Description
Hey friends, Beau here! Let’s be honest—sometimes choosing a side dish can feel like a chore. You want something simple, tasty, and a little special, right? Enter Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds. Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in buttery garlic, topped with toasted almonds—this dish transforms a humble veggie into a star. It’s fresh, elegant, and comes together in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
-
1 lb (450 g) fresh green beans, trimmed
Look for firm, bright green beans that snap easily. Haricot verts work wonderfully! -
2 tbsp butter (or olive oil/vegan butter for a dairy-free option)
-
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best; use a microplane for fine grating if desired)
-
¼ cup sliced almonds (toasted for deep, nutty flavor)
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
-
Optional: Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
1. Blanch the Green Beans
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
-
Trim the ends off your green beans.
-
Boil for 2–3 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.
-
Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.
Chef’s Tip: Dry beans sauté better and won’t steam in the pan.
2. Toast the Almonds
-
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
-
Add almonds and toast 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
-
Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Warning: Nuts burn quickly—stay close!
3. Make the Garlic Butter
-
Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
-
Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds, until fragrant (don’t brown it!).
4. Sauté the Green Beans
-
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet.
-
Season with salt and pepper.
-
Toss and cook 4–5 minutes, until heated through and tender-crisp.
5. Finish with Almonds and Lemon
-
Remove skillet from heat.
-
Toss in toasted almonds and a squeeze of lemon juice, if using.
-
Serve immediately on a warm platter.
Pro Tip: Scrape all that buttery, garlicky goodness from the pan onto the beans—it’s the best part!
Notes
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes! Thaw and pat dry. Skip blanching; sauté directly but watch for mushiness.
What if my garlic burns?
Start over at medium-low heat. We want sweet, aromatic garlic, not bitter.
Can I prep ahead?
Yes! Blanch the beans and toast almonds in advance. Store separately. Sauté just before serving.
Soggy beans?
Ensure beans are fully dry and the pan is hot. Don’t overcrowd, or they’ll steam instead of sauté.
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 Cal Per Serving
- Fat: 14 g
- Protein: 5g