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- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Juice of 1/2 lemon - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts - Fresh parsley, finely chopped Garlic butter green beans shine with fresh flavors. The fresh green beans add crunch, while garlic brings warmth. I love using unsalted butter for its rich taste. The red pepper flakes are optional. They give a nice kick if you want some heat. Salt and pepper elevate the dish, enhancing its natural flavors. The lemon juice adds brightness to the beans. It balances the richness of the butter. Finally, toasted pine nuts bring a nutty crunch that you will enjoy. Garnishing with fresh parsley makes the dish pop with color. All these ingredients work together to create a simple, tasty side. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. The water should bubble hard. Add 1 pound of fresh green beans to the pot. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. This step keeps the beans fresh and crunchy. Once the beans are done, drain them quickly. Move them to a large bowl filled with ice water. This ice bath stops the cooking right away. It also helps keep their color. Leave them in the ice water for a few minutes. Then, drain the beans well and set them aside. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. If you want a kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir this mix for 1 to 2 minutes. You want it fragrant, but not brown. Brown garlic can taste bitter. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Gently toss them in the garlic butter. Make sure they are well-coated. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This lets the green beans soak up those tasty flavors. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the green beans. Season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together again. You want the flavors to blend nicely. Transfer the garlic butter green beans to a serving dish. Top them with 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts and some finely chopped fresh parsley. This adds a nice crunch and a pop of color. Enjoy your tangy and flavorful side! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To get the best green beans, start with fresh ones. Trim the ends for a clean look. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the beans. Blanch them for 3-4 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. After blanching, quickly drain the beans. Transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and keeps their color. Leave them in the ice bath for a few minutes. Then, drain them well before using. Garlic adds great taste, but it can burn fast. To sauté garlic, melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic. Stir it for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely; you want it fragrant, not brown. If it turns brown, it will taste bitter. For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes during this step. This will bring a nice warmth to the dish. Feel free to get creative with your garlic butter green beans! Try adding toasted almonds or sesame seeds for extra crunch. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. If you love herbs, toss in some thyme or dill. These add fresh notes to the dish. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Each of these options can make the dish your own. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can jazz up garlic butter green beans in many ways. Here are a few ideas: - Toasted almonds add a nice crunch and nutty taste. - Sesame seeds bring an Asian flair and a bit of texture. - Bacon bits offer a savory, smoky flavor that pairs well. - Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth to the dish. These simple tweaks can really boost your green beans. Feel free to mix and match! If you want a vegan version, you can swap out the butter. Here are some great options: - Olive oil works well and adds healthy fats. - Vegan butter is a direct substitute that keeps the flavor. - Coconut oil gives a unique twist with a slight sweetness. Using these substitutes lets everyone enjoy this side dish. You can prepare garlic butter green beans in various ways. Each method offers a different taste: - Grilling gives a smoky flavor and nice char marks. - Oven-roasting caramelizes the beans, making them sweet and tender. - Steaming keeps them crisp and vibrant in color. No matter how you cook them, the garlic butter flavor shines through. This flexibility makes it easy to fit your style! To store leftover garlic butter green beans, first let them cool. Place the beans in an airtight container. Make sure to cover them tightly. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To reheat, you can use a skillet or microwave. For the skillet, heat a bit of butter over medium heat. Add the green beans and stir until warmed through. If using a microwave, place them in a bowl and cover it with a lid. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to freeze garlic butter green beans, cool them completely first. Pack the beans into freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy the fresh taste even after freezing! Garlic butter green beans last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for your next meal. Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the garlic butter. They may not have the same crispness as fresh beans, but they still taste great. Green beans are low in calories and high in nutrients. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. Eating green beans can help support a healthy heart and improve digestion. They also provide fiber, which is important for gut health. Yes, you can prepare garlic butter green beans ahead of time. Cook them, then store them in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat them in a skillet for a few minutes. This keeps them tasty and quick to serve. Garlic butter green beans pair well with many dishes. They go great with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or steak. You can also serve them with pasta or rice for a complete meal. Consider them a versatile side that complements many flavors. Garlic butter green beans brighten any meal with their vibrant flavor. They are easy to make and add a touch of elegance. Garlic butter green beans are a side dish made with fresh green beans, garlic, and butter. The dish is quick to prepare and is perfect for any occasion. Blanching gives the green beans a bright color and crisp texture. This process makes them tender yet still crunchy. It also helps to lock in their nutrients. To create garlic butter, melt unsalted butter in a skillet. Then, add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. This mix brings rich flavor and a gentle heat to the dish. After tossing the green beans in the garlic butter, squeeze half a lemon over them. This adds a fresh, tangy taste. Then, season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. To finish, add toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and added freshness. You can find the full recipe above to try this tasty dish at home! In this post, we covered a simple and tasty recipe for garlic butter green beans. You learned about key ingredients, steps to prepare, and how to store the dish. I shared tips for cooking and adding your favorite flavors. Green beans are not only delicious but also healthy. You can enjoy them fresh or frozen. Now, you can make this dish with confidence and impress your family or friends. Try it out and have fun!

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Elevate your dinner with this irresistible garlic butter green beans delight! This easy recipe brings together fresh green beans, fragrant garlic, and rich butter, creating a dish that's bursting with flavor and color. Perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack, these green beans are quick to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a tasty twist on your veggie routine!

Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (for a nutty garnish)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for a vibrant garnish)

Instructions
 

Blanch the Green Beans: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes until they achieve a bright green color and are tender-crisp.

    Cool Down in Ice Bath: Quickly drain the green beans and transfer them to a large bowl filled with ice water. This shock of cold will stop the cooking process and help preserve their vibrant color. Leave them in the ice water for a few minutes, then drain well and set aside.

      Prepare Garlic Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir frequently for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not turn brown to avoid bitterness.

        Toss in the Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter, ensuring that they are evenly coated. Cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting them heat through while absorbing the delicious flavors.

          Season to Perfection: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the green beans, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything another gentle toss to combine the flavors thoroughly.

            Garnish and Serve: Transfer the luscious garlic butter green beans to a serving dish. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh parsley on top for an enhanced flavor profile and a beautiful finishing touch.

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