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To make buttery garlic green beans, gather these items: - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and black pepper to taste For more taste, consider adding: - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted (for garnish) You will need a few tools to help you cook: - A large pot for boiling water - A bowl for the ice bath - A large skillet for sautéing - A cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients With these ingredients and tools, you're ready to create a dish that shines on any table. You can find the full recipe for buttery garlic green beans in the recipe section. Start by rinsing the green beans. Trim off the ends to prepare them. In a large pot, fill it with water and add salt. Bring this water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the green beans. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. Next, prepare an ice bath. Fill a bowl with ice and water. When the green beans finish cooking, transfer them to the ice bath. This stops the cooking and keeps them crisp. Let them sit for a few minutes, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, place over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes. Stir often to keep the garlic from browning. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Now, add the drained green beans to the skillet. Gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through. Next, drizzle the lemon juice over the green beans. Sprinkle the lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything together to mix the flavors well. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the green beans to a serving platter. Top with toasted sliced almonds for crunch and flavor. Enjoy your buttery garlic green beans! For the detailed recipe, check the Full Recipe. To get green beans that are tender yet crisp, start by boiling them. I like to use a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add the green beans. Cook them for 4-5 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. After that, plunge them into an ice bath. This stops the cooking and keeps the color bright. Remember, the ice bath is key! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat them again, just reheat gently. You can use a skillet or microwave. Avoid overheating, as it can make them mushy. One common mistake is overcooking the green beans. This makes them soft and dull in color. Also, be careful not to skip the ice bath. It’s vital for keeping that nice crunch. Lastly, don’t rush the garlic. If you burn it, it can taste bitter. Keep it fragrant by cooking it slowly. For the complete experience, don’t forget to check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can swap fresh green beans for other veggies. Try asparagus or snap peas for a fun twist. If you want a nutty taste, use hazelnuts instead of almonds. For a creamier dish, add a splash of heavy cream. You can also try garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic. You can roast green beans for extra flavor. Toss them with butter and garlic, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Grilling is another great option. Just place the green beans in a grill basket. You will get a nice char and smoky flavor! For a fancy touch, sprinkle some feta cheese on top. It adds a nice salty bite! You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and taste. If you want heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a fresh burst, toss in fresh herbs like basil or parsley. For the full recipe, check out the Buttery Garlic Green Beans section. To keep your buttery garlic green beans fresh, place them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture and odors from affecting their taste. Before sealing, let them cool completely to room temperature. If you use a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the beans crisp and flavorful. You can freeze buttery garlic green beans for longer storage. First, let them cool fully. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. These beans can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. These green beans last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you notice any signs of spoilage, like a change in color or smell, discard them. For the best taste, try to eat them within the first few days. This way, you enjoy their buttery flavor and crunch! For the full recipe, refer back to the earlier section. Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They are convenient and save time. Just note that frozen beans may be softer than fresh ones. To use them, skip the ice bath step. Cook them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they are heated through. Then, follow the same steps in the recipe, adding them to the garlic butter sauce. The best way to reheat buttery garlic green beans is on the stove. Place them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a little butter to keep them moist. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat as mentioned above for a quick, tasty side dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above! In this blog post, we explored how to make buttery garlic green beans. We covered necessary and optional ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for tender beans and how to store leftovers. We shared fun variations and how to freeze for later use. In conclusion, this recipe is simple yet tasty. You can create a perfect side dish with ease and confidence. Enjoy making it your own, and impress your family with delicious green beans!

Buttery Garlic Green Beans

Elevate your meal with these Buttery Garlic Green Beans! This simple yet delicious recipe features fresh green beans sautéed in rich butter and fragrant garlic, finished with a splash of lemon and a crunchy almond topping. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion, these savory green beans will delight your taste buds. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this easy-to-make gourmet veggie dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Boil the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.

    Ice Bath: Prepare a bowl of ice water. Once the green beans are done cooking, immediately transfer them to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them sit for a few minutes, then drain and set aside.

      Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

        Add Green Beans: Add the drained green beans to the skillet, gently tossing them in the garlic butter mixture. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through.

          Seasoning: Drizzle the lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over the green beans. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to combine all the flavors.

            Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the green beans to a serving platter. Top with toasted sliced almonds for added crunch and flavor.

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