My crispy butter beans in a chili garlic sauce are one of my favorite ways to use canned butter beans. Roasted until golden and crisp, then tossed in a buttery sauce with fresh chiles, lime, and a touch of maple syrup, they’re ready in about 30 minutes and packed with sweet, spicy flavor.
A Note From Kristen
By now, I’m sure many of you know I’m a sucker for butter beans. They’re incredibly versatile and do such a great job of soaking up whatever flavors you pair them with. This is the kind of recipe I started making on a whim and then couldn’t stop tweaking until it was exactly how I wanted it. I tested different roasting times and played with the balance of butter, lime, maple syrup, and fresh chiles until everything came together just right. Roasting the beans before tossing them in the sauce creates the perfect contrast of crispy edges and creamy centers. It’s now one of my favorite quick dishes because it comes together with very little effort, and I can never resist stealing a few bites straight from the pan before serving. Enjoy!~Kristen
Key Ingredients
A few quick notes on the ingredients that matter most. Find the full ingredient list and instructions in the recipe card below.
My Favorite Ways to Serve
- Serve as a side dish with grilled vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, or your favorite protein.
- Spoon over rice for a simple vegetarian main course that comes together in minutes.
- Pile onto crusty bread to soak up every bit of the buttery sauce.
- Enjoy as a snack or appetizer straight from the pan or served warm with toothpicks for sharing.
- Add to grain bowls or salads for extra texture and protein.
Kristen’s Top Tips
- Dry the butter beans thoroughly before roasting to help them crisp up instead of steaming them.
- When roasting, be certain to leave a little space between the beans so hot air can circulate and crisp the edges.
- Don’t overcook the garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, to prevent it from becoming bitter.
- Serve while hot. These crispy butter beans have the best texture straight from the skillet while the edges are still crisp and the chili garlic butter is warm.
More Delicious Butter Bean Recipes You Might Enjoy
Crispy Chili Garlic Butter Beans
Ingredients
- 2 15-ounce cans pre-cooked butter beans rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegan butter
- 2 Fresno peppers finely diced
- 2 serrano peppers finely diced
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1½ tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice fresh or bottled
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Flaky salt optional
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the butter beans dry with a dish towel or paper towels, then transfer them to a large bowl. Toss with the olive oil, smoked paprika, ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread the beans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and crisp around the edges.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced peppers and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the maple syrup, lime juice, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt. Cook for 1 minute longer.
- Transfer the hot roasted butter beans directly to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the chili garlic butter.
- Serve immediately, topped with the lime zest, chopped cilantro, and (optionally) flaky salt to taste. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated using a third-party calculator and is an estimate only.
