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For this dish, I use 1 pound of fresh green beans. Make sure they are bright green and firm. Trim the ends off to prepare them. Fresh green beans add crunch and flavor. Blanching them helps keep their color and taste. Next, I use 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic gives a strong, tasty kick. I also add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. The butter adds richness to the dish. For a bit of heat, you can include 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning. For extra flavor, I often add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. You can use tamari for a gluten-free option. I also squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for brightness. The zest of 1 lemon adds a fresh twist. Finally, I like to sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. They give a nice crunch and look great on the plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a pot of salted water. The salt adds flavor. Once the water boils, add 1 lb of fresh green beans, trimmed beforehand. Blanch the beans for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and slightly tender. This step helps keep the beans crisp. After blanching, drain the beans and place them in an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and locks in their color. Next, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. If you like a bit of heat, toss in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. You want to smell that wonderful aroma! Now, it’s time to add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss the beans in the garlic butter until they are well coated. Increase the heat to medium-high and sauté for another 5-7 minutes. This will make them crispy-tender. Season the beans with salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss everything well to combine. Let it cook for another minute. Finally, add the zest of 1 lemon for a bright finish. Serve the beans on a platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for crunch. Enjoy your crispy garlic butter green beans! To keep your green beans crisp, start with fresh ones. Choose bright green beans without blemishes. Blanching helps too. Boil them for just 2-3 minutes. Then, quickly dunk them in ice water. This process stops cooking and locks in that vibrant green color. Always drain them well before cooking. If you leave water on, they can get soggy. Flavor is key to great green beans. Start with garlic in butter. Sauté the minced garlic until it smells good, but don’t burn it. Add red pepper flakes for a kick if you like. Soy sauce gives umami depth. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness. Mixing in lemon zest at the end brings a fresh touch. Try toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch on top. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Put them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them on the stove for best results. Just add a little butter or olive oil. This helps them regain some of their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can turn them mushy. Enjoy your tasty green beans again! Pro Tips Blanching is Key: Blanching the green beans not only preserves their vibrant color but also helps maintain their crunchiness. Make sure to transfer them to an ice bath immediately after boiling! Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, for a milder flavor, you can omit them altogether or reduce the quantity. Fresh Garlic for Best Flavor: Using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced garlic will greatly enhance the flavor of your dish. The aroma of freshly minced garlic is unbeatable! Experiment with Garnishes: While toasted sesame seeds add a lovely crunch, consider trying other garnishes like crushed peanuts or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can easily enhance your crispy garlic butter green beans by adding protein. Shrimp and chicken work great. For shrimp, just toss it in the skillet after sautéing the garlic. Cook until it turns pink, then add the green beans. For chicken, cut it into small pieces. Sauté the chicken first until it’s cooked through, then add the green beans and garlic. This makes the dish heartier and adds a new flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, tofu is a fantastic choice. You can use firm or extra-firm tofu. First, press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into cubes and sauté it in the skillet before adding the garlic. Cook until golden brown, then add the green beans. This adds a nice texture and protein to your meal while keeping it meat-free. Want to change the heat level? It’s simple! If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. You can also toss in some sliced fresh chili for extra spice. If you want less heat, skip the red pepper flakes altogether. You can even add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. This lets you customize the dish to suit your taste. To keep your crispy garlic butter green beans fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep the beans crisp, do not cover them tightly. Moisture can make them soggy. Freezing is a great option if you want to save these beans for later. First, let them cool completely. Spread the beans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the beans to a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use them, you can cook them straight from the freezer. To reheat your green beans, use a skillet for the best results. Heat a tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the green beans and toss them until warmed through. This method helps keep them crispy. You can also microwave them for a quick option, but they may lose some crispness. Just heat them in short bursts to avoid overcooking. To make green beans crispy, you need to blanch them first. Start by boiling water with salt. Add the trimmed green beans for 2-3 minutes. This step helps keep their bright green color. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking. After that, sauté them in garlic butter over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they are crispy-tender. The key is to keep the heat high enough for that perfect crunch. Yes, you can use frozen green beans! However, they might not get as crispy. Frozen beans often have more water. To fix this, thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture. Then, follow the same steps for sautéing. The flavor will still be good, but fresh beans give the best texture. If you prefer crunch, fresh is the way to go. Crispy garlic butter green beans pair well with many dishes. They make a great side for grilled chicken or steak. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, try them with tofu or lentils. Adding these beans to any dish adds a nice touch and a burst of flavor. To sum up, this post covered all you need for garlic butter green beans. We explored fresh green beans, garlic, spices, and optional add-ons. You learned how to boil, sauté, and combine these tasty ingredients. I shared tips for crisp beans and tasty flavoring methods. We also discussed variations, storage, and answered common questions. Enjoy making this dish. It adds crunch and flavor to any meal. You now have all the tools to impress at your next dinner!

Crispy Garlic Butter Green Beans

A delicious side dish featuring green beans sautéed in garlic butter with a hint of lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 unit Zest of 1 lemon
  • to taste Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
  • Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter, ensuring they are well coated. Increase the heat to medium-high and sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes until the green beans are crispy-tender.
  • Season the Beans: Season with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Toss well to combine, and let everything cook for another minute.
  • Finish with Zest: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon zest for a fresh flavor kick.
  • Serve: Transfer the crispy green beans to a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Keyword butter, garlic, green beans, vegetable side