Buttery Garlic Green Beans

Crisp-tender green beans are steamed in a skillet, then coated with pale garlic butter and finished with fresh lemon.

25 min

4 servings

Ingredients

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

3 tbsp unsalted butter

3 garlic cloves, finely minced

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp water

Large lidded skillet · Chef's knife · Cutting board · Fine grater · Small dish

Protect the garlic

Lower the heat before adding garlic; pale, fragrant garlic gives the butter a clean savory flavor.

Serve right away

Bring the beans to the table while their texture is snappy and the lemon still smells fresh.

01. Rinse, trim, and dry the beans; mince the garlic, zest the lemon, and squeeze its juice before the skillet gets hot.

02. Cover the salted beans and water until steaming, then lower the heat; the beans should turn vivid green while staying firm.

03. Uncover and toss until the water evaporates, checking a thick bean so its center remains crisp-tender.

04. Push beans aside and melt butter over medium-low; keep it pale rather than letting it brown.

05. Stir garlic into the butter until fragrant but pale, then fold the beans through for an even coating.

06. Toss in the black pepper and lemon zest, then add lemon juice so the finish stays bright.

07. Taste, transfer the beans with their garlic butter, and serve promptly while they are bright and snappy.