Go Back
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (for garnish) - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) What if you don’t have green beans? You can use snap peas or asparagus. These options taste great too. If you want a vegan dish, swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter. For herbs, you can try thyme or basil. They add a unique twist to the dish. Use your favorite spices for a flavor boost. A pinch of paprika or cumin can be fun to try. How to blanch green beans perfectly: To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Heat the pot until the water reaches a rolling boil. Gently place the trimmed green beans into the boiling water. Let them cook for 3 to 5 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. Tips for making an ice bath: While the green beans blanch, prepare an ice bath. Fill a bowl with cold water and add ice. Once the green beans are ready, drain them right away. Move them into the ice bath. This stops the cooking and keeps their color bright. Let them sit for a few minutes, then drain again. Sautéing garlic without burning: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the finely minced garlic. Stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic turn brown. If it does, it will taste bitter. Combining green beans and garlic butter: Now, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter. Make sure every bean gets coated. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they are heated through and shiny. Seasoning tips for the best flavor: Once the green beans are warm, add fresh lemon zest. Then, sprinkle in salt and pepper. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes. Mix everything well to blend the flavors. Garnishing ideas using fresh herbs: Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the garlicky green beans to a serving dish. For a pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This adds a lovely color and bright taste to your dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To get the perfect texture for green beans, start with fresh ones. Look for bright green beans that snap easily. Blanch them in salted water for 3-5 minutes. This helps keep their color and crunch. After blanching, plunge them into an ice bath. This stops the cooking and locks in their vibrant hue. When sautéing garlic, use medium heat. Melt the butter until it bubbles. Add minced garlic and watch it closely. Sauté for just 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, not brown. If it burns, it will taste bitter. For a kick, think about adding spices. Red pepper flakes give heat and depth. A pinch goes a long way. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for a smoky touch. Citrus boosts the flavor too. Fresh lemon zest adds brightness. It makes the dish feel fresh and lively. Just a teaspoon is enough to elevate your green beans. Serve garlic butter green beans in a nice dish. This shows off their rich green color. For extra flair, sprinkle more lemon zest on top. A few whole parsley leaves can add a pop of color. You can also arrange the beans in a fan shape or a neat pile. This makes the dish look more appealing and restaurant-style. For a touch of elegance, consider drizzling a little extra melted butter around the plate. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of garlic butter green beans. If you love spice, add red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick. Just sprinkle ¼ teaspoon in the pan while cooking. It makes the dish more exciting! For a fresh twist, try herbs. You can use thyme, rosemary, or dill. Add them when you sauté the garlic. This infuses the dish with new flavors. It creates a fragrant and tasty experience. If you need gluten-free options, you're in luck! This recipe is already gluten-free. The ingredients do not contain gluten. You can enjoy this dish without worry. For a low-carb version, skip the butter and use olive oil. This keeps the flavors while cutting down carbs. You can also serve the green beans with grilled chicken or fish. It makes for a healthy meal! Garlic butter green beans pair well with many meals. Serve them alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak. They add a fresh crunch and bright color to the plate. You can also enjoy them with rice or quinoa. This combination makes a balanced meal. Try adding a side salad for extra nutrition. It rounds out your dinner nicely. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe to explore different ways to enjoy garlic butter green beans! To keep your garlic butter green beans fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the beans in an airtight container. This method keeps them crisp for up to three days. When you want to use them, just take them out and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing. To freeze, place the cooled beans in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. These beans can last for up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water. This will help steam the beans and keep them tender. Stir them gently until warmed through, usually about 5 minutes. If you want to get creative, add them to new dishes. Toss them into a salad for a crunchy texture. You can also mix them into pasta or rice dishes for added flavor. They add a nice touch and keep meals interesting. For a quick snack, just warm them up and enjoy! How do I ensure my green beans are crisp yet tender? To keep green beans crisp and tender, blanch them. Boil them in salted water for 3-5 minutes. Then, place them in an ice bath. This stops the cooking and locks in color and crunch. Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just skip the blanching step. Sauté them for a few extra minutes to warm them through. They may be softer, but the garlic butter will still add great flavor. Caloric content and macronutrients One serving of garlic butter green beans contains about 150 calories. This dish has about 10 grams of fat, mostly from butter. The green beans provide fiber, vitamins A and C, and some protein. Health benefits of green beans and garlic Green beans are low in calories and high in nutrients. They help with digestion and support heart health. Garlic boosts your immune system and may lower blood pressure. Together, they make a healthy side dish. What to do if the garlic burns? If the garlic burns, it can taste bitter. If that happens, start over with fresh garlic. Lower the heat and sauté it for less time. Keep an eye on it, and stir often. How to adjust seasoning if too salty? If your dish is too salty, add a splash of lemon juice. This helps balance the saltiness. You can also add more green beans to dilute the salt. Adjust to your taste for the best flavor. In this article, we explored how to prepare delicious garlic butter green beans. We covered the key ingredients, preparation tips, and cooking methods. I shared ways to enhance flavor and present the dish beautifully. Remember, you can make substitutions for dietary needs or personal taste. Ultimately, this dish offers a versatile side that pairs well with many meals. Enjoy your cooking, and don’t hesitate to try your own variations!

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Discover how to make delicious garlic butter green beans that are perfect as a side dish or a light snack. This easy recipe combines fresh green beans with savory garlic and rich butter for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant and healthy accompaniment to any meal. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dining experience with this tasty twist on a classic vegetable!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions
 

Blanch the Green Beans: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 3-5 minutes, or until they are vibrant green and tender-crisp.

    Ice Bath: Once blanched, promptly drain the green beans in a colander and transfer them into a bowl filled with ice water. This will halt the cooking process and help preserve their bright color. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then drain again and set aside.

      Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and bubbly, add the finely minced garlic. Sauté gently for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can develop a bitter taste.

        Combine Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and give them a good toss in the garlic butter, ensuring they are evenly coated. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are heated through and beautifully glistening.

          Season and Flavor: Sprinkle in the fresh lemon zest, followed by salt, pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes if you're looking for a little extra heat. Toss everything together well to combine the flavors harmoniously.

            Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully transfer the garlicky green beans to a serving dish and finish by garnishing with the freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the green beans in a beautiful dish that showcases their vibrant color. Consider adding a sprinkle of extra lemon zest and a few whole parsley leaves on top for an appealing garnish.