Lemon Garlic Green Beans Recipe

Green beans: Fresh and trimmed, these are the star of the dish, providing a crisp texture and vibrant color.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a rich, smooth flavor to the green beans.

Garlic: Minced cloves bring a pungent, aromatic element that pairs perfectly with the lemon.

Lemon: Both the zest and juice are used to infuse the dish with a bright, tangy flavor.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.

To achieve perfectly tender-crisp green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This technique helps to preserve their vibrant color and ensures even cooking.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar fat content and a mild flavor that complements the dish well.

• Olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a slightly different flavor but works well for sautéing and adds a unique twist.

• Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can be a pleasant alternative to garlic.

• Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile.

• Lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime offers a similar acidic profile and can provide a fresh, tangy flavor.

• Lemon - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can mimic the acidity of lemon juice, adding a different but complementary flavor.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and flavor, often considered more natural and less processed.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat and a different kind of spiciness to the dish.

• Allow the green beans to cool completely before storing to maintain their texture and flavor.
• Transfer the cooled green beans to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to keep them fresh.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator. The lemon garlic green beans will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, spread the cooled green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until the beans are frozen solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the green beans to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the green beans in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• To reheat, add a splash of olive oil to the skillet and sauté the green beans for a few minutes until heated. This will help retain their crispiness and enhance the garlic and lemon flavors.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of vegetable broth to prevent sticking.
  3. Toss in the leftover green beans and sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the green beans evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until thoroughly heated.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the green beans in a steamer basket over boiling water.
  2. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  3. For added flavor, drizzle with a bit of lemon juice before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until hot and slightly crispy.

• Large skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for sautéing the garlic and cooking the green beans evenly.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the green beans and garlic without scratching the skillet.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Zester: Essential for zesting the lemon to add a burst of citrus flavor.

• Citrus juicer: Helps in extracting the juice from the lemon without seeds.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for trimming the green beans and preparing the garlic.

• Chef's knife: A versatile knife for trimming the green beans and mincing the garlic.

• Serving dish: Used to present the cooked lemon garlic green beans attractively.

Pre-trim the green beans: Buy pre-trimmed green beans or trim them in advance to save time.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic from the store to cut down on prep time.

Lemon zest and juice: Zest and juice the lemon while the green beans are cooking to multitask efficiently.

Cook in batches: If you have a small skillet, cook the green beans in batches to ensure even cooking.

Prep ingredients ahead: Measure out the olive oil, salt, and black pepper before you start cooking.