Garlicky Green Beans Recipe

OMG, I’ve just discovered the ultimate green bean recipe that’s both simple and delicious! These garlic-infused beans with a kick of lemon are the perfect way to elevate your veggie game and impress at your next dinner party. 🌿✨

Creating simple yet flavorful dishes that my family loves, I am most often in the kitchen making Garlicky Green Beans. Fresh green beans become aromatic and flavorful with punched-up minced garlic, sautéed in olive oil.

These beans are as good as green beans can possibly be, and they do not take long at all to prepare, which makes them a perfect side with any meal.

Garlicky Green Beans Recipe Ingredients

• Fresh Green Beans: High in fiber, vitamins A, C, K.

  Low in calories.

• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, antioxidant-rich, offers a satisfying texture.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor, supports immune health, rich in sulfur compounds.
• Lemon Juice: Adds acidity, rich in vitamin C, brightens flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a spicy kick, boosts metabolism, contains capsaicin.

Garlicky Green Beans Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

How to Make this Garlicky Green Beans Recipe

1. Fill a big pot with water, and then add enough salt so it’ll taste like the sea. Then, bring the water to a rolling boil.

2. Add the green beans and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.

3. Remove the beans from the heat and promptly place them in a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process.

4. When cooled, drain the beans a second time and set them aside.

5. In an ample frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat.

6. Include the minced garlic and cook in the sauté pan for 1-2 minutes until smelling wonderful, watching out to ensure it doesn’t scorch.

7. Toss the green beans in the garlic-infused oil in the skillet to coat them.

8. Add salt, fresh black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

9. Heat through and tender-crisp, the beans are now ready. They should not be cooked too long after the initial cooking of the other ingredients, as they will lose their texture.

10. Finish with a good drizzle of lemon juice, toss well, and serve right away.

Garlicky Green Beans Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Mixing spoon
3. Bowl for ice water
4. Colander
5. Frying pan or sauté pan
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring spoons
9. Lemon squeezer or juicer (optional, if using fresh lemon)

FAQ

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?Certainly, frozen green beans can be utilized, but it is important to thaw and dry them well before cooking to prevent any unwanted extra water in the finished meal.
• What can I substitute for olive oil?You can use vegetable, canola, and grapeseed oil in place of olive oil.
• How do I ensure the green beans remain crispy?Briefly blanch the green beans in rapidly boiling water. Immediately immerse them in ice water to stop cooking. Then, saute them in a little oil or butter.
• Is the lemon juice necessary?You don’t have to use lemon juice, but it gives a bright, tangy flavor that complements the garlic and boosts the overall taste.
• How spicy do the red pepper flakes make the dish?Mild heat comes from the red pepper flakes. If spice isn’t your thing, you can adjust the amount you use or omit them altogether.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?Trim and blanch these green beans ahead of time if you are serving them company. Then toss with garlic and serve them as close to that event as possible.

Garlicky Green Beans Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil: Use avocado oil or melted butter in its place for a different flavor.
Garlic: If fresh garlic is not available, use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for each clove.
Lime juice: Substitute lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sour twist.
Cayenne pepper: Use a pinch of it or leave it out if you want it to be heat-free.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat the Ice Water Bath Before you start boiling the beans, prepare the ice water bath. This way, you can quickly transfer the blanched beans and stop the cooking process immediately, preserving their vibrant green color and crisp texture.

2. Control the Garlic Cooking Start with a cold pan when adding olive oil and garlic to prevent the garlic from burning. Heat them slowly over medium heat to allow the garlic to infuse the oil without browning too quickly.

3. Balance the Heat and Seasoning If using red pepper flakes, add them to the oil along with the garlic to let their flavors bloom. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Taste the beans after seasoning with salt and pepper, and adjust as needed before serving.

4. Enhance Flavor with Lemon Zest For an extra burst of lemony flavor without additional acidity, consider adding a bit of lemon zest along with the lemon juice. This will give a more rounded citrus note to the dish.

5. Use High-Quality Olive Oil The simplicity of this recipe means each ingredient stands out, so use the best quality olive oil you can find for optimal flavor. A robust, fruity olive oil can complement the green beans beautifully.