Garlic lemon green beans

Garlic lemon green beans are a simple, flavorful side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed with garlic, lemon juice, and butter. This dish combines savory and tangy elements, making it a perfect accompaniment to various main courses.

24 Nov 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

24 oz green beans
1.50 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp salted butter
4 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper

Garlic lemon green beans is a delightful side dish that combines fresh green beans with the rich flavors of garlic, lemon, and butter. It's a simple yet flavorful recipe that can complement a variety of main courses, offering a perfect blend of savory and tangy tastes.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Green Beans:
- Wash and trim the green beans. Remove the ends and any strings, if necessary.

2. Blanch the Green Beans:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Once the water is boiling, add the green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.
- Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. After a couple of minutes, drain and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the salted butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, combining with the olive oil.

4. Cook the Green Beans:
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure an even coating.

5. Add Lemon Juice:
- Pour the lemon juice over the green beans, stirring to combine. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the beans are tender and well-coated with the lemony, buttery mixture.

6. Serve:
- Transfer the garlic lemon green beans to a serving dish. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot as a side dish.

Garlic lemon green beans is an easy-to-make, delicious side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. With its combination of fresh, crunchy green beans, zesty lemon, and savory garlic, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy this dish as a perfect accent to your favorite mains, or savor it on its own!

Garlic lemon green beans FAQ:

What is the best way to know when the green beans are done cooking?

The green beans are done when they turn bright green and are slightly tender after blanching for 3-4 minutes. They should still have a bit of crunch before finishing in the skillet.

Can I make Garlic Lemon Green Beans ahead of time?

Yes, you can blanch the green beans ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Sauté them with the other ingredients just before serving.

What pan size is needed for this recipe?

A large skillet is recommended to ensure even cooking. A 12-inch skillet should provide enough space to sauté the green beans without overcrowding.

What can I substitute for garlic powder if I don't have it?

You can substitute garlic powder with 1-2 minced fresh garlic cloves. Add the minced garlic to the skillet when melting the butter and olive oil.

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Simply sauté them directly in the skillet without blanching, cooking them for about 6-8 minutes until heated through and tender.

Cooking Tips:

- Blanch the Green Beans: To maintain the bright green color and crisp texture, blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, then transfer them immediately to an ice bath.

- Fresh Garlic Over Powder: For an even more potent garlic flavor, substitute the garlic powder with freshly minced garlic. Use about 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic and sauté it in the butter and olive oil until fragrant.

- Lemon Zest Addition: Add a bit of lemon zest along with the lemon juice to enhance the citrus flavor, giving the dish a fresh and vibrant taste.

- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the green beans before serving and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on your personal taste.

- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the green beans immediately after cooking. If they need to be prepared ahead of time, quickly reheat them in a hot pan with a little more butter or olive oil.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 160kcal
Protein 3.32g
Carbohydrates 13g
Fiber 4.65g
Sugar 6g
Fat 18g

Garlic lemon green beans