Easy Sautéed Green Beans Recipe: Garlic & Lemon Zest (Print Version)

Simple Sautéed Green Beans Recipe with garlic and a hint of lemon. Learn my family's favorite way to cook fresh green beans, even with kitchen chaos.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1/2 lemon, juiced and zested
05 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Seasonings & Finishing

06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First up, those green beans! I usually give them a good rinse under cold water, then snap off the tough stem ends. Honestly, I don't bother with the "tail" end unless it looks really dry. You want them pretty dry before they hit the pan, so a quick pat with a clean kitchen towel is a must. This is where I always get distracted and leave them a bit too wet, causing a bit of oil splatter later – oops!
02 - Grab a large skillet, something with a good surface area, and pour in your olive oil. Get it going over medium heat. You’re looking for it to shimmer, but not smoke! That’s your cue. I remember once getting it too hot and the oil started smoking; had to open all the windows, haha. Patience here is a virtue, hon.
03 - Toss in your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir them around for about 30-60 seconds, until they're super fragrant. Oh, that smell! It’s one of my favorite kitchen aromas. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much; burnt garlic is bitter, and nobody wants that. This step is where all that lovely flavor base gets built for your Easy Sautéed Green Beans Recipe.
04 - Now, add your prepped green beans to the skillet. Give them a good toss to coat them in that garlicky oil. Spread them out in a single layer if you can; crowding the pan makes them steam, not sauté, and we want that lovely tender-crisp texture. I always try to resist piling them too high, even when I'm in a hurry!
05 - Let the beans cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-8 minutes. You're looking for them to turn a vibrant green and get those lovely little browned, blistered spots. That's flavor, right there! Taste one to check for doneness; they should be tender but still have a bit of a bite. Sometimes I get impatient and pull them off too early, only to realize they needed another minute or two.
06 - Once they’re perfect, take the skillet off the heat. Squeeze in that fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Give it one last good toss. The aroma at this stage? Divine! These Easy Sautéed Green Beans Recipe are best served immediately, while they’re still warm and vibrant. You'll see those beautiful green beans, smelling bright and garlicky – pure perfection.

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh, snappy green beans for the best texture and flavor.
02 - Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
03 - Try swapping olive oil for butter for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
04 - Serve these alongside roasted chicken or pan-seared fish for a complete meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - citrus zester

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 90 kcal
Total Fat: 7g
Total Carbohydrate: 6g
Protein: 2g

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