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Sautéed Green Beans Recipe

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Sautéed Green Beans are a quick and flavorful side dish with crisp-tender beans, savory garlic butter, and a bright finish of fresh lemon. Ready in about 15 minutes, they pair easily with chicken, beef, fish, pasta, and holiday meals.

Ingredients

  • Fresh green beans
  • Olive oil
  • Unsalted butter
  • Fresh garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest, optional
  • Fresh parsley, optional

Instructions

  1. Rinse the green beans thoroughly, dry them well, and trim off the stem ends.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the green beans and spread them into an even layer. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin developing lightly browned spots.
  4. Add a small splash of water and immediately cover the skillet. Steam the green beans for 2 to 3 minutes, until crisp-tender.
  5. Remove the lid and allow any remaining water to evaporate.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic. Toss together and cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
  7. Season the green beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat and add fresh lemon juice. Add lemon zest if desired for additional citrus flavor.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Avoid steaming the green beans too long to maintain a crisp-tender texture.
  • For Garlic Parmesan Green Beans, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the beans immediately after cooking.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic for a spicy variation.
  • For extra crunch, finish with toasted sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or pecans.
  • Sliced shallots or onions can be sautéed before adding the green beans for extra savory sweetness.
  • For a richer variation, add crumbled crispy bacon or sauté the beans with a small amount of rendered bacon fat.
  • Frozen green beans can be used, but thaw and dry them thoroughly before sautéing to minimize excess moisture.
  • Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • For the best texture, reheat the beans briefly in a skillet with a small amount of butter or olive oil.
  • Freezing is not recommended when a crisp texture is desired because the beans can become softer after thawing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/sauteed-green-beans-recipe/