Name: Lemon Garlic Green Beans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1/2 lemon; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

A vibrant and healthy side dish, Lemon Garlic Green Beans are a quick-to-make, flavor-packed addition to any dinner. Blanched until tender-crisp and infused with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and a hint of olive oil, this dish is a refreshing way to elevate your vegetable game while keeping it simple and nutritious.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Choose Fresh Beans: Look for bright green, firm beans with no blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
Blanching is Key: Blanching locks in the vibrant color and crisp texture, so don’t skip this step.
Don’t Overcook: Aim for tender-crisp beans to avoid a mushy texture.
Lemon Zest First: Zest the lemon before juicing for efficiency.
Garlic Prep: Mince garlic finely to distribute its flavor evenly without overpowering the dish.
Adjust to Taste: Add more lemon juice for tang or red pepper flakes for heat if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Lemon Garlic Green Beans recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity, nutrition, and flavor. It’s versatile enough to pair with any protein, from roasted chicken to grilled fish, and fits seamlessly into a variety of cuisines. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this dish is a guilt-free way to satisfy your taste buds. The vibrant green color and fresh aroma make it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Plus, it’s ready in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties.

Yield: 4 servings

Lemon Garlic Green Beans

Tender-crisp green beans infused with garlic and lemon make a fresh, vibrant, and healthy side dish for any meal.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Additional Time 2 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

Blanch the Beans: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Add green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain well.
Prepare the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Combine and Season: Add the drained green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat in garlic and oil. Sprinkle lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper over the beans.
Finish and Serve: Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the ice bath after blanching—it ensures the beans retain their bright color and perfect texture.
Adjust seasoning to taste, and feel free to get creative with garnishes like nuts or cheese.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 140Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 0mgSodium 308mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 4gSugar 12gProtein 3g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes:

Green Beans: Fresh is best, but frozen beans work if thawed and patted dry. Trim the ends for a clean look.
Garlic: Use fresh cloves for a pungent, savory flavor. Pre-minced garlic can be a time-saver but lacks intensity.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. Bottled juice is a last resort as it lacks freshness.
Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its fruity undertones and health benefits.
Salt and Pepper: Use sea salt or kosher salt for better texture, and freshly cracked black pepper for more flavor.

Variations and Substitutions:

Add Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutty Twist: Toss in toasted almonds or pine nuts for added crunch and depth.
Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle Parmesan or feta for a savory twist.
Herbal Touch: Fresh dill, parsley, or thyme complement the flavors beautifully.
Citrus Swap: Use lime or orange zest for a different citrusy vibe.
Oil-Free: Steam the beans and toss with lemon juice for a lighter option.

Storage Options:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to refresh.
Freezing: Freeze blanched beans before seasoning for up to 2 months. Thaw and season when ready to serve.
Meal Prep: Prepare the lemon-garlic mixture in advance and store separately for quick assembly.