Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans: 2 pounds, trimmed. Choose firm, bright green beans for the best texture and flavor. Fresh green beans are essential for this recipe to achieve that delightful snap.
- Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons. Butter adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the dish. Unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons. Provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the butter, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Freshly squeezed is always preferred for the best taste.
- Lemon Zest: 2 teaspoons. Adds a concentrated burst of lemon flavor and aromatic oils, elevating the dish with its vibrant citrus notes. Use a microplane or fine grater to zest only the yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a savory depth and aromatic complexity that complements both the lemon and butter. Mince finely for even distribution and flavor release.
- Salt: To taste. Enhances all the flavors and is crucial for seasoning the green beans properly. Kosher salt is recommended for its clean taste.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste. Adds a subtle spice and depth, balancing the bright lemon and rich butter. Freshly ground pepper offers a more robust flavor.
- Optional: Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish). Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color as a garnish. Flat-leaf parsley is recommended for its bolder flavor.
- Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (for a subtle kick). Adds a touch of heat for those who enjoy a little spice. Use sparingly or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold water. Trim the ends of the green beans. You can snap them by hand or use a knife to trim the stem end. If you prefer, you can also trim the pointed tip of the bean for a more uniform appearance, although this is optional.
- Blanch the Green Beans (Optional but Recommended): Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and crisp-tender. The blanching process helps to retain the vibrant color and crisp texture of the green beans. Don’t overcook them at this stage; they should still have a slight bite.
- Shock in Ice Water (If Blanched): Immediately transfer the blanched green beans to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water). This stops the cooking process instantly and preserves their bright green color and crispness. Let them cool in the ice bath for a few minutes, then drain them thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying is crucial for ensuring the lemon butter sauce coats them properly and doesn’t become watery.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and shimmer slightly. Be careful not to let it brown or burn.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30-60 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Sautéing briefly in butter releases its aroma and mellows its raw sharpness.
- Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet. The mixture will sizzle slightly as the lemon juice hits the hot butter. Stir to combine the lemon juice and zest with the garlic butter, creating the base for your lemon butter sauce.
- Add Green Beans to the Sauce: Add the prepared green beans (blanched and dried, or raw if skipping the blanching step) to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the green beans evenly with the sauce.
- Cook the Green Beans (If Not Blanched): If you did not blanch the green beans, cook them in the lemon butter sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and heated through. Toss occasionally to ensure even cooking and coating with the sauce. If you blanched them, you are just heating them through and infusing them with flavor, so cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Season and Finish: Season the green beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust as needed. If using, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick and toss to distribute. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g