Imagine a side dish so irresistibly delicious that even vegetable skeptics will be coming back for seconds. These Garlicky Lemon Butter Green Beans are not just a simple vegetable side, but a culinary experience that transforms humble green beans into a mouthwatering masterpiece. With a perfect balance of zesty lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic, this recipe promises to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the green beans. Rinse them under cold water and trim the ends to remove any tough bits. Set aside.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and the trimmed green beans. Blanch the green beans for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- After blanching, immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them sit for a couple of minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- After the garlic is ready, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter, ensuring they are well coated. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through and tender.
- While the green beans are cooking, squeeze the juice of one lemon over the mixture. Stir well to combine the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary to suit your preference.
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the garlicky lemon butter green beans to a serving dish.
- Serve immediately as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Blanching is Key: The secret to crisp-tender green beans is quick blanching. Make sure your water is rapidly boiling and don't overcook - 3-4 minutes is the sweet spot.
- Ice Bath Technique: Immediately transferring beans to ice water stops the cooking process and helps maintain that vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Garlic Management: Watch your garlic carefully when sautéing. Golden and fragrant is perfect; burnt garlic will taste bitter.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice can taste flat.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
- Serving Suggestion: These green beans are best served immediately while hot and the butter is still glossy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
