Description
Lemon Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients
1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves (minced)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions
Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add green beans: Toss the green beans into the skillet, stirring to coat them in the garlic oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Finish with lemon and cheese: Remove from heat, stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy this fresh and zesty side dish!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 110 kcal per serving
#LemonGarlicGreenBeans #EasySideDish #HealthyRecipes #QuickAndSimple #FreshFlavors #Vegetarian
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Lemon Garlic Green Beans every time. First, prepare your ingredients: trim the ends from one pound of fresh green beans, mince two garlic cloves, and zest and juice one lemon. Next, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and blanch for exactly 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately drain and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process, locking in color and texture. Drain thoroughly. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60-90 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the garlic-infused oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat. Finally, add the lemon zest, one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
These vibrant green beans are a versatile side dish. They pair beautifully with grilled or roasted chicken, salmon, or steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or farro and a protein-rich bean salad. To elevate the presentation, garnish with extra lemon zest, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or additional Parmesan cheese just before serving.
How-to Summary
In summary, the process is quick: Blanch beans in boiling water, then shock in ice water. Sauté minced garlic in olive oil. Add beans to the skillet to warm. Off the heat, finish with lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, you can. Thaw and pat them dry first, but skip the blanching step. Sauté them directly in the skillet for a few extra minutes to heat through.
2. How can I make this dish vegan? Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The lemon and garlic provide plenty of flavor on their own.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can blanch the beans and prepare the garlic-lemon mixture ahead. Store separately in the fridge. Quickly sauté and combine just before serving for the best texture.
4. What if I don’t have an ice bath? If you don’t have ice, rinse the blanched beans under very cold running water for a full minute to stop the cooking process.
5. My garlic always burns. How do I prevent this? Ensure your skillet is at medium, not high, heat. Add the garlic and stir constantly. It should become fragrant quickly; remove it from the heat if it starts to brown too fast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Blanch & Shock: This step is crucial for crisp-tender beans and vibrant color. Do not just sauté raw beans.
- Burning the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Sauté it gently and briefly over medium heat.
- Adding Lemon While Cooking: Adding lemon juice to the hot skillet can cause it to turn bitter. Always add citrus off the heat.
- Overcrowding the Skillet: If your skillet is too small, the beans will steam instead of sauté. Use a large pan or cook in batches.
Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Green Beans recipe is a foolproof way to create an impressive, healthy side dish in just 15 minutes. The combination of bright citrus, savory garlic, and salty Parmesan transforms simple green beans into a memorable part of any meal. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced dish every time. It’s a classic technique with a flavorful twist that is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.