Description
This Buttery Garlic Green Beans recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy fresh green beans. Blanched to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, then sautéed in rich butter and aromatic garlic, these green beans make a perfect side dish for any meal. Optional touches of red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, while lemon juice and fresh parsley provide brightness and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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)
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.
- Shock the Green Beans: Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and retain their vibrant 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, and sauté for 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 thoroughly and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and infused with garlic butter flavor.
- Season and Serve: Season the green beans with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice if using. Toss well to combine all flavors.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve the green beans hot as a delicious, buttery, and garlicky side dish.
Notes
- Blanching the green beans before sautéing helps them retain color and crispness.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic during sautéing, as it can become bitter quickly.
- Red pepper flakes add a nice subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Lemon juice adds brightness and can be adjusted or skipped according to preference.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a fresh herbal note and color contrast.
