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- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons toasted almonds, chopped (for garnish) Gather these simple ingredients before you start. Fresh green beans bring a crisp taste. The unsalted butter adds richness, while garlic gives a strong flavor. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Red pepper flakes add a little heat, but you can skip them if you prefer. Lemon juice and zest give a nice brightness to the dish. Finally, toasted almonds add crunch and depth. - Almonds, lemon zest - Other possible add-ins (e.g., crushed red pepper, different herbs) Feel free to mix things up! You can add different herbs like thyme or basil for more flavor. Try using other nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a twist. Citrus zest from oranges or limes can also change the taste. The options are endless, so have fun with it! First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. The salt helps season the beans. Once boiling, carefully add the trimmed green beans. Blanch them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. Next, prepare an ice water bowl. After blanching, use a slotted spoon to transfer the green beans to the ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps them vibrant. Let them cool for a few minutes. Drain and set aside. Now, grab a large skillet. Heat the butter over medium heat until it melts and bubbles. This should take a minute or two. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic. Stir it constantly for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not brown; burnt garlic can taste bitter. Once the garlic is ready, toss in the blanched green beans. Stir well to coat them in the garlic butter. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Sauté everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the beans heated through and full of flavor. Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the green beans. Sprinkle lemon zest on top as well. Toss everything together so the flavors mix well. Finally, transfer the green beans to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped toasted almonds for a nice crunch. This adds texture and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your garlic butter green beans with toasted almonds! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. When choosing green beans, look for ones that are bright green. Fresh beans should snap easily when bent. Avoid beans that look wilted or have brown spots. Firmness is key; they should feel crisp to the touch. Sourcing organic beans can enhance flavor and quality. If you find local farmers' markets, check them for fresh options! Cooking garlic properly is vital to avoid bitterness. Start with medium heat for your butter. Let it melt slowly until it bubbles. Add minced garlic and stir it constantly. This helps it cook evenly. Cook for just about one minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. If it turns brown, it tastes bitter and ruins your dish. To add more flavor, consider spices like cumin or paprika. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also brighten the dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Lemon juice and zest are crucial for a zesty finish. They balance the richness of the butter. Experiment with these flavors to find your favorite twist. {{image_4}} You can add a tasty crunch to your garlic butter green beans by using nuts. Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts work great. To incorporate them, simply chop up your choice of nut. After sautéing the green beans, toss in the nuts for the last minute of cooking. This adds flavor and texture. You can also sprinkle nuts on top when serving for a nice look. If you want a new twist, try using lime or orange instead of lemon. Lime gives a fresh, zesty kick, while orange adds a sweet touch. To use, squeeze in the juice and add a little zest at the end. This small change can brighten the whole dish and make it feel new. Mixing in other veggies can make this dish even more colorful and nutritious. Carrots or bell peppers are great choices. Slice them thinly, and add them to the skillet with the garlic. Cook them until they soften a bit before adding the green beans. This way, you create a blend of flavors that everyone will love. To keep leftover garlic butter green beans fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. This helps avoid bacteria growth. They will stay good for up to three days in the fridge. Before sealing, allow them to cool slightly. This prevents moisture buildup, which can make them soggy. To reheat your green beans, use the stove or microwave. For the stove, place them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a bit of butter for moisture. Stir often until they are heated through. If using the microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. This keeps them tender and flavorful. If you want to freeze green beans, first blanch them. Boil them for 3-4 minutes, then cool in ice water. Drain them well to remove excess water. Pack the green beans into freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. They can stay frozen for up to six months. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge or cook them straight from the freezer. This way, you can enjoy this dish later! To prepare green beans, start by rinsing them under cold water. This removes dirt and debris. Next, trim the ends. You can snap them off with your fingers, or use a knife for a clean cut. I prefer to use fresh, firm green beans for the best taste. Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They are convenient and save time. However, they may not have the same crispness as fresh beans. Frozen beans also require a different cooking time. Make sure to thaw them before cooking. Garlic butter green beans pair well with many dishes. They go great with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve them with steak or roasted veggies. For a lighter meal, try them with a fresh salad. Garlic butter green beans last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Always check for freshness before eating. If they smell off or look slimy, it’s best to throw them away. For the full recipe, check out Garlic Butter Green Beans with Toasted Almonds. In this article, I covered how to make delicious garlic butter green beans. We discussed essential and optional ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and some helpful tips. You learned about enhancing flavors and storage best practices. These green beans are easy to prepare and delicious. With variations, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy these tasty green beans as a side or mix them with other vegetables!

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Elevate your mealtime with this delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans with Toasted Almonds recipe! In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy vibrant green beans sautéed in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce, brightened with fresh lemon juice and zesty almonds. Perfect for any dinner table, this easy side dish adds flavor and elegance to your meal. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons toasted almonds, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

    Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Blanch them for 3-4 minutes, or until they're bright green and tender-crisp in texture.

      Using a slotted spoon, promptly transfer the green beans to a bowl filled with ice water to halt the cooking process. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then drain and set aside.

        In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat until it melts and begins to bubble gently.

          When the butter is melted and sizzling, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, until it's fragrant; be careful to avoid browning the garlic as it can become bitter.

            Introduce the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing them well to coat in the delicious garlic butter.

              Season the mixture with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the green beans are heated through and infused with flavor.

                Remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the sautéed green beans with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the zest over the top. Toss everything together to fully incorporate the zesty flavors.

                  Carefully transfer the green beans to a serving platter, and finish by garnishing them with chopped toasted almonds for an inviting crunch.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 15 mins | 4 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the dish in a white bowl to contrast the vibrant green beans and sprinkle a few extra almond slivers on top for added texture. Enjoy!