Lemon Green Beans are a bright and zesty side dish that adds a pop of flavor to any meal. Fresh green beans are lightly cooked and tossed with lemon juice and zest for that refreshing taste.
These beans are super easy to make! I love serving them with grilled chicken or fish. It’s a simple way to feel fancy at dinner, and you can almost pretend you’re in a French bistro! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for this dish. They’re crisp and vibrant. If fresh isn’t available, you can use frozen green beans—just skip the blanching step.
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fats and a lovely flavor. For a different taste, try avocado oil or melted butter, which gives a rich touch!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for flavor, but you can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch. Just use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Lemon: Use fresh lemons for the best zest and juice flavor. If you’re out, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh lemons are so much brighter!
Nuts/Breadcrumbs: Almonds or walnuts add crunch, but you could skip these for a nut-free version. Adjust seasonings depending on what you choose!
How Do I Ensure the Green Beans Stay Bright Green and Crisp?
To keep your green beans looking and tasting great, follow the blanching and ice water steps carefully!
- Start with a large pot of boiling salted water. Think of it like a hot spa for your beans.
- Blanch the green beans for just 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and tender but still crisp.
- Immediately transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This stops the cooking and locks in their vibrant color. Let them cool for a minute.
- Drain again before cooking in the skillet. This way, they won’t be soggy, and they’ll hold their crunch!
How to Make Lemon Green Beans?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish (optional):
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) or breadcrumbs
- Lemon wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy side dish ready in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the fresh green beans. Blanch them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green and just tender, not mushy!
2. Ice Bath for Crispness:
After blanching, drain the green beans and quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them looking vibrant. Leave them in the ice water for a minute, then drain again and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells amazing—just be careful not to let it brown!
4. Combine Green Beans and Flavor:
Now, add the drained green beans to the skillet with the garlic. Toss them gently to coat with the garlic and olive oil. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat them through.
5. Add Lemon Goodness:
Sprinkle the lemon zest over the green beans and pour in the lemon juice. Give everything a good toss to combine the flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle chopped nuts or breadcrumbs on top for some crunch. Transfer your lemon green beans to a serving dish and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your refreshing side dish!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen green beans, skip the blanching step. Just heat them in the skillet with garlic and oil until heated through, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
You can use bottled lemon juice in place of fresh lemon juice, but start with half the amount and adjust to taste. The flavor might be a bit less vibrant, so adding a dash of lemon zest can help brighten it up!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the green beans and garlic mixture ahead of time. Just reheat in the skillet when ready to serve, adding lemon juice and zest just before serving to maintain freshness.
What Are Some Good Storage Tips for Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently in a skillet or the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
