Are you tired of bland, boring green beans that make you want to push them to the side of your plate? Get ready to revolutionize your vegetable experience with this mouthwatering Cafe Fresh Green Beans recipe that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality side dish that's bursting with flavor, crisp texture, and irresistible appeal. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this simple yet spectacular recipe will elevate your meals from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring they are clean and free from any dirt or debris.
- Trim the ends of the green beans by cutting off the tough stem ends, creating uniform-sized beans for even cooking.
- Fill a medium-sized pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and crisp-tender.
- While the beans are cooking, prepare a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain their vibrant color.
- Once the beans are cooked, immediately drain them and transfer to the ice water bath to cool and preserve their crispness.
- After 1-2 minutes, drain the beans again and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly foamy.
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss gently to coat with melted butter.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the beans, adjusting to your taste preference.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the beans and continue to toss for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through.
- Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, vibrant green beans with no blemishes or soft spots for the best results.
- Don't overcook! The key to perfect green beans is maintaining their bright color and crisp-tender texture.
- The ice water bath is crucial - it stops the cooking process and helps retain the beans' beautiful green color and crunch.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most refreshing flavor. Bottled juice can taste flat.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or toasted sliced almonds when tossing the beans in butter.
- Use a high-quality butter for the most rich and delicious flavor profile.
- Season gradually and taste as you go - you can always add more salt and pepper, but you can't take it away!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
