Looking for a simple and tasty side dish? Garlic Butter Green Beans are your answer! With fresh green beans tossed in rich butter and fragrant garlic, this dish is quick to make and big on flavor. You’ll learn how to prepare and cook these green beans while adding your own twist. Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, these beans will impress everyone at the table. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for garlic butter green beans. This dish is simple and quick to make.
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a delicious side dish. The fresh green beans give great color and crunch. The garlic adds strong flavor. Butter makes everything rich and tasty. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. Red pepper flakes add spice if you like it hot. Sesame seeds give a nice crunch on top.
You can find the full recipe with steps after gathering these ingredients. Enjoy making this easy and tasty addition to any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Green Beans
– First, wash the green beans under cold water.
– Next, trim the ends of the green beans.
– In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
– Blanch the green beans in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
– When they are bright green and tender, drain them.
– Quickly place the beans in ice water to stop cooking.
– After cooling, drain again and set aside.
Cooking Process
– In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Once melted, add the minced garlic to the butter.
– Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it smells great.
– Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
– Add the blanched green beans to the skillet.
– Toss the beans gently with the garlic butter.
– Sprinkle in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
– If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes.
– Toss everything for another 2-3 minutes to mix well.
Final Touches
– Remove the skillet from heat.
– Transfer the green beans to a serving dish.
– Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a nice crunch.
– Serve the garlic butter green beans warm and enjoy!
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Timing Tips
– To blanch green beans, boil salted water. Add green beans for 3-4 minutes.
– Quickly transfer them to ice water to stop cooking. This keeps their bright color.
– To prevent garlic from burning, sauté it on medium heat. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes.
Flavor Enhancement
– You can modify the seasonings. Add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
– Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a twist.
– For the best taste, sauté at medium heat. This allows the garlic to infuse the butter.
Serving Suggestions
– Garlic butter green beans pair well with chicken or steak. They add a fresh touch.
– Serve them warm for the best experience. The flavors shine when they are fresh.
– You can also serve them alongside rice or pasta for a complete meal.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
Variations
Ingredients Swaps
You can switch the butter for olive oil if you want a lighter dish. Olive oil adds a nice taste and is a bit healthier. You can also try other oils like avocado or coconut oil.
For add-ins, consider using nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts. They add crunch and extra flavor. Fresh herbs also work well. Try thyme, basil, or dill for a pop of freshness.
Flavor Variation Ideas
To change the taste, add different spices. A pinch of cumin or paprika can give a warm touch. Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can add depth too.
You can also mix in other veggies. Carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms can enhance color and flavor. Just remember to cook them until tender.
Serving Style Variations
For a fun twist, serve garlic butter green beans cold in a salad. Just let them cool after cooking. They pair well with a light vinaigrette and other veggies.
Another idea is to use the green beans in pasta or grain salads. Toss them with cooked pasta, couscous, or quinoa. This adds a hearty element to your meal.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above!
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
Store any leftover garlic butter green beans in an airtight container. Place them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat them, just reheat.
Long-term Storage
You can freeze garlic butter green beans for later use. To do this, let them cool completely. Then, pack them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will keep well for about three months. When reheating, first thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, warm them in a skillet on low heat until hot.
Shelf Life
Refrigerated green beans last about three days. Frozen green beans maintain their best quality for up to three months. After that, they may still be safe but lose flavor and texture. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
FAQs
How do I make garlic butter green beans?
To make garlic butter green beans, start by washing and trimming the green beans. Blanch them in boiling salted water for about 3-4 minutes. This step keeps the beans vibrant and slightly tender. After blanching, plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. Once cooled, drain them and set aside. In a skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not burnt. Toss in the blanched green beans with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. For a final touch, garnish with toasted sesame seeds. This simple method creates a tasty side dish that pairs well with many meals.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They are convenient and still tasty. When using frozen beans, there’s no need to blanch them first. Just sauté them directly in the skillet with the melted butter and garlic. They may take a bit longer to cook through, so add a few extra minutes to your sauté time. If you use frozen beans, make sure to drain any excess water that may release during cooking. This helps maintain that rich garlic butter flavor.
What can I serve with garlic butter green beans?
Garlic butter green beans pair beautifully with many dishes. They complement grilled chicken, steak, or fish perfectly. You can also serve them alongside roasted meats or even pasta dishes. If you want a vegetarian meal, try them with a quinoa salad or a hearty grain bowl. Their bright flavor adds a nice contrast to rich dishes.
Are garlic butter green beans healthy?
Yes, garlic butter green beans are a healthy choice. Green beans are low in calories and high in fiber. They provide vitamins A, C, and K, which are great for your health. Garlic offers its own benefits, like boosting the immune system. While butter adds flavor, you can use less for a lighter option. Just remember to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can easily make this recipe vegan! Instead of butter, use olive oil or a plant-based butter. This swap keeps the rich flavor while making the dish suitable for vegans. You can also add a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the flavor. Making these small changes keeps your dish delicious and vegan-friendly. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips!
This blog post covered making garlic butter green beans. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, tips, variations, storage, and FAQs. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor. You can customize it with different spices or oils. It’s a great side for many meals. Whether fresh or frozen, you now have options to enjoy this recipe. So gather your ingredients, and have fun cooking! Enjoy your delicious creation!
