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- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons toasted almonds, chopped (for garnish) Fresh green beans are the star of this dish. They bring a crisp texture and a bright color. You can find them in any grocery store, usually in the produce section. Next, we use unsalted butter to create a rich, savory flavor. The garlic adds a wonderful aroma and taste. For seasoning, I like to keep it simple. Salt and black pepper enhance the natural flavor of the beans. If you want a little heat, add red pepper flakes. This option is great for those who enjoy a spicy kick. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add some optional ingredients. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. The zest adds even more flavor. Finally, toasted almonds give a lovely crunch and additional flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Blanch the green beans. To start, fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. This step helps the green beans keep their bright color and adds flavor. Once the water boils, it’s time to add the green beans. Blanch them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. After blanching, grab a slotted spoon and move the beans into a bowl of ice water. This cools them down fast and stops the cooking. Let them sit for a few minutes, then drain and set aside. - Melt butter and sauté garlic. - Add green beans and seasonings. Next, grab a large skillet and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it melts and bubbles, add the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it for about a minute, but don’t let it brown. You want the garlic to smell great, not burnt. Now, it’s time for the blanched green beans. Toss them in the skillet and mix well. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and if you like heat, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the beans are hot and coated in that delicious garlic butter. - Drizzle with lemon juice and zest. - Garnish with toasted almonds. Remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the green beans, and add the zest of one lemon. Toss everything again to mix the flavors well. For the final touch, transfer the green beans to a serving platter and sprinkle on 2 tablespoons of chopped toasted almonds. These add a nice crunch and flavor. For the full recipe, you can find it above. Enjoy your simple and savory garlic butter green beans! To get bright green and crisp green beans, you must blanch them. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it boils, add the trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but still firm. After that, transfer them quickly to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking. It keeps the beans vibrant and crunchy. When cooking garlic, keep a close eye on it. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and stir it constantly. Cook for just about one minute until you smell that lovely aroma. If you let the garlic brown, it can turn bitter and strong. You want to keep the flavor mild and sweet, to complement the green beans. Garlic butter green beans make a great side dish. They pair well with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish. You can also serve them with rice or pasta for a complete meal. They add a nice crunch and flavor that everyone will love. For dinner parties, they look beautiful on a platter, especially with the toasted almonds on top. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_2}} You can easily switch green beans for other veggies. Asparagus works great. Just trim the ends and cook the same way. Broccoli is another fantastic option. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and blanch it. Both veggies soak up the garlic butter flavor well. Want to spice things up? Try adding fresh herbs. Basil and thyme give a nice touch. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for heat. If you like a hint of sweetness, mix in a bit of honey. These small changes make the dish pop with taste. Looking for a vegan option? Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. This keeps it rich and flavorful. For a nut-free version, just skip the almonds. The dish still tastes amazing without them. These adjustments let everyone enjoy this dish. For the full recipe of Garlic Butter Green Beans, check out the earlier section. After making Garlic Butter Green Beans, let them cool to room temperature. Place the leftover beans in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. When you want to enjoy them again, just take them out and warm them up. You can freeze Garlic Butter Green Beans for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can and seal it tight. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm. Garlic Butter Green Beans stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture. If they do not smell right, it is best to toss them. To keep them tasting great, use them within these time frames. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make Garlic Butter Green Beans, follow these steps: 1. Boil Water: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Blanch Beans: Add 1 pound of trimmed green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender but still crisp. 3. Ice Bath: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beans into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking. Let them cool, then drain. 4. Melt Butter: In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. 5. Sauté Garlic: Add 4 minced cloves of garlic and stir for about 1 minute. Avoid browning the garlic. 6. Add Beans: Toss in the blanched green beans and coat them in the garlic butter. 7. Season: Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes. 8. Finish: Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and the zest of 1 lemon. Toss to mix. 9. Serve: Transfer to a platter and top with 2 tablespoons of chopped toasted almonds for garnish. You can find the Full Recipe for more detailed steps. Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They can be a great time-saver. However, frozen beans may need a bit more cooking time. - Cooking Tip: Do not thaw them before cooking. Just add them to boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. - Flavor Note: Since frozen beans may lose some crunch, ensure you sauté them longer in the garlic butter to enhance the flavor. The best way to reheat Garlic Butter Green Beans is on the stove. This method keeps them crisp. - Stovetop Method: Place the beans in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often for about 3-5 minutes until heated through. - Microwave Method: If you use a microwave, heat them in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to avoid overcooking. These reheating methods help retain the flavor and texture of this simple and savory dish. This blog post provided a simple guide for making Garlic Butter Green Beans. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect blanched beans. You also learned about variations, storage options, and answers to common questions. For a fresh side dish, these green beans offer great taste and easy prep. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and get creative with your ingredients. This recipe can fit any meal, making your dining experience more enjoyable.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Elevate your meal with this delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe! In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy fresh green beans tossed in rich garlic butter, zesty lemon, and topped with crunchy almonds for a burst of flavor. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion, this recipe is quick and simple. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and make this vibrant dish that will delight your taste buds at your next meal!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons toasted almonds, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.

    Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

      Using a slotted spoon, transfer the green beans to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes, then drain and set aside.

        In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

          Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant (avoid browning the garlic).

            Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, and toss them to coat in the garlic butter.

              Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the beans are heated through.

                Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss again to incorporate all flavors.

                  Transfer the green beans to a serving platter and garnish with toasted almonds on top.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 15 mins | 4 servings