Description
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Ingredients
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
Blanch 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 immediately transfer to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Toss Green Beans: Add the green beans to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat in the garlic oil.
Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
Finish with Parmesan: Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve: Serve warm as a fresh and flavorful side dish!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 120 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect Lemon Garlic Parmesan Green Beans every time. Start by preparing your ingredients: trim the ends from one pound of fresh green beans, mince three cloves of garlic, and zest and juice one lemon. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and blanch for exactly 3-4 minutes; this brief cook time is key for a tender-crisp texture. Immediately drain the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This “shocking” step halts the cooking process and locks in the vibrant green color. Once cool, drain thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel to ensure they sauté properly.
Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned. Add the blanched and dried green beans to the skillet. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, then toss for 1-2 minutes until the beans are heated through and coated in the garlic oil. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest, cooking for one final minute to let the flavors meld. Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the Parmesan cheese, as high heat can cause it to clump. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan and optional fresh parsley, toss once more, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
These vibrant green beans are a versatile side dish. They pair beautifully with grilled or roasted chicken, salmon, or steak. For a hearty vegetarian meal, serve them alongside a creamy risotto or a quinoa salad. To elevate a weeknight dinner, top the beans with toasted almond slices or crispy breadcrumbs for added texture. They also make an excellent addition to a holiday spread, complementing rich mains like roast turkey or glazed ham.
How-to Summary
Trim and blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 mins, then shock in ice water. Sauté minced garlic in oil until fragrant. Add beans, season, and toss. Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest. Off heat, finish with grated Parmesan cheese and optional parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, but thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess water steaming them in the pan. You can skip the blanching step if using pre-cooked frozen beans.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve texture; avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can blanch the green beans and prepare the garlic-lemon mixture ahead. Store separately and combine in the skillet with the Parmesan just before serving.
What can I substitute for Parmesan? Pecorino Romano offers a sharper flavor, while a hard aged Asiago or nutritional yeast can provide a similar salty, umami quality for a dairy-free option.
Why is my cheese clumping instead of melting into a sauce? Parmesan is best added off the direct heat. The residual warmth of the beans and skillet will melt it gently. Adding it while the skillet is on the burner can cause the proteins to seize.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the beans during blanching; they should be bright green and crisp. Do not skip the ice bath, as it stops the cooking and preserves color. Ensure your skillet is not too hot when adding the garlic, as it burns easily and becomes bitter. Do not add the Parmesan cheese while the skillet is still on the active heat source, as noted above. Finally, do not crowd the skillet when sautéing, as this will steam the beans instead of giving them a light sear.
Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Green Beans recipe transforms a simple vegetable into an elegant, flavor-packed side dish in just 20 minutes. The combination of bright citrus, savory garlic, and salty Parmesan creates a perfect balance that complements a wide variety of mains. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. It’s a reliable, healthy recipe that is sure to become a staple in your culinary rotation.