Buttery Green Beans Recipe
I absolutely adore this recipe for sautéed green beans because it’s incredibly simple yet bursts with fresh flavors that remind me of cozy family dinners and vibrant farmer’s markets. Plus, that delightful garlic butter aroma is a comforting hug in the form of a side dish, and the zesty lemon finish is just a bonus that keeps me coming back for more!
A simple but lovely side dish can be made with fresh green beans. I use a pound of fresh green beans, the best of the batch, for this recipe.
They are the star, shown off in all their crisp and tender glory. Then come 2 tablespoons of butter and a couple of cloves of minced garlic.
You don’t need to use these amounts exactly; I often eyeball the garlic and cook it longer. But don’t get crazy with the amounts, or the beans will taste more like a green bean casserole and less like the glorious beans we want.
Ingredients
Fresh Green Beans:
They have a crisp texture and are full of fiber and vitamins.
Butter:
Enriches and creams, rendering flavor with healthful fats.
Garlic:
Injects a perfumed, savory depth and delivers potent immune-boosting effects.
Lemon Juice:
Acidity is an option.
Affects flavor.
Gives more brightness, more depth.
And, most importantly, it can be a source of vitamin C.
Fresh Parsley:
Herbaceous explosion optional; antioxidant and nutrient-rich burst.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. A large pot should be filled with water and brought to a boil. A pinch of salt should then be added to the water, which will serve to heighten the taste of the green beans.
2. If it is not already done, trim the ends from the fresh green beans while the water heats.
3. When the water reaches a vigorous boil, add the green beans. Let them simmer for about 4-5 minutes until they attain a bright green color and a tender-crisp texture.
4. The green beans should be drained immediately and transferred to an ice bath or cold water in order to stop the cooking process.
5. Place a large skillet on medium heat. Add the butter, and let it melt completely.
6. Add the garlic that has been minced to the butter and sauté for approximately 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being cautious not to let it burn.
7. Place the drained green beans into the skillet, and toss them to coat evenly with the butter and garlic.
8. Add salt and black pepper to the green beans and stir well to combine.
9. Drizzle the lemon juice over the green beans for a fresh, zesty flavor, if you like.
10. Move the green beans, buttery and warm, to a serving dish. If you have fresh parsley, chop some and sprinkle it over the beans for garnish. And that, my friends, is how you serve the loveliest of green beans, straight from the bowl and into your excited, awaiting mouths.
Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Skillet
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Colander
6. Mixing spoon
7. Measuring spoons
8. Bowl (for ice bath)
9. Serving dish
FAQ
- Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?Indeed, frozen green beans can be used. Simply ensure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking, to eliminate excess moisture that might otherwise dampen the dish.
- What can I use instead of butter for a dairy-free option?You can use olive oil or a butter substitute that is dairy-free in their place for a similar flavor profile.
- Is lemon juice necessary, or can it be skipped?Lemon juice is optional but recommended for a bright, fresh flavor. Without it, though, the dish is still delicious.
- How can I add more flavor to this dish?Think about including a small amount of red pepper flakes or finishing the dish with some grated Parmesan cheese to boost the flavor.
- How long should I steam or boil the green beans?To achieve the best texture, the green beans can be steamed or boiled for approximately 4–5 minutes until they reach the tender-crisp stage.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?The green beans are best served fresh. However, you can prepare them and refrigerate them. Sauté in garlic and butter just before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Butter: For a non-dairy option, replace with olive oil or vegan butter.
Garlic: If fresh garlic is not available, use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Salt: Experiment with sea salt or Kosher salt as an alternative.
Black pepper: For a milder flavor, white pepper can be used.
Lemon juice: Replace with lime juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar.
Pro Tips
1. Blanching Brilliance: After boiling the green beans, shock them in an ice bath or very cold water. This not only stops the cooking immediately but also helps preserve their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
2. Garlic Boost: Consider crushing the garlic with a little salt before mincing it. This can help release more of its natural oils and enhance the flavor throughout the dish.
3. Butter Browning: Allow the butter to brown slightly in the skillet before adding the garlic. This will give the dish a nutty, deeper flavor, but be careful not to let it burn.
4. Season Strategically: Season at multiple stages. A pinch of salt in the boiling water enhances the beans’ inherent flavor, and finishing with salt and pepper ensures that flavor is consistent throughout.
5. Zest Up: If adding lemon juice, consider also zesting the lemon and adding a bit of zest along with the juice. This will give a stronger citrus aroma and add a lovely brightness to the dish.
Buttery Green Beans Recipe
My favorite Buttery Green Beans Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Skillet
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Colander
6. Mixing spoon
7. Measuring spoons
8. Bowl (for ice bath)
9. Serving dish
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. A large pot should be filled with water and brought to a boil. A pinch of salt should then be added to the water, which will serve to heighten the taste of the green beans.
2. If it is not already done, trim the ends from the fresh green beans while the water heats.
3. When the water reaches a vigorous boil, add the green beans. Let them simmer for about 4-5 minutes until they attain a bright green color and a tender-crisp texture.
4. The green beans should be drained immediately and transferred to an ice bath or cold water in order to stop the cooking process.
5. Place a large skillet on medium heat. Add the butter, and let it melt completely.
6. Add the garlic that has been minced to the butter and sauté for approximately 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being cautious not to let it burn.
7. Place the drained green beans into the skillet, and toss them to coat evenly with the butter and garlic.
8. Add salt and black pepper to the green beans and stir well to combine.
9. Drizzle the lemon juice over the green beans for a fresh, zesty flavor, if you like.
10. Move the green beans, buttery and warm, to a serving dish. If you have fresh parsley, chop some and sprinkle it over the beans for garnish. And that, my friends, is how you serve the loveliest of green beans, straight from the bowl and into your excited, awaiting mouths.