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- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish To make garlic butter green beans, you need fresh green beans. They give a crisp texture and a bright color. I choose unsalted butter for cooking. It melts well and blends nicely with the garlic. You will need minced garlic, which adds rich flavor. Fresh garlic works best. Lemon zest and juice bring brightness. They help cut through the richness of the butter. Season your dish with salt and pepper. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Finally, fresh parsley adds a touch of color and flavor as a garnish. I like to keep my ingredients simple and fresh. You can find all these ingredients at your local store. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. First, fill a medium pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. This salt helps bring out the flavor of the green beans. Once boiling, add 1 pound of fresh green beans. Boil them for 3-4 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. Next, prepare an ice bath. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. After the green beans finish cooking, quickly transfer them to the ice bath. This stops the cooking and keeps the beans crunchy. Let them sit for about 5 minutes, then drain well. Now, it’s time to make the garlic butter. In a large skillet, add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Heat the skillet over medium heat until the butter melts. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not browned. This step adds a rich flavor to the dish. Now, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Stir them gently to coat with the garlic butter. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. These add brightness and balance to the dish. Stir well to combine. Next, season the beans with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Sauté everything for an additional 2-3 minutes. This ensures the beans heat through and absorb the flavors. Now you have a delicious side dish ready to serve! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. - Overcooking the green beans: This can make them mushy. Cook them just until bright green and tender. - Not using enough seasoning: Garlic and butter need a good balance of salt. Taste as you cook. - Fresh vs. dried garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong taste. Dried garlic can be convenient but lacks freshness. Always choose fresh when you can. - Importance of butter quality: Use high-quality unsalted butter. It enhances flavor and allows you to control the salt level. - How to garnish effectively: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Sprinkle it on right before serving for best effect. - Serving suggestions on various dishes: Garlic butter green beans pair well with grilled meats, pasta, or rice. They add a pop of color and flavor to any plate. For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of garlic butter green beans. Adding nuts, like almonds or walnuts, gives a nice crunch. Nuts add protein and healthy fats too. They make the dish feel more special. You can also add cheese. Parmesan or feta brings a creamy texture that pairs well with the beans. Cheese adds saltiness and depth to the dish. If you want a lighter option, try olive oil instead of butter. Olive oil keeps the flavor but cuts down on saturated fat. It works well in this recipe and adds a nice taste. You can also add other vegetables. Carrots or bell peppers mix well with green beans. They add color and nutrients, making the dish even better. You can cook green beans in different ways. Cooking in the oven gives them a roasted flavor. Just toss them with garlic butter and bake until tender. The stovetop method is quick and easy. It lets you watch the beans closely. Grilling green beans adds a smoky taste that is hard to beat. The high heat gives them a char that enhances the flavor. You can try any of these methods to switch things up. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Green Beans section. To keep your garlic butter green beans fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. These beans stay good for about 3 to 4 days. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. When reheating, aim to keep the beans crisp. The best way is to use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a little butter to help steam them. This method helps avoid sogginess and keeps the beans tasty. If you have extra green beans, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Place them in freezer-safe bags, and remove as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat them in a skillet to bring back their texture. Enjoy your garlic butter green beans even after a long time! To keep green beans crunchy, cook them for 3-4 minutes. This time allows them to be bright green and tender but still crisp. After cooking, quickly move them to an ice bath. This stops the cooking and preserves their crunch. For a firmer bite, reduce the cooking time by one minute. Yes, you can prepare garlic butter green beans ahead of time. Cook the beans and garlic butter as directed. Let them cool, then store in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat to maintain their taste and texture. Many spices enhance garlic butter green beans. Consider trying: - Thyme for an earthy flavor - Basil for a fresh note - Onion powder for extra depth - Paprika for a smoky taste Feel free to mix and match to find what you love best. Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It uses butter and fresh vegetables. Always check your butter brand to ensure it suits your dietary needs. You can also swap butter with olive oil for a vegan option. Enjoy this dish with confidence, knowing it fits many diets. Garlic butter green beans combine simple ingredients for a tasty dish. We covered the main steps: preparing the beans, making garlic butter, and combining them well. I shared tips to avoid mistakes, enhance flavor, and serve nicely. If you want to change things up, we explored variations too. Remember that storing and reheating correctly keeps your dish fresh. Enjoy these green beans as a side or healthy snack!

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Elevate your dinner table with this delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe! This simple and flavorful dish features fresh green beans sautéed in rich garlic butter, enhanced by zesty lemon and a hint of red pepper for a delightful kick. Perfect for any occasion, it's ready in just 20 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make side dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Green Beans: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.

    Ice Bath: Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them sit for about 5 minutes, then drain well.

      Make the Garlic Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them with the garlic butter. Drizzle in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest, stirring well to combine.

          Season: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the beans are heated through and coated with the butter and seasonings.

            Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

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