Introduction:
This Buttery Garlic Green Beans recipe features crisp-tender green beans sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, seasoned with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat and lemon juice for brightness. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a simple yet elegant side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- 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 are tender-crisp and bright green.
- Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and retain their color. Drain again after a few minutes 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), sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Green Beans:
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the beans in the butter and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Season and Serve:
- Season the green beans with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Toss again to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing:
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Toasted almonds or pine nuts can be added for extra texture and flavor.
- Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the green beans for a cheesy twist.
- Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or dill for different flavor profiles.
Storage/Reheating:
- Storage: Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a little extra butter if needed.
10 FAQs:
- Can I use frozen green beans?
- Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just cook them according to the package instructions before proceeding with the recipe.
- What’s the best way to trim green beans?
- Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut off the stem ends of the green beans.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Yes, margarine can be used, but the flavor may not be as rich.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
- Sauté the garlic over medium heat and keep a close eye on it, stirring frequently.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- It’s best served fresh, but you can blanch the green beans a day ahead and finish the recipe before serving.
- Can I make this dish vegan?
- Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative such as olive oil or a vegan butter.
- Is there a substitute for lemon juice?
- If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use a splash of white wine vinegar or simply omit it.
- How can I make the dish spicier?
- Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- What other vegetables can I add?
- Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or sliced carrots for additional flavor and texture.
- Can I freeze leftover green beans?
- Yes, but the texture may change. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and use within 2-3 months.
Conclusion: Buttery Garlic Green Beans are a delightful side dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With the rich taste of garlic butter and the option to add a touch of spice or brightness with lemon, this dish complements a wide range of main courses. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these green beans are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them fresh and warm for the best experience!
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Buttery Garlic Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery Garlic Green Beans is a simple and flavorful side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and lemon juice for brightness, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley and makes a delightful accompaniment to a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 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 are tender-crisp and bright green.
- Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and retain their color. Drain again after a few minutes 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), sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Green Beans:
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the beans in the butter and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Season and Serve:
- Season the green beans with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Toss again to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Blanching helps to keep the green beans vibrant and crisp.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Lemon juice adds brightness, but can be omitted if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg