Traditional Sautéed Green Beans

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Say hello to your new favorite side dish: Traditional Sautéed Green Beans. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for any meal, bringing a touch of freshness and a burst of vibrant color to your plate. It's quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes.

Ingredients for Traditional Sautéed Green Beans

Green beans are the star here — they're crisp, fresh, and packed with nutrients. Blanching them ensures they retain their vibrant color and a little crunch. Butter adds richness and helps carry the flavors of the garlic and seasoning. Speaking of which, garlic brings a nice aromatic depth that's hard to resist. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper is all you need to enhance the natural flavors. For those who love a bit of acidity, a dash of lemon juice just before serving provides a refreshing kick.

Tips & Tricks

  • Blanching the beans in salted water not only seasons them from the inside but also helps maintain their vibrant green color.
  • If you're using frozen green beans, thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet.
  • Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye on it and stir frequently once it's in the pan.

Serving Suggestions

These sautéed green beans make a wonderful side dish for roasted chicken or grilled fish. They're also great alongside a hearty steak or even a vegetarian main like stuffed bell peppers. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with a simple grain like quinoa or farro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.
Is the lemon juice necessary?
No, it's optional. It adds a fresh flavor, but the dish is delicious without it too.

Traditional Sautéed Green Beans Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, you'll want to get your green beans ready. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and toss in a good pinch of salt. The salt helps season the beans as they cook. Once boiling, add the green beans and let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. You're looking for them to be bright green and crisp-tender. As soon as they're done, drain them quickly and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps lock in that lovely color. After they've cooled down, drain them again and set them aside.

Next, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it to get fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn — burnt garlic can turn bitter in a heartbeat.

Now, toss the blanched green beans into the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Give everything a good toss to combine all the flavors, and let the beans sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. You're aiming for them to be heated through and to soak up all that garlicky goodness.

If you're feeling adventurous, add a tablespoon of lemon juice just before taking the skillet off the heat. It adds a bright finish to the dish. Serve these delightful beans warm and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have.
  • Customizable with optional lemon juice for a zesty twist.
  • Maintains the crispness and vibrant color of the green beans.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Blanch the green beans by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Toss to combine and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the beans are heated through and have absorbed the flavors.
4. Optionally, add lemon juice just before serving for a fresh, citrusy kick. Serve warm.

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