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