Description
Lemon Butter Green Beans are a simple, vibrant side dish featuring tender green beans tossed in a rich lemon-infused butter sauce and finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This recipe brings a fresh, tangy brightness to your plate with minimal ingredients and quick preparation, perfect for complementing any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Green Beans
- 1 pound fresh green beans, rinsed and ends trimmed
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Blanch the green beans: Fill a saute pan or frying pan with about 1/2 inch of salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans, cover the pan, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp, depending on your preference.
- Cool the beans: Drain the cooked green beans and immediately rinse them under cold water until completely cooled to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright green color.
- Infuse the butter: In a nonstick frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the lemon zest and stir continuously for about 1 minute to infuse the butter with the lemon flavor.
- Combine: Return the cooled green beans to the pan with the lemon butter. Pour in the fresh lemon juice, add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and toss everything together gently. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Finish and serve: Transfer the lemon butter green beans to a serving dish and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Blanching the beans helps retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference for tanginess.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats and roasted chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
