Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
91 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan
Description
Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan highlights fresh string beans that are trimmed and blanched briefly to maintain a tender-crisp texture and vibrant green color. The garlic is cooked in butter until golden brown, imparting a nutty aroma before the beans are added. Finished with a spritz of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese along with lemon zest, the beans present a crisp-tender bite with savory and bright notes. The contrasting textures of tender beans and melted butter with sharp cheese provide depth to this vegetable dish.
The garlic is carefully sauteed separately to ensure it browns just right, avoiding bitterness. The blanched beans maintain their fresh snap and subtle sweetness under the buttery, garlicky coating. The addition of lemon juice and zest cuts through the richness, balancing the flavors.
This preparation works well as a side to roasted or grilled meats or fish, bringing freshness and a slight tang to the plate. The dish offers a good way to enjoy green beans with enhanced flavor beyond simple steaming or roasting.
Preparation steps such as trimming and blanching can be done ahead and stored in the fridge for a couple of days if needed. Skipping blanching is possible but may sacrifice color and texture. Adjusting spices like paprika or chili flakes can personalize the dish's heat and aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 pounds Green bean we are using string beans, fresh
- 8-10 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 10 grams butter unsalted
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 lemon zest
Instructions
- Trim off the stem edge of the beans. I did not trim both ends, I left a thin string side. It’s edible Feel free to trim both ends.
- Bring about 5 qt water to boil. When water starts boiling, add kosher salt (to taste) into boiling water.
- Add all the green beans to the boiling water. Blanch it for about 3 to 5 minutes. We do not want to overcook beans. It needs to be just cooked/blanched but still have that crunch.Note: I like crunchy beans so always cook to the point it has that crunch but cooked (not fully cooked). Cook longer if you prefer fully cooked beans. Start with cooking for 7 to 9 minutes. Check if it's cooked. Cook longer if needed.
- Remove blanched beans immediately into an ice bath and let it cool. Drain if off and keep aside.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add minced garlic and cook stirring until golden brown. This step is important. Do not rush to add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Wait until the garlic is golden brown. Browning garlic ensures maximum flavors of the garlic in the dish. Don't rush this step.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Throw in the blanched green beans into a skillet. Toss well to ensure all the beans are coated with butter and seasoning. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Add lemon juice. Turn off the heat.
- Grate Parmesan cheese and zest of 1 lemon over sautéed green beans.
- Serve immediately as sides for Thanksgiving dinner.
Notes
- Use fresh, tender green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Blanching helps keep the beans crisp and vibrant in color; for frozen green beans, blanching is not necessary.
- Prepare the trimmed and blanched beans ahead of time and store them tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to two days before sautéing.
- Cook the garlic until it turns golden brown before adding the beans to avoid bitterness and to develop its full flavor.
- For variations, consider adding paprika or red chili flakes for a touch of heat, or fresh herbs like rosemary for more aroma.
- Substitute butter with oil for a lighter version if preferred.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 91 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 91kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 104mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 263mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 899IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 122mg | 12% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.