Description
A simple yet impressive side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans tossed in aromatic garlic butter, brightened with lemon, and finished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately plunge into an ice bath to stop cooking. Once cool, drain again and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat them with the garlic butter. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender-crisp.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss to distribute evenly.
- Transfer the beans to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Avoid burning the garlic by using low-to-medium heat.
- Frozen green beans can be used; thaw completely, dry well, and adjust blanching time.
- Variations include adding thyme, basil, smoked paprika, toasted almonds, Parmesan cheese, or chia seeds.
- Substitute vegan butter or a mix of butter and olive oil for a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 100-120
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A