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- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - Salt and pepper, to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro For this recipe, fresh green beans work best. If you need a substitute, you can use frozen green beans. They save time, but fresh beans give a better taste. If you want less spice, cut the red pepper flakes in half. You can also swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. Fresh green beans have a crisp texture and bright flavor. They are perfect for this dish. Frozen green beans are often blanched before freezing. They can be convenient, but they may lose some texture. If possible, choose fresh for the best taste. When you cook fresh beans, they stay vibrant and crisp, giving your dish a lively appeal. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. You want the water to be bubbling. Once it’s boiling, add 1 pound of fresh green beans. Cook the beans for 2-3 minutes. They should turn bright green and stay crisp. After blanching, quickly drain the beans. Then, plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps their color nice and bright. Once they are cool, drain them again and set them aside. Next, we’ll make the garlic butter. Grab a large skillet and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling, it’s time to add the flavor. Toss in 4 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mix for 1-2 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. You want the garlic to smell great, not brown. Now, take the blanched green beans and add them to the skillet. Toss them gently in the garlic butter to coat them well. Then, pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix everything together until the beans are evenly seasoned. Cook the green beans for 3-4 more minutes. Stir frequently to make sure they shine and warm up. Before serving, taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Finally, add the zest and juice of 1 lemon, mixing it all together for a bright flavor. You can change the flavor easily! Try adding some fresh herbs, like basil or thyme. They add a nice touch. If you want more spice, add more red pepper flakes or fresh chili. For a twist, mix in some toasted sesame oil. It gives a nutty flavor that pairs well with green beans. To keep your green beans tender and bright, blanch them first. Boil them in salted water for just 2-3 minutes. After that, cool them in ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps the color bright. When cooking in the skillet, stir often. This helps the beans cook evenly without getting mushy. For a stunning look, use a white platter. It makes the green beans pop! Drizzle any extra garlic butter from the skillet over the beans. This adds richness and flavor. You can also add lemon wedges on the side. They look great and add a zesty touch. Fresh cilantro on top gives a nice color contrast and extra flavor. Pro Tips Blanching Technique: Make sure to plunge the green beans into ice water immediately after blanching. This locks in their vibrant color and crisp texture. Garlic Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing; it should be fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to the dish. Season to Taste: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, and soy sauce to achieve the perfect flavor balance. Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Use freshly chopped cilantro or other herbs for garnish. They enhance the dish’s flavor and provide a beautiful contrast to the green beans. {{image_4}} Adding bacon to this dish will take it to new heights. The salty and smoky flavor of crispy bacon pairs perfectly with the green beans. To make this, cook 4-6 strips of bacon in the skillet first. Once crispy, remove the bacon and set it aside. Use the bacon fat to sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes. Then, add the green beans and follow the rest of the recipe. Crumble the bacon over the finished dish for added texture and taste. If you want to keep this dish vegetarian, skip the bacon. You can add a variety of other ingredients to enhance flavor. Try adding toasted nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for crunch. Another option is to toss in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy taste. You can also use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for a different depth of flavor. You can change the flavor of Spicy Garlic Butter Green Beans to suit your taste. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the beans just before serving. The cheese will melt slightly and add a creamy texture. If you prefer a fresher taste, use lemon herbs. Add fresh thyme or basil along with the lemon zest and juice. This will give the dish a bright and refreshing note that complements the spice beautifully. After enjoying your spicy garlic butter green beans, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first to keep them fresh. Place the container in the fridge. These green beans will last for about three to four days. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. If you want to save your green beans for later, freezing is a great option. First, blanch the beans as you did in the recipe. After cooling them in ice water, drain them well. Next, lay the green beans flat on a baking sheet and freeze them for about two hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Your green beans can stay fresh for about six months in the freezer. To reheat your green beans, heat them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to keep them moist. Stir occasionally until they are warmed through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish with a splash of water for about 1-2 minutes. Make sure to check if they are hot enough before serving. Enjoy your vibrant side dish again! Yes, you can use frozen green beans. They are quick and easy. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can blanch them in hot water for 1-2 minutes. This helps keep their bright color. Frozen beans may cook faster, so watch them closely. To adjust the spice level, change the amount of red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, use less than a teaspoon. You can also skip the flakes if you prefer no heat. If you want it spicier, add more than a teaspoon. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. These green beans pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with grilled chicken or fish. They also go great with rice or quinoa. For a complete meal, add a fresh salad on the side. Their bright flavor complements a wide range of foods. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the green beans and garlic butter and store them separately. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat them in a skillet. Add the lemon juice and zest just before serving for freshness. This blog post guides you through making delicious garlic butter green beans. We covered ingredients, how to prepare them, and tips for the best flavor. You can choose fresh or frozen beans and explore tasty variations. Remember to store leftovers correctly to enjoy later. Cooking can be fun and simple, so don’t hesitate to try new ideas. You will impress friends and family with your skills. Enjoy your cooking journey and the tasty results!

Spicy Garlic Butter Green Beans

A vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed in a spicy garlic butter sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 lemon zest of
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Blanch the Green Beans: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the trimmed green beans and allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. After blanching, quickly drain the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This will halt the cooking process and help retain their vibrant color. Once cool, drain again and set aside.
  • Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
  • Combine the Ingredients: Take the blanched green beans and add them to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss the green beans gently to ensure they are evenly coated in the flavorful butter. Pour in the soy sauce, stirring to mix thoroughly until the beans are well-seasoned.
  • Season and Finish: Continue to cook the green beans in the skillet for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to create a nice shine and warmth. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, add the lemon zest and juice, tossing everything together for a bright, zesty finish.
  • Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the delicious green beans onto a serving platter and sprinkle with the fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, serve on a white platter and drizzle remaining garlic butter over the top.
Keyword butter, garlic, green beans, spicy, vegetable