Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe
Introduction
Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Fresh green beans are blanched to retain their crispness, then tossed in a rich garlic-butter sauce brightened with lemon and fresh herbs. This easy recipe elevates a humble vegetable into a delicious accompaniment.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 2–3 minutes until they turn bright emerald and are just tender. Immediately transfer the beans to an ice-water bath to stop cooking and preserve color. Drain well and pat dry.
- Step 2: Melt the butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Once it foams, add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the pan bottom to dissolve any browned garlic bits. Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes until it reduces slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 5: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and gently toss to coat each bean with the garlic-butter sauce. The residual heat will finish cooking while keeping the beans crisp-tender.
- Step 6: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the beans for a fresh finish. Give everything a quick stir and remove from heat.
- Step 7: Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle any remaining sauce on top, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use fresh thyme or basil instead of parsley for a different herbal note.
- To save time, blanch the green beans a day ahead and store them drained in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Storage
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve their texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soft and less vibrant.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Fresh green beans yield the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen green beans. Thaw and drain them thoroughly before sautéing, as they tend to release extra moisture.
How do I keep the green beans bright green and crisp?
Blanch the green beans briefly in salted boiling water, then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. This method locks in their color and crunch.
PrintSavory Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe
Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish featuring fresh green beans blanched to retain their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture. Tossed in a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce brightened with lemon zest and juice, and finished with fresh parsley, this dish combines richness and brightness for a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garlic-Butter Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preparing the Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add trimmed green beans and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes, until they turn a vivid emerald color and are just barely tender. Immediately transfer to an ice-water bath to stop cooking and preserve the bright color. Drain well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Making the Garlic-Butter Sauce – Heat the Butter: Melt butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Once it begins to foam, add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to release garlic’s natural oils without bitterness.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the pan bottom to dissolve browned garlic bits. Let simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, reducing slightly until it coats the back of a spoon, creating a silky sauce base.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. The acidity balances the butter’s richness. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Tossing & Finishing – Add the Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, spreading evenly. Toss gently to coat with the garlic-butter sauce. Residual heat finishes cooking, keeping beans crisp-tender.
- Finish with Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the beans for a fresh, herbaceous note and give a quick stir. Remove from heat.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer beans to a serving platter, drizzle remaining sauce over top, and serve hot. The glossy coating and bright lemon notes make an impressive side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Do not overcook the beans during blanching to maintain texture and color.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic as it can burn quickly.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for preferred brightness.
- Parsley is optional but adds a lovely fresh finish to the dish.
Keywords: garlic butter green beans, green bean side dish, easy vegetable side, lemon green beans, garlic sauce vegetables, stovetop vegetable recipe
