Garlic Green Beans
These vibrant garlic green beans are crisp-tender, savory, and come together in minutes for an effortless side dish.
Ingredients
- •1 pound fresh green beans (450g), trimmed
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •4 cloves garlic, minced
- •2 tablespoons water
- •0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- •0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- •1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- •1 tablespoon toasted sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim off the stem ends.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 3
Add the green beans to the skillet and toss them in the oil so they are evenly coated, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to brighten in color.
- 4
Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic and water, then immediately cover the skillet with a lid to let the beans steam for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- 5
Remove the lid, stirring frequently to let any excess moisture evaporate and allowing the garlic to become fragrant and golden without burning.
- 6
Season the green beans with kosher salt and black pepper, tossing well to combine.
- 7
Turn off the heat, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, garnish with toasted sliced almonds if desired, and serve immediately.
💡 Chef tips
- Do not over-steam the beans; keep them slightly crisp so they retain a vibrant green color and satisfying crunch.
- You can trim the green beans up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container with a damp paper towel.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated in a skillet.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished green beans should be vibrant emerald green with a slight crunch, beautifully coated in aromatic garlic and brightened by a hint of lemon.