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French Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon Butter

Tender-crisp French green beans are blanched then sautéed in garlic butter and finished with bright lemon juice for a simple, elegant side dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: French
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1.5 pounds fresh French green beans haricots verts, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large lemon zested and juiced
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander or mesh strainer
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Large skillet or saute pan
  • Wooden spoon or tongs
  • Small bowl
  • Microplane zester (optional)

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water, season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Rinse the green beans under cold water and trim both ends using a sharp knife.
  3. Blanch the beans in the boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, then drain in a colander.
  4. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter, cooking until it melts and begins to foam, about 1 minute.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the foaming butter and sauté, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
  6. Add the drained beans to the skillet and toss for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and evenly coated in butter.
  7. Season with sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes, tossing to distribute.
  8. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon over the beans, toss again, and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with lemon zest if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip blanching to keep beans bright green and tender-crisp. Serve immediately for best texture.