Lemon Garlic Green Beans - Quick Sautéed Side Dish
Crisp-tender green beans are blanched then quickly sautéed with butter, fresh garlic, and bright lemon juice for a vibrant side dish. The brief blanching preserves the beans' color and crunch while the garlic butter coating adds rich flavor. Perfect alongside roasted meats or grilled fish, this simple preparation transforms everyday green beans into an elegant accompaniment that's ready in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Cook green beans in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes
- 2
Remove beans from water and immediately transfer to ice water bowl
- 3
Heat butter in large skillet over medium heat
- 4
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes
- 5
Add beans, lemon juice, salt and black pepper to pan and sauté for 5 minutes
- 6
Serve with lemon wedges
Tips
Have the ice water bath ready before blanching to stop the cooking process immediately
Don't overcrowd the pan when sautéing - work in batches if needed for even cooking
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days
Can blanch beans up to 1 day ahead, store covered in refrigerator
Best served immediately while hot
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the ice bath or beans will overcook and lose their bright color
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans instead?
Yes, but skip the blanching step since frozen beans are already blanched. Start directly with the sautéing step and cook for 6-7 minutes total.
How do I know when the beans are done?
They should be bright green and crisp-tender - easily pierced with a fork but still have some bite to them.
Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
Best served fresh, but you can blanch the beans earlier in the day and reheat gently in the garlic butter just before serving.