil green beans too long, losing that perfect snap — sticking to about 5 minutes ensures they stay vibrant and bright green.

How to Serve Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe

Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to finish these green beans with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some freshly chopped parsley — it gives that fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes I even sprinkle a little toasted sesame seed for a subtle nutty crunch. These little extras make it feel like more than just a simple side dish.

Side Dishes

My go-to pairings with this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe are roasted chicken or grilled salmon — the tangy mustard sauce complements rich meats beautifully. It also plays well with mashed potatoes or buttery rice, rounding out the meal without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve served these green beans drizzled with a bit of extra sauce and topped with toasted slivered almonds or crispy shallots, arranged on a long platter. It looks festive and makes an eye-catching display that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The green beans do soften a bit after chilling, but the flavor stays delicious. Just don’t leave them too long or the butter sauce can start to separate.

Freezing

In my experience, freezing green beans with mustard butter sauce isn’t ideal — the texture of the beans takes a hit, and the butter sauce can break down after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, it’s better to cook and freeze plain green beans separately, then toss them in the sauce fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the beans in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too, but watch closely so they don’t steam into mush.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess water. You might want to reduce boiling time since frozen beans are usually pre-blanched. Toss them immediately in the mustard butter sauce for the best flavor.

  2. Is there a vegan alternative for the butter?

    Yes, swapping unsalted butter for good-quality olive oil works wonderfully and keeps the mustard butter sauce light and flavorful. There are also vegan butter spreads that can mimic the richness if you prefer.

  3. What’s the difference between coarse grain and Dijon mustard in this sauce?

    Coarse grain mustard adds texture and bursts of mustard seeds, giving a rustic feel, while Dijon mustard brings smoothness and a sharp tang. Together, they balance flavor and mouthfeel beautifully in this recipe.

  4. Can I prepare the mustard sauce ahead of time?

    You can whisk the sauce together ahead, but I recommend tossing with the green beans just before serving to keep the sauce fresh and vibrant. If stored separately, the sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a day.

Final Thoughts

This Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it turns fresh, simple ingredients into something flavorful and memorable in no time. It’s the perfect side when you want to impress without fuss, and I love sharing it with friends because it’s always a hit. Give it a try — I think you’ll find it as delightful and dependable as I do!

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Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 125 reviews
  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Tender green beans tossed in a tangy and creamy mustard butter sauce, creating a simple yet flavorful side dish perfect for any meal.


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

  1. Cook Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. For softer beans, cook a few minutes longer.
  2. Prepare Mustard Butter Sauce: While the beans cook, combine the coarse grain mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and melted unsalted butter in a medium bowl. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is well blended.
  3. Toss and Serve: Drain the green beans thoroughly and add them to the bowl with the mustard butter sauce. Toss well to evenly coat the beans with the sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Butter Substitute: You can substitute olive oil for the butter if you’re vegan or want a lighter vinaigrette-style sauce.
  • Mustard Variation: Whole grain mustard adds great texture and flavor; however, if unavailable, you may use only Dijon mustard as a substitute.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 4 oz green beans with sauce)
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

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