Bright, crisp, and bursting with flavor, these Garlic Lemon Green Beans are the perfect side dish for any meal. Fresh green beans are sautéed to tender perfection with fragrant garlic and finished with a zesty squeeze of lemon juice. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, but it also adds a vibrant pop of color and a refreshing taste to your table. The combination of garlic and lemon elevates the natural sweetness of the beans, creating a delicious and healthy accompaniment to any protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the Green Beans: Once the garlic is fragrant, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat them in the oil and garlic, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until heated through and slightly blistered.
- Season: Squeeze the lemon juice over the green beans and add the lemon zest. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Toss everything together to ensure the beans are evenly coated.
- Serve: Transfer the garlic lemon green beans to a serving dish. Garnish with additional lemon wedges and enjoy warm as a delicious and vibrant side!
