Lemon green beans are a fresh and zesty side dish that’s super easy to make! Just toss bright green beans with a splash of lemon juice and a touch of olive oil for a quick burst of flavor.
They’re great for brightening up any meal. Plus, who can resist that lovely lemony smell wafting through the kitchen? I often serve them with grilled chicken for a colorful plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: Use fresh green beans for the best crunch and flavor. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can substitute with frozen green beans, but reduce the cooking time slightly since they are already blanched before freezing.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil or melted butter could work well too, although they may change the overall flavor profile.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a bold taste. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder instead, but remember that the flavor won’t be as strong. I find that fresh minced garlic really elevates the dish.
Lemon: Fresh lemons are key for the zing! If you only have bottled lemon juice, you can use that, but fresh juice will always be more vibrant and aromatic.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These add a nice kick. If you’re not a fan of heat, skip them or use a pinch of black pepper instead for a milder flavor.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Blanched Green Beans?
Blanching green beans is a simple technique that keeps them vibrant green and crisp. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt helps season the beans while cooking.
- Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes. They should be tender but still have a bite.
- Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps retain their bright color.
- After a few minutes in the ice bath, drain the beans and set them aside. This step is crucial for preserving texture!
Following these steps ensures your green beans remain crisp and colorful, making your dish look and taste amazing!
How to Make Lemon Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Green Beans:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it around 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be enjoying this bright and flavorful side dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanching the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the trimmed green beans. Blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. After that, drain the beans and quickly toss them into a bowl filled with ice water. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps the beans bright green. After a few minutes, drain them again and set aside.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Cooking the Green Beans:
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat with the garlicky oil. Cook the green beans for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and have a slight blistered look. This adds an extra layer of flavor!
4. Flavoring the Dish:
Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle the optional crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the beans. Toss in the lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring well to mix all the flavors together.
5. Serving the Green Beans:
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the lemon green beans to a serving platter. For some extra zing, garnish with lemon wedges that everyone can squeeze over their servings as they wish.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the Lemon Green Beans warm or at room temperature as a bright, flavorful side dish. They pair perfectly with a variety of main dishes!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen green beans, skip the blanching step, as they’re already blanched before freezing. Just sauté them directly in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes until heated through.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you love heat, feel free to add more to taste or even include some fresh chili slices when sautéing the garlic.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftover green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They taste great cold in salads too! To reheat, just warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can blanch the green beans and prepare the garlic oil ahead of time. Just combine everything shortly before serving to ensure your green beans remain crisp and vibrant. Enjoy cooking!
