Simple, perfect, repeatable. Soft and slightly browned beans coated in reduced garlic pan sauce. Goes with almost everything.
Heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and cook until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Don't let it burn.
Add green beans in a single layer. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook, tossing occasionally, until they start to blister and brown in spots.
Resist stirring constantly — let them sit and brown
Add water — it will sizzle aggressively. Cover immediately and cook 2–3 minutes until beans are tender. Uncover and cook off remaining liquid until beans are coated in the reduced garlic oil.
The pan sauce coating at the end is the whole point