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This sautéed green beans recipe with lemon and garlic is a quick and easy way to cook fresh green beans, and it’s ready in 10 minutes. Green beans are precooked in boiling water, sautéed with fragrant garlic and lemon juice, and finally tossed with sliced almonds for a touch of crunch. This classic green bean recipe is very handy when you need a quick side dish that doesn’t require too much work and allows you to stay focused on the main course. Enjoy!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Ingredients list for the sauteed green beans recipe
- 8oz green beans, trimmed (250g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or butter, if you prefer)
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon, freshly squeezed
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, optional
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Why you’ll love this sauteed green beans recipe
Cooking green beans is super easy, and here are a few reasons why you should add this recipe to your rotation:
- Sauteed green beans are gluten-free and low-carb options that will fit well in many specific diets.
- Cooking green beans is almost fool-proof. There’s NO WAY you can screw this recipe! It’s very forgiving, and if the green beans are not cooked to your liking, cook them a little longer!
- Sauteed green beans are versatile and easy to customize: add crispy bacon bits, fresh parlsey, grated parmesan, and sauteed mushrooms, or toss them with a little hot sauce.
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Ingredients notes
- Green beans: You can use either fresh or frozen green beans. If using frozen, blanch them in boiling water just like you would do with fresh ones to defrost them. Most grocery stores sell green beans that are already trimmed, but it doesn’t hurt to double check ;)
- Olive oil: To sauté the green beans. Any vegetable oil works great. A mix of oil and butter gives a nice, nutty flavor.
- Fresh garlic: garlic’s strong, pungent taste brings all the magic to this side dish!
- Lemon: we use only fresh lemon juice.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is better.
- Parsley: Use fresh parsley, not dried.
- Almonds are optional, but make the green beans stand out as a side dish, especially for more formal occasions.
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
How to sautee green beans:
1. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the green beans, cook for 4 minutes, drain, and soak in iced water—this will help keep the green color. Drain off excess water.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pre-cooked green beans and minced garlic. Toss the green beans and garlic for 2 minutes until the garlic is golden and crispy.
3. Add pepper and parlsey, then toss the green beans to combine.
4. Deglaze the skillet with lemon juice and give a quick stir to combine.
5. Add the almond, if using, stir well, and transfer the sauteed green beans to a serving dish. Serve immediately. Enjoy! ❤️
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Tips for the sauteed green beans recipe
- If you like your green beans on the softer side, add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet with the garlic and green beans, cover with a lid, and cook for 2 or 3 minutes. Then, finish off with the seasoning and almonds.
- You can prep this green beans recipe ahead of time: Blanch the green beans per step 1, cool, drain, and dry, then store the precooked green beans in the fridge. When ready to serve, toss the green beans in the skillet per step 2 with garlic and cook as the recipe requires.
- If you have time, dry toast the almonds in a skillet without oil. This will develop a great depth of flavor to the green beans.
How to keep the green beans leftovers
You can keep any leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container in your fridge. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet, with a few drops of water.
More green bean recipes
- 11 Fresh Green Beans Recipes
- Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Parmesan
- Green Beans with Garlic Parmesan
- Instant Pot Green Beans with Lemon Garlic Butter
- Easy Green Bean Casserole
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
