Description
Garlic Butter Green Beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish, with crisp-tender green beans tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. The optional lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus kick, making this dish a perfect complement to any meal.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh green beans (string beans), ends trimmed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning the boiling water
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the water for blanching: Place 6 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of salt in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cover and bring it to a boil.
- Prepare the ice bath: Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with ice and water. Line a sheet pan with a few sheets of paper towels and set them aside.
- Blanch the green beans: Carefully add the trimmed green beans into the boiling water. Cook for 5 minutes, until the beans are crisp and tender.
- Cool the beans: Using a slotted spoon or a spider strainer, transfer the green beans into the ice water. Let them cool to room temperature for about 5 minutes. Once cooled, drain the beans and transfer them onto the sheet pan lined with paper towels. Pat them dry as much as possible.
- Cook the garlic butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss the green beans: Add the green beans to the skillet and gently stir to coat them in the garlic butter mixture. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, turning the beans often, until they are softened but still tender.
- Add lemon zest (optional): If you like, toss in the lemon zest at the last minute for an added burst of flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the garlic butter green beans to a plate and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Toss in some grated Parmesan cheese at the end for a cheesy, savory twist.
- Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil along with the garlic for an herby flavor.
- For a smoky flavor, crisp up some bacon and toss it with the green beans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Blanching, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
