If you’ve ever been to Long John Silver’s, you know their Green Beans are an absolute must-try side dish. But did you know making them at home can be just as easy and delicious? I was skeptical at first, but after trying this recipe, I was hooked.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make Long John Silver Green Beans with simple ingredients and easy steps so that you can enjoy that crispy, savory goodness right from your kitchen.
And if you’re a fan of bold flavors, you’ll love pairing these beans with our zesty Chimichurri Pizza Sauce for a unique twist on your next meal!
Let’s get cooking!
What is Long John Silver Green Bean?
Long John Silver Green Beans are more than just a side dish—they’re a perfect balance of crispy, seasoned, and tender goodness. These green beans are lightly battered and fried, making them a popular choice alongside their iconic fried seafood.

The secret to their appeal lies in the simple yet flavorful preparation, turning a humble vegetable into a crispy treat that pairs perfectly with any meal. Whether you’re a Long John Silver regular or just curious about the dish, these green beans are sure to become a favorite!
For an indulgent pairing, try them with our creamy Olive Garden Alfredo Dipping Sauce —you won’t regret it!
Ingredients for Long John Silver’s Green Bean Recipe
To recreate the crispy goodness of Long John Silver Green Beans at home, you only need a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can of cut green beans (do not drain!)
- 1 heaping teaspoon of homemade steak seasoning (recipe below)
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke
- 1 part smoked sea salt
- 1 part black pepper
- 1 part garlic powder
- Slightly less Italian seasoning
- A pinch of Accent flavor enhancer
Equipment and Tools for Long John Silver Green Bean
To make your Long John Silver Green Beans just right, you don’t need fancy equipment—just the basics! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Colander
- Tongs or a slotted spoon
- Bowl
Cooking Time and Serving People
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2-4 people
How to Make Long John Silver Green Bean Recipe
Making Long John Silver Green Beans at home is super easy, and the result is just as crispy and flavorful as the restaurant’s version! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these tasty green beans:
Step 1: Dump and Heat: Open your can of green beans and pour everything—including the liquid—straight into your skillet. There’s no need to strain unless you’re using multiple cans. Spread the beans out evenly with a spoon for even cooking.

Step 2: Season to Perfection: Add a generous teaspoon of your homemade steak seasoning to the skillet. This is the key to infusing bold, rich flavors into your green beans.

Step 3: Add a Flavorful Boost: Drop a chicken bouillon cube into the pan. No need to break it up—it will dissolve as it heats, adding depth to the dish.

Step 4: Infuse with Smoky Flavor: Carefully pour in one teaspoon of liquid smoke. A small amount goes a long way, creating that irresistible smoky flavor that will elevate your green beans.

Step 5: Simmer and Stir: Set your cooktop to medium-high heat. Allow the beans to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let the liquid reduce slowly, concentrating the flavors and intensifying the taste of the beans.

Step 6: Sizzle to Finish: When most of the liquid has evaporated, let the beans lightly fry in the skillet. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, but allow them to get golden and crispy around the edges for added texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Once done, turn off the heat and transfer the flavorful green beans into a serving bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly seasoned, smoky skillet Long John Silver Green Bean!

Serving Ideas for Long John Silver Green Bean Recipe
Long John Silver Green Bean makes the perfect side dish for almost any meal! Here are a few serving ideas to take your green beans to the next level:
1. Classic Seafood Combo: Serve your green beans alongside crispy fried fish or shrimp for a perfect seafood feast. The savory flavor of the beans complements the rich, crispy fish.
2. Chicken and Green Beans: Pair the green beans with crispy fried chicken for a classic comfort food combo. The crunchy texture of the beans adds a nice contrast to the tender chicken.
3. Green Bean Salad: Toss the green beans into a fresh salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The beans add a savory, crunchy element to the salad.
4. Rice or Quinoa Base: Serve the green beans over a bed of rice or quinoa to make a wholesome, filling meal. Add grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for extra protein.
5. With Grilled Meat: These beans are great with grilled meats like steak, pork chops, or lamb. Their flavor complements the smoky charred taste of grilled dishes.
6. Wrap or Burrito: Add the seasoned green beans to a wrap or burrito with your choice of protein, like chicken, beef, or beans, for a savory, veggie-packed meal.
7. In a stir-fry: Toss the green beans into a stir-fry with other veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. The crispy texture holds up well in this mix.
8. With Mashed Potatoes: For a cozy meal, serve the green beans alongside mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes balance the crispy texture of the beans perfectly.
9. As a Snack or Appetizer: These green beans are a great option for a crunchy snack or appetizer. Serve them with a dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy mayo, for extra flavor.
10. As a Side for BBQ: Pair the green beans with BBQ dishes like pulled pork or ribs. The beans offer a refreshing contrast to the smoky, rich flavors of BBQ.
Cookupp Community Tips on Long John Silver Green Bean Recipe
Our Cookupp community loves experimenting with different flavors and tricks to elevate the classic Long John Silver Green Beans recipe. Here are some top tips shared by fellow foodies:
1. Add a Crunchy Coating: For an extra crispy texture, try adding a light coating of breadcrumbs or cornmeal to the green beans before sautéing. This will give them an added crunch that’s even more satisfying!
2. Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. It gives the beans a spicy kick that complements the savory flavor perfectly.
3. Use Fresh Green Beans: While canned beans work just fine, using fresh green beans can bring an even more vibrant flavor. Blanch them before cooking for a tender-crisp texture.
4. Swap Butter for Olive Oil: For a healthier twist, try using olive oil instead of butter. It adds a subtle richness and is great for those looking for a lighter option.
5. Make It Smoky: A few drops of liquid smoke can take the flavor up a notch. The smoky aroma adds depth to the beans, making them taste even more like a BBQ side dish.
6. Try Different Seasonings: Experiment with other seasonings like Italian seasoning, paprika, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for added zest. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor combination.
7. Double the Recipe: These green beans are so good, you’ll want leftovers! Double the recipe and store the extras in the fridge for a tasty snack or side dish later.
8. Use Soy Sauce for Umami: Soy sauce adds a savory umami kick. If you want a deeper, more complex flavor, add more soy sauce to the mix.
How to Store Leftover Long John Silver Green Bean Recipe
If you’ve got some leftover Long John Silver Green Bean, don’t worry—you can easily store and reheat them to enjoy later!
Storing: Allow the green beans to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Please keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days for the best freshness. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them, though the texture might change slightly after thawing.
Reheating:
- On the Stove: Heat a little oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the green beans and stir occasionally until heated through. This method helps maintain their crispy texture.
- In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the beans in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re crispy and hot again.
- In the Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, microwave the beans for 1-2 minutes. Keep in mind they won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still taste great.

Long John Silver Green Bean Recipe
Equipment
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Colander
- Tongs or a slotted spoon
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 can of cut green beans do not drain!
- 1 heaping teaspoon of homemade steak seasoning recipe below
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke
- 1 part smoked sea salt
- 1 part black pepper
- 1 part garlic powder
- Slightly less Italian seasoning
- A pinch of Accent flavor enhancer
Instructions
- Dump and Heat: Open your can of green beans and pour everything—including the liquid—straight into your skillet. There’s no need to strain unless you’re using multiple cans. Spread the beans out evenly with a spoon for even cooking.
- Season to Perfection: Add a generous teaspoon of your homemade steak seasoning to the skillet. This is the key to infusing bold, rich flavors into your green beans.
- Add a Flavorful Boost: Drop a chicken bouillon cube into the pan. No need to break it up—it will dissolve as it heats, adding depth to the dish.
- Infuse with Smoky Flavor: Carefully pour in one teaspoon of liquid smoke. A small amount goes a long way, creating that irresistible smoky flavor that will elevate your green beans.
- Simmer and Stir: Set your cooktop to medium-high heat. Allow the beans to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let the liquid reduce slowly, concentrating the flavors and intensifying the taste of the beans.
- Sizzle to Finish: When most of the liquid has evaporated, let the beans lightly fry in the skillet. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, but allow them to get golden and crispy around the edges for added texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, turn off the heat and transfer the flavorful green beans into a serving bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly seasoned, smoky skillet Long John Silver Green Bean!
Video
FAQs on Long John Silver Green Bean Recipe
Here are some frequently asked questions about Long John Silver Green Beans that might help you with your cooking journey:
Does Long John Silver’s have green beans?
Yes, Long John Silver’s offers green beans as one of their classic side dishes, known for their crispy texture and savory seasoning.
How does Gordon Ramsay cook green beans?
Gordon Ramsay typically cooks green beans by blanching them, then sautéing them with butter, garlic, and seasoning to enhance their natural flavor. It’s a simple, delicious method similar to the recipe we’re sharing here!
Is Long John Silver owned by Taco Bell?
Yes, Long John Silver Green Bean was once owned by Yum! Brands, the same company behind Taco Bell, is now operated independently under its brand.
What’s the difference between green beans and long beans?
Green beans (also known as snap beans) are typically shorter and tender, while long beans (also called Chinese long beans) are longer, thinner, and a bit chewier. Both can be used in similar recipes, but long beans have a slightly different texture.
Are long green beans healthy?
Yes, long green beans are packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and fiber, making them a nutritious choice. They’re low in calories and can easily fit into a balanced diet.
Is Long John Silver healthy?
Long John Silver Green Bean menu can be high in calories and sodium, but they do offer healthier options like grilled seafood and side dishes like green beans, which can be a better choice compared to their fried offerings.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans can be used instead of canned. Just blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe itself is not spicy, but you can easily add heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicy kick.
How to make green beans taste nice?
A simple combination of butter, seasoning, and a touch of soy sauce elevates the flavor of green beans. Adding garlic, onion, or a dash of liquid smoke can enhance their taste even more.
Should I boil green beans before stir-frying?
Boiling is optional, but blanching green beans before stir-frying helps retain their color and texture. For the best results, you can lightly blanch them and then toss them directly into your stir-fry.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make Long John Silver Green Beans right in your kitchen, it’s time to enjoy this crispy, savory side dish with your favorite meals. Whether you’re pairing them with seafood, chicken, or just making them the star of the show, they’re sure to be a hit! This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners.
Have questions or feedback? We’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to follow Cookupp on Pinterest for a delicious mix of inspiring recipes for you.
Tasted just like Long John Silver’s! Super crispy. Loved it!
Thanks, Jessica! So glad it hit the spot!
Crispy, flavorful, and easy! Perfect with fried fish.
Thanks, Brittany! That’s the perfect pairing!
My kids actually ate green beans—huge win!
Love that, Samantha! Kid-approved = success!