Introduction
Green beans are a delightful, crisp, and healthy side dish that effortlessly pairs with almost anything on your table. In this recipe, we elevate these tender-crisp green beans with buttery garlic for a flavor that feels restaurant-quality right at home. Best of all, this dish is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and ideal for holidays or weeknight dinners.
Recipe Summary
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ tsp lemon zest or 1 tsp lemon juice for brightness
- Optional garnish: toasted almonds or grated parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Drain and immediately transfer beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add olive oil.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to let it brown).
- Add green beans, salt, and pepper. Toss and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and lightly coated.
- Finish with lemon zest or parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Tips
For a crunchy twist, consider adding toasted almonds as a garnish. Alternatively, grated parmesan can add a rich flavor to your garlic butter green beans. Enjoy this dish with your favorite main course!