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Garlic Butter Skillet Pork Bites & Green Beans is the kind of quick, flavorful dinner that makes you feel like a weeknight hero. Made with juicy, pan-seared pork bites and vibrant green beans tossed in a lemon garlic butter sauce, this one-skillet recipe is easy to throw together and is ready in under 30 minutes!
From Canned Veggies to Skillet Magic
Green beans were a staple in my house growing up, but with five kids and a mom from a farm in Idaho who was taught to save and preserve everything, our green beans were 99% canned by mom. They were tender and so flavorful, but that meant fresh green beans took me a little time to warm up to with all of that crunchy texture!
The Trick That Changed Everything
As an adult, I’ve discovered that the secret to really good green beans is in the prep work. Blanching them in hot water until they’re vibrant green, tossing them straight into an ice bath to stop the cooking, and finally sautéing in a cast iron skillet for depth of flavor has been life-altering.
Can We All Agree Pork Is Better with Crispy Edges?
We love searing pork bites until the edges are crispy and caramelized. It takes the flavor up a notch – but that’s not even the best part. This healthy 30 minute meal finishes with a lemon garlic butter sauce that has us eating straight from the pan. And those green beans? They’ve never been this exciting.
What to Serve It With
This dish is perfect served with Creamy Mashed Potatoes, The Softest Homemade Dinner Rolls, or a crisp, fresh Salad de Maison to round it all out.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Skillet Pork Bites & Green Beans
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together for a flavorful, low-carb dinner that cooks in one cast iron skillet.
- Pork Chops: Boneless and cut into 1-inch pieces. Loin or bone-in chops work too, just adjust cook time.
- BBQ Rub: My Homemade BBQ Rub is perfect here. Make a batch to have quick seasoning without extra prep.
- Olive Oil: For searing the pork. Use avocado oil if you prefer.
- Butter: Builds the base of the garlic lemon sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves that are minced adds a sharp, rich flavor.
- Lemon (Zest + Juice): Brightens and balances the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Deglazes the skillet and adds moisture.
- Green Beans: Blanched and sautéed for tender-crisp texture.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat.
- Fresh Parsley: For a fresh finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Skillet Pork Bites & Green Beans
Simple ingredients, simple steps, big flavor – just how weeknight dinners should be.
- Season the Pork: Coat chopped boneless pork chops with BBQ rub.
- Sear the Pork: Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brown pork in batches, 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Melt the Butter: Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the pan.
- Add Garlic: Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze: Pour in lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth, scraping up bits from the bottom.
- Add Green Beans: Toss in blanched green beans and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
- Finish the Dish: Return pork to the pan and stir everything to coat in sauce.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes, if using.
- TIP: Pork is done when it hits 145°F inside, checked with a meat thermometer.
Storing and Freezing Garlic Butter Skillet Pork Bites & Green Beans
Got leftovers? You’re set for an easy lunch.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked pork and green beans for up to 2 months. We use our FoodSaver to keep things fresh.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to keep the pork tender.
FAQs About Garlicky One‑Pan Pork & Green Beans
You could, but blanching locks in color and crunch. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip the ice bath and go straight to sautéing – just expect a slightly softer texture.
Yes! Bone‑in chops are flavorful and help retain moisture. If you’re using them, just add a few minutes to the sear time and monitor internal temp carefully.
Absolutely. A little lemon brightens the sauce without making it sour. If citrus is a no-go, you can use a small splash of chicken broth alone and still get great flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth or even a splash of white wine.
- Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the butter sauce for extra tang.
- Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes with the green beans.
- For a creamy twist, finish with a splash of heavy cream or a little grated Parmesan.
- No fresh parsley? Use chives, thyme, or skip it altogether.
Ready in just 30 minutes or less this easy, deliciously low carb and healthy pork recipe is the best new addition to our quick and easy recipe index!
More Pork Recipes to Try:
Watch How this Skillet Pork Bites Recipe is Made…
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In a pie plate, sprinkle pork with seasoning and toss to coat well.
1 ½ lbs Pork Chops, 1 ½ Tablespoons BBQ Rub
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Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
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Brown the pork bites in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until edges are crispy and browned, drizzling more oil as needed. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and cook until melted.
¼ Cup Butter
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Add the garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4 Cloves Garlic
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Scrape up any browned bits from the pan as you pour in the lemon juice and zest and broth.
½ Lemon, ¼ Cup Chicken Broth
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Carefully add the green beans into the pan and toss in the lemon butter sauce to coat well. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning often.
1 lb Green Beans
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Push cooked green beans on the side and return the pork into the pan. Toss the pork bites through the sauce to evenly coat.
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Add a sprinkle fresh parsley and red chili pepper flakes. Serve immediately!
1 Dash Red Pepper Flakes, Fresh Parsley
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