Lemon Garlic Green Beans Recipe

Green beans: Fresh green beans, trimmed and ready to cook.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding a rich flavor.

Garlic: Minced cloves that provide a fragrant aroma and taste.

Lemon: Both the zest and juice are used to add a zesty, fresh flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor.

To ensure your green beans are perfectly tender-crisp, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This will help them cook more evenly and retain their vibrant color.

• green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way, providing a comparable crunch and flavor profile.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for sautéing and roasting.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish similarly to garlic.

• lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, which can brighten up the dish in the same way as lemon.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can still provide the necessary heat and depth to the dish.

• Allow the green beans to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Transfer the cooled green beans to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator. The lemon garlic green beans will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, spread the cooled green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the green beans are frozen solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the green beans to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Frozen green beans can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen.
• To reheat, sauté the green beans in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave them in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes.
• For an added burst of flavor, you can drizzle a bit more olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover green beans and sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or lemon juice to keep them moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated evenly.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place a steamer basket in a pot with a small amount of water.
  2. Bring the water to a boil.
  3. Add the green beans to the steamer basket.
  4. Cover and steam for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the green beans and sautéing the garlic.

• Spatula: A tool for stirring and tossing the green beans to ensure even cooking.

• Knife: Used for mincing the garlic and trimming the green beans.

• Cutting board: A surface for safely cutting and preparing the garlic and green beans.

• Measuring spoons: Tools to measure out the olive oil, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Zester: A tool to zest the lemon, ensuring you get fine, fragrant pieces of lemon peel.

• Juicer: A tool to extract juice from the lemon efficiently.

• Serving dish: A dish to present the cooked lemon garlic green beans.

Prep ingredients in advance: Trim and wash the green beans ahead of time. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon the night before.

Use a large skillet: A larger skillet allows for even cooking and reduces the time needed to achieve tender-crisp green beans.

High heat for quick sauté: Start with medium-high heat to quickly sauté the garlic and green beans, then reduce to medium to finish cooking.

Lemon juice trick: Use a lemon juicer to quickly extract juice without seeds, saving time and effort.