Lemon Garlic Green Beans (Printable)
Crisp green beans tossed with garlic and lemon for a fresh, flavorful side dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
→ Aromatics
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
→ Seasoning
04 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Finish
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
→ Optional
08 - 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to halt cooking. Drain again and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
03 - Add blanched green beans to the skillet. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Sauté, tossing frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and tender-crisp.
04 - Remove skillet from heat. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the beans. Toss to combine evenly.
05 - Transfer green beans to a serving platter. Garnish with toasted sliced almonds if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This side dish feels like sharing a secret: simple ingredients transformed into a vibrant, fresh plate.
- It quickly became a favorite because it adds a zesty brightness that livens up any meal without fuss.
02 -
- Blanching the green beans and shocking in ice water is the key to keeping that fresh snap and bright green color you crave.
- Adding lemon zest at the end, rather than during cooking, preserves its vibrant citrus oils and fragrance that lift the whole dish.
03 -
- Don't rush the blanching—this step locks in texture and color making all the difference.
- Use freshly grated lemon zest for the brightest, freshest flavor that really makes the dish sing.