Description
This Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe is a quick and easy side dish that features fresh green beans blanched to a crisp-tender perfection, then sautéed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with bright lemon zest and juice. Finished with fresh parsley, it’s a flavorful, elegant addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Green Beans
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preparing the Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add trimmed green beans and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes, until they turn a vivid emerald color and are just barely tender. Immediately transfer to an ice-water bath to stop cooking and preserve the bright color. Drain well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Making the Garlic-Butter Sauce – Heat the Butter: Melt butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Once it begins to foam, add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to release garlic’s natural oils without bitterness.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the pan bottom to dissolve browned garlic bits. Let simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, reducing slightly until it coats the back of a spoon, creating a silky sauce base.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. The acidity balances the butter’s richness. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Tossing & Finishing – Add the Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, spreading evenly. Toss gently to coat with the garlic-butter sauce. Residual heat finishes cooking, keeping beans crisp-tender.
- Finish with Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the beans for a fresh, herbaceous note and give a quick stir. Remove from heat.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer beans to a serving platter, drizzle remaining sauce over top, and serve hot. The glossy coating and bright lemon notes make an impressive side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Be careful not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness; stir continuously.
- Blanching the green beans preserves their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Use flaky sea salt for a pleasant texture and balanced seasoning.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous finish but is optional.
