Description
This Buttery Garlic Green Beans recipe offers a quick and flavorful side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed in rich butter and aromatic garlic, with optional hints of heat from red pepper flakes and brightness from fresh lemon juice. Perfect for a healthy, vibrant addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Dairy
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp and bright green.
- Cool the Beans: Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and retain their vibrant color. Drain again after a few minutes and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the beans thoroughly, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Season and Serve: Season the green beans with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Toss again to combine all flavors.
- Garnish and Serve Hot: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Blanching the green beans before sautéing helps achieve a tender-crisp texture and vibrant green color.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and avoid burning it during sauteing to prevent bitterness.
- Red pepper flakes and lemon juice are optional but add a nice balance of heat and brightness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on dietary preference.
