Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
