Can I make Lemon Butter Green Beans ahead of time?

Yes. Blanch the green beans and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to preserve their color and texture. Refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to one day. When you're ready to serve, simply prepare the lemon butter sauce and sauté the beans for a few minutes until heated through.

What's the best way to keep Lemon Butter Green Beans crisp?

Avoid overcooking the beans during the blanching stage and always cool them in ice water immediately afterward. Finish cooking them briefly in the lemon butter sauce over medium-low heat. This method keeps the beans vibrant, tender, and slightly crisp.

Can I freeze Lemon Butter Green Beans?

While it's possible to freeze them, freshly prepared Lemon Butter Green Beans have the best texture. If you do freeze leftovers, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter to refresh the flavor.

Easy Lemon Butter Green Beans

Name: Lemon Butter Green Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 225 g (1/2 lb) fresh green beans, washed and trimmed; 2-3 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, juiced; 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Description

Lemon Butter Green Beans are a quick and flavorful side dish made with fresh green beans, butter, garlic, and fresh lemon. The beans are blanched until crisp-tender, then tossed in a rich lemon butter sauce for a bright, buttery accompaniment that pairs perfectly with chicken, beef, seafood, pork, or holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

225 g (1/2 lb) fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
2-3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Wash and trim the green beans.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 4-5 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain well.
Heat a large skillet over low heat and melt 1 tablespoon of the butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
Add the lemon juice, lemon slices, and remaining butter. Stir until the butter has completely melted into a smooth sauce.
Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the lemon butter sauce.
Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and cooked to your preferred tenderness.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

French green beans (haricots verts) provide the most tender texture.
Always use an ice bath after blanching to preserve the vibrant green color.
Do not burn the garlic, as it will make the sauce bitter.
Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor.
For extra richness, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a small amount of butter for the best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Blanching and Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 54 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 421 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg