Cut the ends of the green beans off and cut into 2-inch lengths. Add about 1 tbsp of oil to a pan and adjust the temperature to high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.Note: Lower the temperature to avoid burning the garlic if necessary.
Add the green beans and salt, then stir. Add the water and cover the pan for 2 minutes. Uncover and serve.
Notes
For added flavor, cook this dish in the same pan right after you've cooked a stew, soup, or hearty stir fry. The leftover flavor will soak into the green beans. Mom often uses this cooking method for and kind of leafy greens stir fry.