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You need 1 pound of fresh green beans. Trim the ends for a clean bite. Look for bright green beans that feel firm. This ensures your dish has the best flavor and texture. Use 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter for a rich taste. The butter adds creaminess and depth. Mince 4 cloves of garlic finely. Garlic brings a powerful aroma and flavor to the beans. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can taste bitter. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest for a zesty kick. The zest brightens the flavor and adds freshness. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to enhance the taste. For a bit of heat, consider ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. Finally, chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley to garnish. This adds color and freshness to your dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with a medium pot. Fill it with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans. Blanch them for 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. After blanching, drain the green beans in a colander. Transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps them crunchy. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch as it becomes frothy. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great but not brown. Burnt garlic can ruin the taste, so keep an eye on it. Now, it’s time for the green beans. Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Use tongs to toss them in the garlic butter. Make sure they are coated well. Next, mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice. If you like spice, add the red pepper flakes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring often. The beans should heat through and become tender. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors as needed. Finally, transfer the sautéed green beans to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. To keep your green beans crispy, blanch them right. Boil them for only 3-4 minutes. This step makes sure they stay bright and crunchy. After blanching, cool them in ice water. This stops the cooking process. You want that snap when you bite into them. You can tweak the flavor to match your taste. Add more lemon zest for brightness. If you love spice, toss in more red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper are key too; adjust them to your liking. Taste as you go, and don’t be shy to experiment! For the best look, serve your green beans on a white platter. The bright green color really pops. Before serving, sprinkle some extra lemon zest and parsley on top. It adds freshness and makes the dish more inviting. A good presentation will make your meal shine! Pro Tips Blanching for Brightness: Blanching the green beans before sautéing helps maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Make sure to plunge them into ice water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process. Butter Temperature: When melting butter, keep it over medium heat. This prevents it from browning too quickly, which can lead to a burnt flavor when adding garlic. Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to omit the red pepper flakes or adjust the amount to your liking. You can also substitute with a milder spice for a different flavor profile. Garnishing for Flavor: Adding fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor. Consider using other fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can make garlic butter sautéed green beans even better by adding nuts or cheese. Nuts like almonds or walnuts give a nice crunch. Just toast them lightly to enhance their flavor. For cheese lovers, try adding grated Parmesan or crumbled feta. This adds a salty, creamy touch that complements the beans well. Spice it up by using different herbs and spices. Instead of red pepper flakes, you can use smoked paprika for a warm flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also brighten the dish. A dash of soy sauce can add an umami kick. Experiment with what you enjoy most! Don’t feel limited to just green beans! You can use other vegetables for a colorful twist. Try asparagus or snap peas for a similar crunch. Broccoli florets also work well when cooked properly. Just remember to adjust cooking time based on the vegetable you choose. Enjoy the variety! After you make garlic butter sautéed green beans, let them cool first. Once cooled, put them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping them in a sealed container helps maintain their flavor and texture. To reheat your green beans, you can use a skillet or the microwave. If using a skillet, add a bit of butter over medium heat. Just warm them for about three to five minutes while stirring. This method keeps them crisp. If you prefer the microwave, heat on medium for one to two minutes. Make sure to check them often to avoid overcooking. You can freeze garlic butter sautéed green beans, but they may lose some crunch. First, cool them down and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy them later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They are easy to find and save time. Just remember to cook them a bit longer. You don’t need to blanch them first. Simply sauté them in the garlic butter until hot. To make this dish vegan, swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil. Use the same amount for a rich flavor. You can still enjoy the garlic and lemon zest for that tasty touch. Garlic butter sautéed green beans go well with many dishes. They pair nicely with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a full meal. These beans add color and flavor to any plate. This post covered garlic butter sautéed green beans, from ingredients to storage tips. You learned about fresh green beans, garlic, and how to add flavors. We walked through steps to blanch, sauté, and make a tasty garlic butter sauce. Remember, you can customize this dish with nuts, cheeses, or other spices. Store leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoy your cooking for a crisp, flavorful side that will brighten your table.

Garlic Butter Sautéed Green Beans

A delicious and vibrant side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed in garlic butter with a hint of lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by filling a medium-sized pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt, and bringing it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes, until they turn a vibrant green and are slightly tender but still crisp.
  • After blanching, promptly drain the green beans in a colander, then transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. Let them sit for a few minutes to halt the cooking process. This technique preserves the green beans’ bright color and crunchy texture.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it becomes frothy. Carefully add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic will impart a bitter flavor.
  • Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss the beans in the garlic butter, ensuring they’re evenly coated for maximum flavor.
  • Integrate the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes into the mixture. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated thoroughly and tender to your liking.
  • Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, and quickly adjust the flavors as necessary to your preference.
  • Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and carefully transfer the sautéed green beans to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve on a pristine white platter for visual appeal. Garnish with additional lemon zest and parsley.
Keyword butter, garlic, green beans, sautéed, vegetable