One vegetable that we plan to grow in our garden this year is green beans. I never use to be a fan but since discovering tasty ways to prepare them like the garlic green beans recipe I shared recently, I started looking for other ways to enjoy them as well, which led me to the Outback Steakhouse Green Beans copycat recipe.

There are a few variations for this tasty green bean recipe online. A few call for Maggi seasoning, which can be found in ethnic sections of larger grocery stores. However, I like to find recipes that call for ingredients that I usually have on hand and a good substitute for Maggi seasoning in this recipe is soy sauce (this recipe is  good reason to keep those leftover soy sauce packets from Chinese restaurants on hand).

The results were downright addicting if you ask me and I can easily see making these often! I may try to find the Maggi seasoning but I am perfectly happy with the results I got using soy sauce.

I also noticed several variations of this green bean recipe, with one even calling for a full cup of brown sugar (yikes!). But trust me, two tablespoons of brown sugar is all that is needed for just the right combination of sweet and savory.

Outback Steakhouse Green Beans Copycat Recipe

• 1 pound fresh or frozen beans, cooked and drained
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Maggi seasoning or a few dashes soy sauce (about a teaspoon)
• Salt to taste (I like using kosher or sea salt)
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste (regular will do)

Cook green beans until done according to package directions (do not overcook). If using fresh green beans,wash and trim ends and cook or steam until just cooked but still firm.*

While the green beans are cooking melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the brown sugar, garlic powder Maggi seasoning, (or soy sauce, if using), salt and pepper. Continue to cook until brown sugar is dissolved.

Remove butter mixture from heat. Toss with hot green beans and serve immediately.

Serving suggestion: These tasty seasoned green beans make a great side dish to every day meals as well as special occasions.

Tip: I think using the right salt makes a huge difference. Plain table salt will do but a coarse sea salt or kosher salt adds a whole new depth of flavor to this recipe.

*For cooking fresh green beans, wash thoroughly and trim the ends. My preferred method for cooking fresh green beans is in a steamer basket but you can also cook in a covered dish on high in the microwave for about 2 or 3 minutes with a little water, stirring half way. Microwave times vary so adjust time if needed.

Most green vegetables bore me. There I said it! But in spite of that I try and serve a green vegetable with dinner almost every night. Eating green beans plain and steamed does save calories but once in a while I think it is nice to dress them up with herbs and seasonings, a little butter or olive oil.  This garlicky green bean recipe goes from bland to delicious and it only takes a few extra minutes of your time.

Large 48 ounce size available online

I use frozen whole green beans in this recipe but you can use cut as well.  And of course you can use fresh, trimmed green beans if that is what you have on hand. I also use minced garlic in a jar that is packed in water or oil simply because I don’t go through garlic that fast and it keeps well. We do plan to start preserving our own garlic from our garden but that will be a topic for another post.

I really don’t measure when I make this so feel free to use more or less of any of the ingredients listed  according to your personal preference.

Garlicky Green Beans with Olive Oil

• 12 ounce bag frozen green beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced or 1 heaping teaspoon jarred, minced garlic*
• Salt and pepper to taste*

Cook green beans according to package directions; drain.

When green beans are almost finished cooking heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the garlic, reduce heat and saute about 30 seconds.

Immediately add the green beans to the skillet. Toss well until coated (tongs work great for this). Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately. Leftovers (if you have any) heat up nicely in the microwave.

These tasty green beans are quick and easy, making them perfect for every day but they also dress up any holiday meal as well.

* I like to use a coarse salt like freshly ground sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

* If you can’t find the jarred, minced garlic near the seasons then look near the pasta sauces or even in the produce isle.  You can find them in different sizes packed in either water or olive oil.