Lemon green beans are a simple and tasty side dish that brightens up any meal! The crunchy green beans are tossed with zesty lemon juice, making them fresh and delicious.
I love how quick and easy they are to make! Just steam or sauté the beans, add some lemon, and you’re ready to enjoy. They add a pop of color and flavor to the table! 🍋💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the stars of this dish. If fresh is not available, frozen green beans work too—just adjust cooking times. I find that fresh has a vibrant crunch that really shines.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but feel free to swap in another oil like avocado or canola. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder is a quick substitute; use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish. Bottled lemon juice is a quick alternative, though fresh zest really enhances the flavor profile. I always prefer using both for that zesty kick!
Nuts: Chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds add a nice crunch. If you want to keep it nut-free, try sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. Each choice adds a unique texture!
How Do You Properly Blanch Green Beans?
Blanching is key to keeping green beans crisp and vibrant. It’s super simple! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. This helps keep the green color during cooking.
- Add the trimmed green beans and cook for just 3-4 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp.
- Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water. This shocks them and stops the cooking.
- After a few minutes, drain the beans again. Now they’re ready to sauté and remain beautifully crisp!
How to Make Delicious Lemon Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Green Beans:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Flavor:
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as pistachios or almonds)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Lemon Green Beans dish will take around 15 minutes total. You’ll spend about 5 minutes prepping the ingredients and 10 minutes cooking. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect as a side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanching the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling nicely, add the trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender—they shouldn’t be mushy! This step helps keep their beautiful color and crunch.
2. Ice Bath to Stop the Cooking:
After the green beans are done cooking, drain them and quickly transfer them into a bowl of ice water. This ice bath stops the cooking process and locks in that vibrant color. Let them sit for a few minutes, then drain and set aside. You’ve done great so far!
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but be careful not to let it brown. We want that lovely garlic flavor without any bitterness!
4. Cooking the Green Beans:
Now, it’s time to add those beautiful blanched green beans to the skillet! Toss them in the garlic oil, coating them well. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the beans are heated through and tender. They should have a lovely shine from the olive oil!
5. Adding Lemon Flavor:
Next, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Give it a big stir! Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your liking. This is where the magic happens—the lemon brings everything together!
6. Garnishing the Dish:
If you want a bit of crunch, sprinkle your choice of chopped nuts over the green beans and toss gently. This step is totally optional, but it adds a nice texture! Finally, transfer the green beans to a serving dish and garnish with lemon wedges. Voilà—your dish is ready!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig into these zesty Lemon Green Beans immediately, while they’re fresh and warm. They make a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans for this recipe! Just blanch them for a minute or two longer than fresh beans, as they may need a bit more time to cook through. They’ll still taste great!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can blanch the green beans and prepare the garlic oil a few hours ahead of time. Store the blanched beans and oil separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat the oil, sauté the garlic, and then add the beans to finish the dish.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a little olive oil or water to prevent sticking, and stir gently until heated through.
Can I Substitute the Olive Oil?
Absolutely! If you prefer another oil, avocado or canola oil works well too. Just remember, different oils may slightly alter the flavor of the dish. Experiment to find your favorite combo!
