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To make garlic butter green beans, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup toasted almond slivers (for garnish) These ingredients come together to make a tasty side dish. Fresh green beans are crisp and bright. The unsalted butter gives a rich flavor. Garlic adds a nice kick, while lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat if you like spice. Finally, almond slivers add a nice crunch. You can find the full recipe in the section above. Blanching the green beans Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key to keeping the green beans bright and crisp. Once the water boils, carefully add the trimmed green beans. Blanch them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them tender but still firm. Ice bath method After blanching, drain the beans quickly. Transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This ice bath stops the cooking process and helps keep their vibrant color. Let the beans cool for a few minutes, then drain them again. Set the beans aside for later. Melting the butter Next, grab a large skillet. Place it over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Watch it closely as it melts. It should foam and become slightly bubbly. This is when you know it’s ready for the garlic. Sautéing garlic Add the minced garlic to the hot butter. Stir it gently and cook for about 2 minutes. You want the garlic to be fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Tossing in green beans Now, it’s time to add those blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter, ensuring they get coated evenly. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. This step allows the beans to absorb all that rich flavor. Adding lemon zest and juice Finally, add the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Toss everything well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For the final touch, garnish with toasted almond slivers before serving. For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe. To get the best green beans, timing is key. Blanching them for 3-4 minutes gives a tender-crisp feel. The beans should be bright green. If you overcook them, they will turn mushy. To keep the crunch, plunge them into ice water right after blanching. This stops the cooking process and locks in that vibrant color. Want to add a twist? Try spices like smoked paprika or cumin. These can give your beans a unique kick. You can also explore garlic variations. Instead of fresh, use roasted garlic for a sweeter taste. For a bolder flavor, try adding garlic powder or garlic oil. Garnishing can turn your dish into a feast for the eyes. Sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top for a nutty touch. You can also add a few lemon wedges for color. For serving sizes, aim for 1/4 of the dish per person. Pair these beans with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! {{image_2}} You can change the green beans for other veggies. Try using asparagus or broccoli. Both add a nice crunch. You can also use snap peas for a sweet twist. Each veggie gives its own taste and texture. If you want to add a nutty flavor, swap almonds for walnuts or pecans. These nuts bring a different taste. You can even use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. They add great crunch and flavor too. To change the flavor, think about adding cheese or herbs. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds richness. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can brighten the dish. Just chop them and mix in at the end. If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also try cayenne pepper for a kick. Adjust to your taste, and make it as spicy as you like. Making this dish vegan is easy. Just replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter. It keeps the rich flavor without dairy. For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese and use plant-based toppings. If you are following a low-carb plan, skip the nuts. You can add more green beans or other low-carb veggies. This keeps the dish light and healthy without losing flavor. For the full recipe, check out the steps to make these garlic butter green beans. To store leftover garlic butter green beans, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool them down first. This helps keep them fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Always check for any off smells before you eat them. This is key for food safety. If you see any signs of mold, throw them away. Freezing garlic butter green beans is a great way to save them for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, heat them in a skillet over low heat until warm. Garlic butter green beans last about three days in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Always label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness. Enjoy your delicious green beans while they are still at their best! To make garlic butter green beans, follow these simple steps: 1. Boil a large pot of salted water. 2. Add 1 lb of trimmed green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes. 3. Drain the beans and place them in ice water to cool. 4. In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. 5. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 2 minutes. 6. Toss in the green beans and cook for another 3-4 minutes. 7. Stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. 8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and top with toasted almond slivers. This recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor. You can find the full recipe above. Yes, you can use frozen green beans! However, fresh green beans have a better texture and flavor. Frozen beans may become mushy if overcooked. If using frozen beans, skip the blanching step. Just sauté them directly in the garlic butter. This saves time but may change the taste slightly. Fresh beans are crispier and have a brighter flavor. Garlic butter green beans pair well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or fish - Roast beef or pork - Quinoa or rice dishes - Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes These sides enhance the meal and add nutrition. Feel free to mix and match as you like! Garlic butter can be part of a healthy diet. Butter adds flavor but also calories. A tablespoon has about 100 calories. Garlic offers health benefits, like boosting your immune system. Lemon adds vitamin C, which is great for you. Use butter in moderation for a balanced diet. You can also substitute with olive oil for a healthier option. In this post, we explored how to make delicious garlic butter green beans. We covered the ingredients, preparation, and cooking steps. I shared tips for perfect texture and flavor, along with variations for special diets. Remember, you can make this dish your own by changing ingredients or spices. Follow the storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Garlic butter green beans are easy, flavorful, and a great addition to any meal. Enjoy creating your own version!

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Elevate your dinner table with this quick and delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up tender-crisp green beans sautéed in rich garlic butter, enhanced with fresh lemon and a hint of spice. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, this easy recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to discover the full recipe and make this delightful treat tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup toasted almond slivers (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.

    Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green.

      Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes, then drain again and set aside.

        In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it foams, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes or until fragrant and lightly golden.

          Stir in the blanched green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, tossing to coat them evenly with the garlic butter.

            Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss again until the beans are well seasoned.

              Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                Remove from heat and garnish the green beans with toasted almond slivers before serving.

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