Description
This Garlic Sautéed Green Beans recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare fresh green beans by blistering them in olive oil, then steaming briefly with water or stock, and finishing with fragrant garlic, butter, and lemon zest for a bright, savory side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh green beans, stem ends snapped off
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Cooking Essentials
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup water or stock
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter
- 3 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil and beans: Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 pound of fresh green beans along with 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Toss the beans frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Blister the green beans: Cook the green beans for about 5 minutes until they become lightly blistered and slightly browned in spots, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Steam the beans: Pour in 1/4 cup of water or stock to the skillet. Immediately cover the skillet with a lid or use foil if a lid is unavailable. Let the beans steam for 2 minutes to become tender but still crisp.
- Evaporate the liquid: Remove the cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking until the remaining liquid evaporates completely, stirring occasionally.
- Add flavorings: Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter or vegan butter, the minced 3 garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Sauté everything together for another minute, stirring to cook the garlic gently without burning.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges for squeezing on top as desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter or additional olive oil.
- If you prefer crisper green beans, reduce the steaming time slightly.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth of flavor.
- Store cooked green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
