skillet green bean recipe

skillet green bean recipe

The Best skillet green bean recipe

I’m so excited to share this skillet green bean recipe with you all. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday gathering.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The combination of the tender green beans, crispy garlic, and savory seasonings is absolute perfection. I love that this recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences – add some diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor, or use different seasonings like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika for a unique twist.

This recipe is also incredibly healthy, with the green beans providing a good dose of fiber and vitamins A and K. Plus, the garlic has antibacterial properties that can help boost your immune system. I’ve even started serving this dish as a side at family gatherings and potlucks – it’s always a hit!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is the smell – the aroma of the garlic and green beans sautéing in the skillet is just heavenly. It’s one of those dishes that immediately transports me back to my childhood, when my mom would cook up a big batch of green beans for Sunday dinner. And let’s talk about the technique behind this recipe – pan-frying is such an underrated cooking method that yields incredible results.

The Maillard reaction (that’s science-speak for ‘the magic that happens when food gets browned’) adds so much depth to the flavors in this dish. And don’t even get me started on the texture – those perfectly cooked green beans are just irresistible. Whether you’re serving this as a main dish or as a side, I guarantee you’ll be making this recipe over and over again.

Skillet Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon

Skillet Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon

4.7 from 1236 votes

Fresh green beans are quickly sautéed in a hot skillet with garlic and lemon for a bright and flavorful side dish. This recipe delivers tender-crisp beans with a hint of char and a zesty finish.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 90 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Green Beans

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the trimmed green beans in a single layer and cook without stirring for 2 minutes to develop a slight char.
3Add the sliced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
4Toss the beans and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are bright green and tender-crisp.
5Remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle lemon juice over the beans.
6Sprinkle with lemon zest, toss well to coat, and serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet (12-inch)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Tongs or spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 90 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 300mg🌾Total Carbs: 7g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

For best texture, do not overcook the beans; they should remain bright green and slightly firm. You can blanch the beans in boiling salted water for 2 minutes and then plunge into ice water before sautéing for a more tender result.

Watch Video Of How Skillet Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon Works

This skillet green bean recipe is truly one of my favorites – it’s so easy to make and requires minimal ingredients but yields incredible results every time. One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility – whether you’re serving it as a side at a holiday gathering or as a main course at home, it never fails to impress.

Plus, it’s incredibly healthy with all those wonderful vitamins and minerals from the green beans themselves. To store leftovers, simply let them cool completely before refrigerating them in an airtight container – they’ll keep for up to three days in there.

When reheating, just pop them back into your skillet (or any other pan) over low heat until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Skillet Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon

Q: What type of skillet should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of skillet you have on hand – stainless steel, non-stick, cast iron – they all work well for this recipe. Just make sure to heat it up properly before adding the green beans.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

While fresh green beans are always best, frozen will do in a pinch. Just thaw them out first by leaving them in room temperature for a few hours or by microwaving them according to package instructions.

Q: How long do I cook the garlic for?

You want to cook the garlic until it’s nice and golden brown – about 2-3 minutes should do it.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to make this dish more substantial?

Absolutely! Some ideas include diced chicken or pork, sliced mushrooms, or even some cooked rice mixed into the skillet.

Q: Do I need to adjust cooking time if I add other ingredients?

Yes – keep an eye on your dish as you add more ingredients, as cooking times may vary depending on what you add.

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