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- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Prepare an ice water bath for shocking the green beans. Start by boiling the water. Salt helps enhance the flavor. While waiting, get an ice bath ready. This fast cooling method keeps the beans bright green. - Sauté garlic in melted butter until fragrant. - Toss in blanched green beans and coat in garlic butter. Next, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter bubbles, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about one to two minutes. You want it fragrant but not brown. After that, toss in the blanched green beans. Stir them well to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for another three to four minutes until heated through. - Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste. - Transfer to serving dish and garnish with parsley. Finally, stir in the lemon zest, salt, and pepper. The zest gives a nice burst of flavor. Once mixed, remove from heat and transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley. This adds a fresh touch and color. To keep your green beans bright and crisp, blanch them first. Here’s how: - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add the fresh green beans and cook for about 3-5 minutes. - Look for a vivid green color and tender-crisp texture. - Quickly transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and locks in color. For the best results, don’t overcook them. Tender-crisp beans are the goal. You can easily boost the flavor of garlic butter green beans. Here are a few ideas: - Toss in some toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch. - Add cheese, such as grated Parmesan, for a savory touch. Balancing flavors makes a big difference. Think about adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for brightness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick without overwhelming the dish. Garlic butter green beans pair well with many meals. They are great alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak. For a holiday table, serve them in a beautiful dish with a sprinkle of parsley on top. This adds color and makes the dish pop. For a casual dinner, you can serve them in a simple bowl. They are easy to make and look lovely on any table. {{image_2}} You can make garlic butter green beans even better with seasonal veggies. Think about adding bright asparagus or sweet baby carrots. These vegetables bring their own flavors and textures. You can also consider using fresh peas or even zucchini. Citrus adds a nice touch too. Try using orange zest instead of lemon. It gives a sweet and tangy twist. You can also mix in lime zest for a zesty kick. These small changes can brighten your dish and make it feel fresh. If you want a vegan option, swap the butter for olive oil. This keeps the dish tasty while making it plant-based. You can also use vegan butter if you prefer that. For those who need gluten-free meals, this recipe is already great. Just stick to the fresh ingredients and you’re good. Want a low-carb side? You can skip the butter and use a little broth instead. This keeps it light and healthy while still being flavorful. To add an international flair, think about spices. You could add soy sauce for an Asian vibe. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can give it a nutty crunch. For Mediterranean flavors, try adding oregano or thyme. These herbs work well with garlic and butter. If you want to go fusion, mix in some curry powder. It adds warmth and a unique taste. This simple change can turn your green beans into a dish full of surprises. With these variations, you can keep your garlic butter green beans fresh and exciting. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. To keep your garlic butter green beans fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will help preserve their flavor and texture. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. Instead, use a skillet on low heat. This method keeps the beans crunchy. Add a splash of water or a bit of butter to help with moisture. If you freeze them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as you normally would. This will keep your garlic butter green beans tasty and vibrant. For the full recipe, check back to earlier sections. Yes, you can prep garlic butter green beans ahead of time. Start by trimming the green beans and mincing the garlic. You can also zest the lemon and chop the parsley. Store these items in separate containers in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, just blanch the green beans and sauté them with garlic and butter. This saves time and keeps your meal fresh. If you're sensitive to garlic, there are great substitutes. Try using shallots for a mild flavor. You can also use garlic-infused olive oil for a similar taste. Another option is to add leeks or chives for a fresh twist. These alternatives will keep your dish tasty without the garlic. To add heat without red pepper flakes, consider using jalapeños. Chop them finely and sauté with garlic. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Another option is to sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount to match your spice level. Enjoy the extra warmth in your garlic butter green beans! In this post, we explored how to make garlic butter green beans. You learned about key ingredients and preparation steps. I shared tips for perfect texture and flavor enhancements. We also discussed variations to fit dietary needs. Finally, I covered storage and reheating advice. Enjoy cooking these tasty green beans for any meal. With a few simple changes, you can make this dish your own!

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Elevate your side dish game with these delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans! This easy recipe features fresh green beans sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with a hint of lemon and a dash of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Perfect for any meal, it's quick to prepare in just 20 minutes.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.

    Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes, then drain again and set aside.

      In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted and bubbly, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.

        Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through.

          Sprinkle in lemon zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss well to combine all the flavors.

            Remove from heat and transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4