Lemon Garlic Green Beans (Printable)
Crisp green beans tossed with lemon and garlic create a bright, flavorful side perfect for meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
→ Aromatics
02 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasonings & Fats
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Finishing Touches
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
07 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and immediately submerge in ice water to halt cooking. Drain again and pat dry.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
03 - Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and evenly coated with oil and garlic.
04 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, tossing to combine evenly.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Hacks:
01 -
- It delivers fresh flavors that feel like a little secret shared between friends.
- The crispness balanced with zesty lemon quickly made it a favorite in my meal rotation.
02 -
- Blanching and shocking the beans in ice water is the key step that keeps them crisp and vibrant instead of soggy.
- Adding lemon zest after cooking rather than before preserves its bright, fresh flavor.
03 -
- Don't rush the garlic sauté — gently infuse the oil to build depth without bitterness.
- The secret to vibrant beans is that ice water plunge right after boiling – it's a game changer.