Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

These savory garlic butter green beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Tender-crisp green beans are blanched and then sautéed in fragrant garlic butter with a bright hint of lemon. This easy recipe brings fresh, vibrant vegetables to your table in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until they turn vibrant green and are slightly tender. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and gently bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn it.
3. Step 3: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the beans evenly. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender-crisp.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss again to ensure the beans are well coated.
5. Step 5: Transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the red pepper flakes in the butter before adding garlic.
• Use fresh green beans for the best texture, but frozen beans can be used—adjust blanching time accordingly.
• Try adding sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch.
• Swap lemon juice with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different tangy twist.

Storage

Store leftover garlic butter green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve their texture, adding a small pat of butter if needed. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw them first and reduce the blanching time slightly since frozen beans are partially cooked during freezing.

What can I substitute for lemon juice if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of white wine vinegar or a mild apple cider vinegar can provide a similar bright acidity to finish the dish.

Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe

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4.5 from 142 reviews

This Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe features tender-crisp green beans sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a bright finish of lemon juice and zest, making a flavorful and easy vegetable side dish perfect for any meal.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

Butter and Seasonings

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Finishers

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 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 turn vibrant green and become slightly tender. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
2. Make Garlic Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and lightly bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to let it burn.
3. Sauté the Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the beans evenly in the buttery garlic mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender-crisp.
4. Finish with Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest thoroughly, tossing the green beans so they are well coated with the bright citrus flavor.
5. Serve: Transfer the savory garlic butter green beans to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm to enjoy a delicious and simple vegetable side.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
• Blanching the green beans before sautéing helps retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
• You can substitute unsalted butter with olive oil for a dairy-free option, though it will change the flavor profile.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
• Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness; avoid pre-packaged lemon juice for the best flavor.

Keywords: garlic butter green beans, sautéed green beans, easy vegetable side dish, lemon green beans, healthy green bean recipe