Description
Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans sautéed in fragrant garlic butter. Enhanced with optional fresh parsley, lemon zest, and a touch of red pepper flakes, this recipe delivers a vibrant and satisfying vegetable accompaniment perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs fresh green beans
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Green Beans: Wash green beans thoroughly under cool running water. Trim the tough stem ends using a snap method or a knife. Cut longer beans in half for uniform cooking if necessary.
- Blanch Beans: In a large pot, bring generously salted water (about ½ tsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add trimmed green beans and cook for 2-4 minutes until they turn a vibrant, bright green and are crisp-tender (al dente).
- Shock and Dry: Immediately transfer the blanched green beans from the boiling water into a large bowl filled with ice water to halt the cooking process. Swirl gently until completely chilled, then drain well in a colander. Pat the beans very dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to prevent steaming during sautéing.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add the 4-6 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Do not allow it to brown or burn.
- Sauté Beans: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the well-dried blanched green beans to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss the beans gently but thoroughly with tongs or a wooden spoon to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Season & Finish: Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through and have developed a very slight sear on some edges. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed. Optionally, add a tiny splash of vegetable broth to deglaze the pan for extra depth; cook until evaporated.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. If desired, garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and/or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Transfer your Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans to a serving platter and serve hot immediately.
Notes
- Blanching the green beans before sautéing helps maintain their bright color and crisp texture.
- Patting the beans dry thoroughly is key to preventing sogginess and ensuring a good sauté.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic while melting it in the butter; it should be fragrant and lightly golden.
- For added flavor, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of vegetable broth before finishing the sauté.
- Adjust seasoning at the end based on your taste preference, especially the salt and pepper.
- Optional garnishes like parsley, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes add freshness and a subtle kick.
