30-Minute Classic Green Beans Almondine
This classic French-inspired side dish transforms simple green beans into an elegant accompaniment perfect for holidays or dinner parties. Fresh green beans are blanched until crisp-tender, then tossed with golden toasted almonds, fragrant garlic, and bright lemon zest in rich butter. The key to success is proper timing - the almonds should be deeply golden and fragrant, while the beans maintain their vibrant color and slight bite. This versatile dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, poultry, or fish and can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Fill a large saucepan two-thirds with water and bring to a rapid boil
- 2
Add salt and green beans to boiling water
- 3
Return to a boil and cook until crisp-tender
- 4
Drain beans immediately in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking
- 5
Drain and set aside
- 6
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat
- 7
When butter is foaming, add almonds, salt and pepper
- 8
Stir constantly until nuts are golden and toasted
- 9
Add garlic and stir until fragrant but not browned
- 10
Turn off heat and add remaining butter
- 11
Add green beans and season with salt and pepper to taste
- 12
Grate fresh lemon zest and toss to combine
- 13
Transfer to serving platter and pour skillet sauce and almonds over top
- 14
Garnish with more lemon zest and serve immediately
Tips
Don't walk away while toasting almonds as they burn quickly and can go from golden to bitter in seconds.
Rinse the blanched beans immediately with cold water to stop cooking and preserve their bright green color.
Have all ingredients prepped before starting as the final assembly happens quickly once the almonds are toasted.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
Green beans can be blanched up to 1 day ahead. Store in refrigerator and proceed with sautéing when ready to serve.
Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes
Overcook the almonds to avoid bitter, burnt flavor
Skip the cold water rinse to prevent overcooked, dull green beans
Add garlic too early to prevent burning and bitter taste
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry first. Reduce blanching time by 1-2 minutes as frozen beans cook faster than fresh.
What if I don't have slivered almonds?
Sliced almonds work perfectly, or roughly chop whole almonds. The key is having uniform pieces for even toasting.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve texture.