Description
Garlic Lemon Green Beans
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Blanch the green beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat them in the garlic oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
Add lemon: Sprinkle lemon zest over the beans and squeeze fresh lemon juice on top. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy as a vibrant side!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 110 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Garlic Lemon Green Beans every time. First, prepare your ingredients: trim the ends from the beans, mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lemon. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. While waiting, prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. Once boiling, add the green beans and blanch for exactly 2-3 minutes until they turn a vibrant green. Immediately drain and plunge them into the ice bath to lock in color and crispness. Drain again and pat dry. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 seconds—just until fragrant but not browned. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the dried beans, and toss constantly for 2-3 minutes to heat through and get a slight sear. Remove from heat, then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss vigorously to ensure every bean is coated.
Serving Suggestions
These vibrant beans are a versatile side dish. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or pan-seared steak for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, pair them with a quinoa salad or a creamy risotto. To elevate the presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of toasted almond slices or grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday dinner table, offering a bright contrast to richer dishes.
How-to Summary
To make Garlic Lemon Green Beans: trim beans, blanch in boiling salted water for 2-3 mins, then shock in ice water. Sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add beans to skillet and toss for 2-3 mins. Off heat, toss with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but skip the blanching step. Thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before sautéing to avoid steaming.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can blanch the beans and prepare the garlic-lemon mixture ahead. Sauté and combine just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
My garlic burned. What happened?
The oil was likely too hot. Always sauté garlic over medium-low heat and keep it moving. If it browns too quickly, remove it and add it back with the lemon at the end.
Is there a way to make this less tangy?
Absolutely. Start with half the lemon juice, taste, and add more as desired. You can also balance acidity with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Blanch & Shock: This step is crucial for bright color and crisp-tender texture. Don’t just boil them until fully cooked.
- Burning the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Use medium-low heat and sauté just until fragrant.
- Adding Lemon Juice Too Early: Adding lemon juice while the skillet is on high heat can cause it to evaporate and lose its fresh flavor. Always add it at the end, off the heat.
- Crowding the Skillet: Adding too many beans at once steams them. Cook in batches if necessary for a good sear.
Conclusion
This Garlic Lemon Green Beans recipe is a testament to how a few simple, fresh ingredients can create an extraordinary side dish. The method of blanching and shocking ensures a perfect bite, while the finish of fresh lemon and garlic provides a bright, aromatic flavor that complements almost any main course. It’s a quick, healthy, and reliably delicious recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your culinary rotation.