Begin by washing the green beans under cold water. Trim the ends and set them aside. Next, thinly slice the shallots and mince the garlic cloves to prepare for cooking.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced shallots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized.
Once the shallots are caramelized, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, stirring to combine with the shallots and garlic. Pour in the low sodium soy sauce and water, then season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the green beans are evenly coated.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the green beans steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender yet still crisp.
After steaming, taste the green beans and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy!
