Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

Savory garlic butter green beans are a simple and flavorful side dish that elevates any meal. Featuring fresh green beans sautéed in rich butter and aromatic garlic, this dish offers a perfect balance of taste and texture. It’s a quick and nutritious option that complements a variety of main courses.

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). 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

• Use fresh, crisp green beans and trim the ends for the best texture and flavor.
• To avoid burnt garlic, sauté it over medium heat and remove as soon as it turns golden.
• Substitute half the butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
• Include sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for a colorful twist.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to your preference.
• To make it vegan, replace butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil.

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 maintain their texture and avoid overcooking. Microwaving is convenient but may soften the beans further.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the sautéing process and texture.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook garlic over medium heat and add it after the butter has melted and warmed. Stir frequently and remove it from heat once it turns light golden to avoid bitterness from burning.

Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 81 reviews

Savory garlic butter green beans are a quick and flavorful side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed in rich butter and aromatic garlic, finished with a bright splash of lemon juice and zest. This easy recipe blends buttery richness and fresh citrus, creating a healthy, vibrant accompaniment perfect for grilled meats, roasted poultry, or vegetarian meals.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Main 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. 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 thoroughly 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, taking care not to let it burn.
3. Sauté the Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the beans evenly. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender-crisp and fully infused with the garlic butter flavor.
4. Finish with Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, tossing the green beans to ensure all are evenly coated. The lemon adds brightness and balances the buttery richness.
5. Serve: Transfer the savory garlic butter green beans to a serving dish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy immediately as a delicious, vibrant side dish.

Notes

• To avoid burning garlic, cook it over medium heat and watch closely, stirring frequently.
• For best texture and flavor, use fresh green beans in season; if using frozen, thaw and dry completely before cooking.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, adding red pepper flakes for spice or fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for variation.
• This recipe can be made vegan by substituting butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
• Blanching the green beans preserves their vibrant color and crispness before sautéing.

Keywords: garlic butter green beans, sautéed green beans, easy side dish, lemon green beans, healthy vegetable side, quick green beans recipe