Name: Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed; 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

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s simple yet packs a punch, you’re going to absolutely love this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want fresh, vibrant green beans elevated by a tangy, buttery sauce that doesn’t overpower but instead complements beautifully. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or wanting to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe has you covered.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: From start to finish in about 10 minutes – perfect for busy days.
Bright & Flavorful: The mustard butter sauce adds a tangy, rich flavor that makes the green beans pop.
Versatile Side: Goes perfectly with everything from grilled chicken to roasted meats or even as a light veggie dish on its own.
Kid-Approved: My family goes crazy for this, especially once they taste the buttery, slightly zesty sauce.

The image shows a white plate with three food items arranged in separate sections. On the right side, there is a thick piece of grilled meat covered with a dark reddish glaze and garnished with a small sprig of green rosemary on top. In the center-left, there is a baked sweet potato, opened to show its bright orange, soft inside. In front of the sweet potato, there is a pile of green beans coated with small mustard seeds and a light sauce, giving them a slightly glossy look. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with blurred background elements including a glass of red wine and white fabric. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce, green beans side dish, quick vegetable recipes, easy green bean recipes, flavorful green bean side

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe plays a key role in balancing fresh, tangy, and buttery flavors that work harmoniously together. I always recommend fresh green beans for the best texture, but the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples you might already have on hand.

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 side dish, quick vegetable recipes, easy green bean recipes, flavorful green bean side

Fresh green beans: Trimmed, fresh green beans give you a vibrant crunch that works perfectly with the sauce.
Coarse grain mustard: This adds texture and a punch of tang; I love how the seeds pop in your mouth.
Dijon mustard: Smooth and slightly spicy, it balances out the coarse mustard perfectly.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the boiling water and the beans themselves.
Black pepper: Adds just a bit of warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce with a fresh acidity that lifts the butter and mustard.
Unsalted butter: Melted just right, it creates a silky sauce that coats every bean delightfully.

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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 make this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe my own by tweaking the sauce here and there, and you should absolutely feel free to do the same! It’s a flexible recipe that lends itself well to personalization, which is why I always encourage trying different twists.

Butter Substitute: When I wanted a lighter or vegan version, I swapped butter for olive oil—it’s a different vibe but still delicious with mustard.
Extra Crunch: Toss in toasted sliced almonds or chopped walnuts for a lovely crunch that balances the tender beans.
Herb Boost: Adding fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, or parsley brings another fresh layer to the sauce—especially in spring and summer.
Spice It Up: A pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika gives it a subtle kick if you like things a bit more adventurous.

How to Make Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Green Beans to Crisp-Tender Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—that salt seasons the beans as they cook. Once boiling, add your trimmed green beans and cook for about 5 minutes until they’re crisp-tender. If you prefer softer beans, add an extra minute or two, but I love leaving a little snap. Don’t overcook though, because you want those vibrant green color and fresh crunch to shine through.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Mustard Butter Sauce

While the green beans cook, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the coarse grain mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter. This sauce is honestly the star here—it brings this zesty, creamy flavor that you won’t get anywhere else. Make sure the butter’s melted but not hot, so it blends nicely without cooking the mustard.

Step 3: Toss and Serve Immediately

Drain the green beans well, then toss them right into the bowl with your mustard butter sauce. Use tongs or a spoon to coat every bean evenly, so each bite bursts with flavor. I always serve this immediately because the beans are so fresh, and the sauce clings best when warm. It’s a side dish that literally elevates any meal it’s part of.

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Pro Tips for Making Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe

Don’t Skip Salt in the Water: Salting your boiling water seasons the beans from the inside out; it’s a game changer for flavor.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice doesn’t brighten the sauce as fresh does – I learned this the hard way!
Whisk Sauce While Butter is Warm: Mixing while the butter’s warm but not hot helps emulsify the mustard and creates a smooth coating.
Avoid Overcooking Beans: Over soft beans turn dull and mushy—aim for crisp-tender; it’s the texture that makes this dish shine.

How to Serve Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe

Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbiness. Sometimes, I add a few toasted sesame seeds or sliced almonds to give it that extra textural dimension. It’s small touches like these that turn a simple side into something a bit more special that your friends and family will notice.

Side Dishes

This mustard butter green beans recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or salmon. I often serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a rustic rice pilaf – the tangy sauce cuts through the richness perfectly. It’s a great way to add a vegetable that feels luxurious but cooks quickly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or gatherings, I like to arrange the green beans in a neat bundle tied with a thin ribbon of blanched scallion, making it easy for guests to grab. Another fun way is to serve the beans on a warmed platter with the mustard butter sauce drizzled over just before serving, sprinkled with microgreens or edible flowers for a visual wow-factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The green beans hold up pretty well, though the sauce might thicken a bit as it chills. If you plan to store, you can keep the beans and sauce separate and toss again just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

Freezing this dish isn’t my favorite because the butter sauce can separate, and the green beans might get mushy upon thawing. If you want to freeze, I recommend blanching and freezing the beans plain, then making the mustard butter sauce fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, gently warm the green beans in a skillet over low heat, adding a touch of fresh butter or olive oil if the sauce seems dry. Avoid microwaving, which can make the beans watery and limp. You want to maintain that gorgeous texture and creamy coating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can. I recommend thawing and briefly steaming or boiling frozen green beans until just tender, then tossing them in the mustard butter sauce. Fresh green beans will give you a crisper texture, but frozen works perfectly fine in a pinch.
What if I don’t have coarse grain mustard?

No worries! You can use all Dijon mustard instead. The flavor will be a bit smoother and less textured, but it will still taste delicious and keep that lovely tang the recipe needs.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a good-quality olive oil or vegan butter. The mustard and lemon juice remain the same, keeping the sauce flavorful and zesty.
How long can I keep the leftovers?

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. Just remember the sauce might thicken or separate slightly over time, so a quick warm-up and whisk before serving freshens it right up.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe enough. It’s one of those surprisingly simple recipes that bring so much joy to the dinner table with very little fuss. I remember the first time I made it, my whole family was asking for seconds, and I love that it feels fancy but is so easy to pull off. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy having this quick, flavorful vegetable side in your recipe rotation just like I do.

Green Beans with Mustard Butter Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 76 reviews

Author: Mia
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and flavorful side dish featuring crisp-tender fresh green beans tossed in a tangy mustard butter sauce, perfect for adding a vibrant touch to 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

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Instructions

Cook the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook until they are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. If you prefer softer beans, cook for a few additional minutes.
Prepare the mustard butter sauce: While the green beans are cooking, combine the coarse grain mustard, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
Toss and serve: Drain the cooked green beans thoroughly and add them to the bowl with the mustard butter sauce. Toss well to evenly coat the beans. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Butter substitution: For a vegan option or to lighten the sauce, substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil to create a flavorful vinaigrette.
Mustard preference: Whole grain mustard provides a nice texture and robust flavor, but you may substitute with all Dijon mustard if preferred or if whole grain is unavailable.