Butter Garlic Green Beans Side Dish

This butter garlic green beans recipe is a simple and flavorful side dish to accompany virtually any main course. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a dish that is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

Butter Garlic Green BeansPhoto byThyme of Season

How to Make Butter Garlic Green Beans

You will need the ingredients listed below and follow the simple instructions.

Green Beans - Fresh green beans are best for this recipe. Use crispy, vibrant green beans. You can also use frozen green beans.

Unsalted Butter - We always recommend unsalted butter for cooking or baking, this way you can control the salt in the recipe. However, if you only have salted butter, you can use it, just adjust the added salt or eliminate it.

Fresh Garlic - Fresh garlic adds a sweet, almost nutty flavor when cooked.

Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice - Livens up the green beans with a fresh, vibrant citrus flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper - Add it at the end, if needed.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the green beans. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and trim off the ends.
2. Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Drain the beans and set them aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Add the cooked green beans to the skillet and toss them in the butter and garlic mixture. Make sure the beans are well coated.
5. Continue to cook the green beans for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly caramelized.
6. Season the green beans with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to oversalt, if using salted butter.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the green beans to a serving dish.
8. Serve the butter garlic green beans immediately as a side dish to your favorite main course.

Quick and Easy Way to Trim Green Beans

Trimming green beans can be done one by one with a paring knife, but many home cooks and chefs prefer a quicker method. Here's a fast way to trim green beans:

• First, arrange the green beans on your cutting board, aligning the tips evenly. You can bunch them up or lay them out flat.
• Then, using a chef's knife or paring knife, slice off the tips in one go.
• Turn the beans around so the tips are near the hand you use to cut and straighten them if needed. Slice off the tips again in a single motion.
• That's it! For shorter green beans, simply line them up once more and cut them to your preferred size.

Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?

You can use frozen green beans in this recipe. However, there no need to blanch them, so you can skip that step. Just thaw them and follow the directions.

Helpful Tips:

Here are a few tips to enhance the flavor and presentation of your butter garlic green beans:

• For added crunch, you can blanch the green beans in ice water after boiling them. This will help them retain their vibrant green color.
• If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount of minced garlic or even add some garlic powder.
• Feel free to customize the seasoning according to your taste. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic dish.
• To make the dish more visually appealing, you can garnish the green beans with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or toasted almond slices.

Health Benefits of Green Beans:

Green beans are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Here are some of the health benefits of incorporating green beans into your diet: [Source: American Heart Association]

• Rich in vitamins: Green beans are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, boosting the immune system, and promoting blood clotting.
• High in fiber: These beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a healthy gut.
• Low in calories: If you're watching your calorie intake, green beans are a perfect choice. They are low in calories and can be enjoyed guilt-free.
• Antioxidant properties: Green beans contain antioxidants that help protect the body against free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
• Mineral-rich: They are also a good source of minerals like potassium and magnesium, which are important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle function.

With their delicious taste and numerous health benefits, green beans are a simple, yet amazing addition to any meal. This butter garlic green beans recipe is not only easy to make but delicious. Give it a try and enjoy this flavorful side dish!