0 from 6 votes
Skillet Seared Green Beans with Lemon and Cotija Cheese
Easy flavorful vegetable side dish recipe. A quick hot sear adds major depth of flavor to green beans. Simple and addicting!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 81 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese (optional – you may substitute feta or omit to make it dairy free)
Instructions
- Pour about 1 inch of water in the bottom of a medium pot and bring to a boil. Add the green beans and cover the pot. Steam the green beans for 3-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain the green beans and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process, then shake in the colander to drain completely. Spread the beans out on a kitchen towel to get rid of excess moisture. These steps can be done 1-2 hours ahead. The rest of the cooking should be done just before serving.
- For this next part, turn on the vent or open the windows, it will get smoky! Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high for a few minutes to get it very hot. Pour in the olive oil; it will begin to smoke slightly. Quickly add the drained green beans to the skillet and turn the heat to high. Sear the green beans for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans have color and are slightly blackened in places. Remove from heat. Sprinkle the beans with fresh lemon juice, then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the beans on a serving plate and sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese. Serve warm.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- You will also need: Medium pot, cast iron skillet
Nutrition Information
Calories
81kcal
(4%)
Carbohydrates
6g
(2%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
6g
(9%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
5mg
(2%)
Sodium
67mg
(3%)
Potassium
167mg
(5%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
545IU
(11%)
Vitamin C
12.1mg
(13%)
Calcium
56mg
(6%)
Iron
0.8mg
(4%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 81
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 81kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 67mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 167mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 545IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 12.1mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 56mg | 6% |
| Iron | 0.8mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.