Fried Green Beans

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Crispy fried green beans coated in a flavorful seasoned flour and cornmeal mix, then cooked until golden and crunchy. This dish offers a delightful combination of tender beans with a savory, slightly salty crunch, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side for casual gatherings and family meals.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 3 tablespoons cornmeal or 2 tablespoons raw wheat germ
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 can (16 oz.) green beans, drained

Instructions

  1. Put cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large plastic container with a lid.
  2. Add green beans to the container.
  3. Shake well until the beans are completely coated.
  4. Heat butter in a skillet until bubbly.
  5. Add the coated green beans to the skillet.
  6. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally.
  7. Cook for 10 minutes or until the coating is crunchy and brown.
  8. Serve hot, with extra butter if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra crunch, try adding panko breadcrumbs to the coating mixture. You can substitute the cornmeal with crushed crackers or cornflakes for a different texture. If you're looking to spice things up, consider adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix. This recipe is a great way to enjoy green beans and can be adapted to use other vegetables as well.

Serving Suggestions

Serve fried green beans as a delicious appetizer or side dish alongside grilled meats or burgers. They pair beautifully with the Tangy Lemon Squares for a refreshing dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving them with a light salad or as part of a vegetarian platter featuring dips and spreads.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover fried green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until they are crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fried Green Beans contains roughly 248 calories, with 2g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2003mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).

248 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 11.7g 15% DV
Carbs 35.1g 13% DV
Fiber 3.5g 12% DV
Sugar 14.2g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2003.1mg 87% DV
Potassium 175.8mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 33.8mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 213.9mcg 24% DV
Vitamin C 14.5mg 16% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 52.8mg 4% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, fresh green beans can be used! Just trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before coating them. This will help them cook evenly and maintain their vibrant color.

What can I use instead of butter for frying?

You can substitute butter with olive oil or any other cooking oil, like canola or vegetable oil. For a dairy-free version, use a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil, which adds a subtle flavor.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that your cornmeal is also gluten-free, and you'll have a delicious dish that everyone can enjoy.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →