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To make garlic butter green beans, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish) These ingredients bring rich flavors to your dish. Fresh green beans give a crisp bite, while garlic adds depth. Lemon zest and juice brighten the taste. The butter creates a creamy texture that ties everything together. You can add red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. The sesame seeds on top add a nice crunch. This blend of flavors makes the dish stand out. For the full recipe, check the complete instructions. Enjoy cooking! Start by rinsing the fresh green beans under cold water. This step removes dirt and grit. Next, trim the ends. You can snap them off or use a knife. Set the beans aside for later use. Now, let's blanch the green beans. Fill a large pot with water and add a good pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the green beans. Blanch them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them bright green and just tender, but still crisp. After blanching, quickly drain the green beans. Transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This technique stops the cooking process and keeps their vibrant color. Let them sit in the ice water for a few minutes, then drain again and set aside. In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely and begin to bubble gently. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly with a spatula. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant and lightly golden, but be careful not to let it burn. Now, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the beans in the garlic butter. Make sure they are well coated. Next, sprinkle in the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, along with crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Continue tossing the green beans for an additional 2-3 minutes. This warms them through and mixes the flavors. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Carefully transfer the garlic butter green beans to a serving dish. For the final touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. This adds a delightful crunch. Serve warm as a delicious side dish! To get the best green beans, avoid overcooking them. Blanch the beans for just 3-4 minutes. Look for bright green color and a crisp bite. After blanching, place them in ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps that fresh look. When it comes to flavor, balance is key. Add lemon juice for brightness. The acidity cuts through the richness of the butter. You can also adjust the spice level. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can make a big difference. For a stunning look, arrange the green beans on a platter. Pile them in the center. This creates a nice focal point. Drizzle a bit of melted butter on top for shine. Garnishing adds flair. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the beans. This adds crunch and a nutty flavor. A touch of lemon zest brightens the dish visually. It adds a pop of color that’s hard to resist. Try these tips for a beautiful dish that impresses! {{image_4}} You can mix things up with garlic butter green beans. Adding nuts can give them a great crunch. Try using sliced almonds or chopped walnuts. These add texture and flavor. You can also add other veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers. They bring color and taste to the dish. Another fun idea is to introduce different herbs or spices. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. You could also try a pinch of cumin or paprika for warmth. These simple swaps can make the dish more exciting. If you want to make garlic butter green beans vegan-friendly, swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter. This keeps the flavor rich and satisfying without dairy. For gluten-free options, the recipe is already safe. Just check that any added ingredients, like nuts or spices, are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty side dish without worry. To store garlic butter green beans, first let them cool down. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Make sure to use them within three days. The flavor stays best when enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still be good. - Store in an airtight container - Use within three days You can keep garlic butter green beans in the fridge for up to three days. After that, they may lose their crispness and flavor. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them instead. Reheating garlic butter green beans is easy. Use a microwave or a skillet for the best results. If using a microwave, place them in a bowl and cover it to avoid drying out. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the beans tender. For a skillet, add a little butter over medium heat. Toss the beans until warmed through. This method helps to revive the flavors and texture. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! - Microwave: Cover and heat in short bursts - Skillet: Add butter and toss until warm To make garlic butter green beans less salty, reduce the amount of added salt. Use unsalted butter for cooking. You can also add more lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon can help balance the flavors. If you use soy sauce or broth, choose low-sodium options. Taste the dish as you go, adding salt slowly. Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They are quick and easy. Just cook them briefly in boiling water. Follow the package instructions for timing. Frozen beans may have a softer texture, so adjust your cooking time. Blanching them helps keep their bright color and flavor. Garlic butter green beans pair well with many dishes. Here are some quick suggestions: - Grilled chicken - Pan-seared salmon - Roasted pork chops - Quinoa or rice - A fresh salad Yes, this recipe fits well into a larger meal plan. You can serve it alongside protein and grains. For a full meal, consider preparing grilled chicken or baked fish. You can also add a grain like quinoa. This way, you create a balanced plate. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas. In this post, we explored how to make garlic butter green beans. You learned what ingredients to use and how to prepare them. I shared tips for perfecting the texture and flavor, along with ideas for variations and storage. This dish is simple yet delicious. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it adds a bright touch to any table. Enjoy making this recipe and feel free to explore your own twists!

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Elevate your mealtime with these irresistible garlic butter green beans! This quick and easy recipe features fresh green beans tossed in rich garlic butter, bright lemon zest, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect as a side dish, this vibrant vegetable delight is ready in just 20 minutes!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Start by rinsing the fresh green beans under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the ends by snapping them off or using a knife, then set the beans aside.

    Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and just tender but still crisp.

      After blanching, quickly drain the green beans and transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This will halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Let them sit in the ice water for a few minutes, then drain again and set aside.

        In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat until it melts completely and begins to bubble gently.

          Add the minced garlic to the melted butter, stirring constantly with a spatula. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, being cautious not to let it burn.

            Once the garlic is ready, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Use a pair of tongs or a spatula to gently toss the beans in the garlic butter, ensuring they are well coated.

              Sprinkle in the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, followed by salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Continue tossing the green beans for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm them through and evenly distribute the seasonings.

                Remove the skillet from heat and carefully transfer the garlic butter green beans to a serving dish.

                  For the finishing touch, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top to add a delightful crunch. Serve warm as a delicious side dish!

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

                      - Presentation Tips: For an elegant look, arrange the green beans in a decorative pile on the serving platter and drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top. Add some extra lemon zest as a garnish for a pop of color.