Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

These Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans are a quick and flavorful side dish that brightens up any meal. Tender-crisp green beans are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain again and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and gently bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
3. Step 3: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the beans in the buttery garlic mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender-crisp.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss the green beans to ensure they are evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Transfer the savory garlic butter green beans to a serving dish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted almonds or pine nuts over the finished dish just before serving.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of garlic to 2-3 cloves.
• Swap lemon juice for a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different tangy twist.
• Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory variation.

Storage

Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to retain their tenderness and flavor. Avoid microwaving directly as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw and drain them well before sautéing to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What can I serve with these garlic butter green beans?

They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish. They also complement pasta and rice dishes well for a balanced meal.

Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 74 reviews

This Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe features fresh green beans blanched to a perfect tender-crisp texture, then sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with bright lemon zest and juice. Enhanced with a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat and garnished with fresh parsley, this side dish is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Green Beans

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 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 vibrant green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain again and set aside.
2. Make Garlic Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and gently bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
3. Sauté the Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the beans in the buttery garlic mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender-crisp.
4. Finish with Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss the green beans to ensure they are evenly coated.
5. Serve: Transfer the savory garlic butter green beans to a serving dish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

• Blanching the green beans before sautéing helps retain their bright color and crisp texture.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic during sautéing as it can turn bitter.
• Red pepper flakes are optional; adjust the amount to your preferred heat level.
• Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the dish and add a fresh flavor contrast.
• For even more flavor, consider adding a splash of toasted almonds or grated Parmesan as a topping.

Keywords: green beans, garlic butter, savory side dish, lemon zest, sautéed vegetables, healthy side