Lemon Green Beans Garlic (Print View)
Bright green beans cooked with garlic and lemon for a fresh, tangy side.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
→ Aromatics & Flavors
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
→ Seasonings
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish (optional)
08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
09 - Lemon wedges
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
02 - Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
03 - Drain the beans thoroughly and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well once cooled.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.
05 - Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic oil and sauté for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
06 - Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure the beans are evenly coated.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Ready in 20 minutes but tastes like you spent the afternoon on it.
- The lemon keeps everything sharp and alive instead of heavy or boring.
- Works just as well served warm alongside dinner or at room temperature for a picnic.
02 -
- Do not skip the ice bath; it's the secret to keeping beans crisp instead of mealy and gray.
- Add the lemon at the end, not at the beginning, or it fades into the background and you lose that snap of citrus everyone remembers.
03 -
- Buy your lemon a day ahead and leave it on the counter—it'll yield more juice when you're ready to use it.
- If your beans are thick and fat, split them lengthwise before boiling so they cook evenly and look more elegant on the plate.