![For this recipe, you need one pound of fresh green beans. Look for bright green beans that feel firm to the touch. Trim the ends to prepare them for cooking. Fresh beans taste the best and add a nice crunch. You will need four cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic gives great flavor. The zest and juice of one lemon add brightness and tang. These ingredients make the dish pop, enhancing the green beans' taste. Use three tablespoons of olive oil to cook the garlic. It adds richness and helps the flavors blend. For heat, consider one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste for balance. Finally, garnish with two tablespoons of toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor and crunch. You can find the full recipe at the beginning of the article. Start by washing the green beans. Trim the ends to remove any tough bits. Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans. Blanch them for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. This step keeps them bright and fresh. Prepare an ice bath in a big bowl with cold water and ice. After blanching, quickly transfer the beans to the ice bath. This stops the cooking. Let them cool for about 5 minutes, then drain and set them aside. Now, let's make the garlic oil. In a large skillet, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Wait for the oil to warm up. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not brown. If you let it brown, it can taste bitter. This garlic oil will add great flavor to the beans. It’s time to bring it all together! Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic oil, coating them well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, sprinkle in the zest and juice of 1 lemon. If you like heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Toss everything well and heat it through for another minute. Finally, transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Top with 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts and some chopped parsley. This adds a nice crunch and color to your dish. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. Enjoy this quick and flavorful dish! To make green beans bright and crisp, you need to blanch them. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and let them cook for just 3 to 4 minutes. Then, quickly move them to an ice bath. This stops the cooking and keeps the beans bright green. Garlic adds depth to the dish. When sautéing garlic, keep an eye on it. Cook it for just 1 to 2 minutes. You want it fragrant, not brown. If it burns, it will taste bitter. If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves. Lemon garlic green beans shine on their own or as a side. Pair them with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a filling dish. For a special touch, top them with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley. This adds texture and flavor, making your meal even better. Try these tips to make your lemon garlic green beans perfect every time! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish heartier by adding protein. Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a tasty boost. Each option pairs well with the lemon and garlic flavors. For chicken, season it simply and grill it until cooked through. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Tofu gives a great vegetarian option, too. Just pan-fry it until golden. Experiment with different seasonings to change the taste. Add a splash of soy sauce for an Asian twist. You can also try adding ginger for warmth. If you love herbs, mix in fresh thyme or dill. These herbs brighten the dish and add depth. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese can also bring a savory kick. For a vegetarian-friendly twist, consider adding nuts or seeds for crunch and protein. Toasted almonds or sunflower seeds work great. They add texture and flavor without meat. You can also serve the green beans over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. This makes for a filling and nutritious meal. Use the [Full Recipe] to guide your cooking adventure! After you cook lemon garlic green beans, let them cool. Place them in a container. Make sure the container has a tight lid. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavor will stay fresh, but the beans may lose some crunch. To reheat, I suggest using a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the green beans and stir them gently. Cook for about five minutes until hot. You can also use a microwave. Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel and heat for one to two minutes. This keeps them moist and tasty. If you want to freeze lemon garlic green beans, first blanch them. After cooling in the ice bath, drain and dry them well. Place in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat using your favorite method for a quick side dish. You can find the full recipe for more tips and tricks! To make lemon garlic green beans from scratch, gather fresh green beans, garlic, and lemon. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes. This makes them tender but still crisp. Next, prepare an ice bath in a bowl with cold water and ice. Transfer the beans to the ice bath to cool. Drain them after 5 minutes. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in the green beans and mix with lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper. Top with pine nuts and parsley. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They are convenient and save time. Just remember to thaw them before cooking. If you use frozen beans, skip the blanching step. Instead, add them straight to the skillet. Cook until heated through and tender. The garlic and lemon will still give great flavor. Lemon garlic green beans pair well with many dishes. You can serve them with grilled chicken or fish. They also complement pasta dishes or rice. For a vegetarian option, try them with quinoa or a hearty salad. Their bright flavor adds freshness to any meal. Lemon garlic green beans are a simple and tasty dish. You learned about the key ingredients, like fresh green beans and garlic. Next, I guided you through clear steps to prepare and cook them. Tips helped you perfect your blanching technique and cooking garlic. Feel free to explore variations and storage options for easy meals later. Now, you have the tools to enjoy and share this dish. Happy cooking!](https://recipesure.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/c915264d-1316-40f0-a5a4-0aea27208b9e-250x250.webp)
Lemon Garlic Green Beans
Elevate your meal with these zesty lemon garlic green beans! This quick and easy recipe features tender-crisp green beans tossed in a flavorful garlic and lemon mixture, creating the perfect side dish for any occasion. With just a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, you'll impress everyone at the dinner table. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your next meal!