Ingredients
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional for extra richness)
Instructions
Blanch the green beans
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking.
Heat the butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (and olive oil if using).
Cook the garlic
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Sauté the green beans
Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
Season and finish
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and slightly blistered.
Add finishing touches
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Use fresh beans: Fresh green beans provide the best crisp texture and flavor.
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Don’t overcook: Keep the beans slightly crisp for the best texture.
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Dry the beans well: After blanching, make sure they are dry so they sauté rather than steam.
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Use medium heat: Garlic burns quickly, so keep the heat moderate.
Variations
1. Almond Garlic Green Beans
Add ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds for crunch.
2. Lemon Garlic Green Beans
Add extra lemon juice and a little lemon zest for brightness.
3. Bacon Garlic Green Beans
Cook chopped bacon first, then sauté the beans in the bacon fat with garlic.
4. Spicy Garlic Green Beans
Add red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce.
5. Asian-Inspired Green Beans
Swap butter for sesame oil and add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g