Description
A quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender-crisp green beans sautéed in buttery garlic with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and brightness from lemon juice. Perfect for a healthy and vibrant addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Green Beans
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- 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 they turn tender-crisp and bright green.
- Shock in Ice Water: Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. After a few minutes, drain them again and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Green Beans in Garlic Butter: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the garlic butter. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Season and Add Brightness: Season the green beans with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Toss again to combine all flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish and serve the green beans hot as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Blanching followed by shocking in ice water helps maintain the beans’ vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat level or omit for a milder dish.
- Fresh lemon juice adds a nice brightness but can be skipped if unavailable.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the salt content in the dish.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
