Perfectly Blanched Green Beans with Lemongarlic Butter

Recipe Introduction: Green Bean Bliss Awaits

Ever wondered how restaurants get their green beans so vibrant and crisp? I did too. And guess what? The secret is blanching green beans ! This simple technique unlocks a world of flavor and texture.

Get ready for perfectly blanched vegetables .

What's the Deal with Blanching?

Blanching green beans isn't just some fancy chef thing. It's a quick cooking method. It involves briefly boiling the beans.

Followed by an ice bath, also known as shocking green beans . This stops cooking and sets the color.

This recipe for blanched green beans with lemon garlic butter is inspired by Italian simplicity. It takes only 10 minutes. It yields 4 servings of deliciousness. The blanching time green beans is key.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, these aren't your grandma's mushy green bean casserole green beans. Think bright green, crisp tender green beans that pop in your mouth.

Plus, green beans are packed with vitamins. It's a super simple side. And it elevates any meal. This is the best way to blanch green beans I have found.

Let's Get Started

Ready to learn how do you blanch green beans like a pro? Grab your green beans. And lets get to the grocery store.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Green Bean Arsenal

Alright, let's talk about what you need to make these amazing blanched green beans with butter . We'll keep it simple, promise.

You don't need a fancy culinary school degree! Honestly, how do you blanch green beans is easier than making toast.

Main Ingredients: Green Bean Goodness

• 1 pound (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed. Look for beans that are firm, bright green, and snap easily. Avoid the floppy ones. Nobody wants floppy beans.
• 4 cups (950ml) water. Just tap water is fine, no need for anything fancy.
• 1 tablespoon salt (for the blanching water). This helps keep those beans bright green. Salt is your friend!
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter. Go for good quality butter for the best flavor. It makes a difference, trust me.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic will do in a pinch.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Bottled is okay, but fresh just tastes brighter.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for seasoning). Because salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always better, but pre-ground is fine too.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste. If you like a little kick, add a pinch.

Seasoning Notes: Zest Up Your Beans

Lemon garlic butter is the MVP here. It's essential . The bright acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the butter.

If you are aiming for blanched green bean salad , you can add some fresh herbs. Lemon garlic butter really is a wonderful, classic combination though!

Want to mix things up? Try a squeeze of lime instead of lemon. Or, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

A little green beans almondine never hurt anyone either. Oh, and green beans with balsamic glaze ? Absolute game changer.

If you fancy something a little bit spicy, consider some sauteed green beans with chilli flakes, or if you fancy something quick and easy, why not consider blanched green beans with butter ?

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Large pot. Big enough to hold the beans and water.
• Slotted spoon or strainer. To rescue the beans from the boiling water.
• Large bowl. For the shocking green beans in ice water.
• Ice. Lots of it. You are making an ice bath vegetables
• Small saucepan or microwave safe bowl. For melting the butter.

That's it! No fancy gadgets required. You can use a regular spoon instead of a slotted spoon if you're careful.

And if you don't have a saucepan, you can melt the butter in the microwave. Just do it in short bursts so it doesn't explode.

Been there, done that. Making perfectly blanched vegetables can really be that easy.

Perfectly Blanched Green Beans with Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter

Honestly, sometimes the simplest dishes are the best. Like these blanched green beans ! It's a super easy way to make this side dish sing.

Forget boring steamed veggies! We're talking crisp tender green beans bursting with flavor. I swear, even picky eaters will gobble these up.

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized

First, mise en place is your friend. It's fancy, but it just means get everything ready. Trim one pound of fresh green beans.

Grab four tablespoons of butter, two cloves of garlic, and a lemon. Get a big bowl ready for your ice bath vegetables , and throw in some ice cubes with water.

Having all prepped cuts your cooking time in half.

Safety First : Use caution when transferring hot green beans. Wear oven mitts!

How to Blanching Green Beans : A step-by-step Guide

1. Bring four cups of water to a rolling boil. Add one tablespoon of salt.
2. Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Cook for 2- 3 minutes until they're bright green.
3. Immediately transfer the green beans to the ice bath for 2- 3 minutes to stop cooking. This is called shocking green beans .
4. Drain the green beans well. Pat them dry. Super important!
5. Melt four tablespoons of butter in a small pan. Add two minced garlic cloves. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
6. Toss the blanched green beans with the lemon garlic butter . Serve right away.

Pro Tips: Secrets for Best Way to Blanch Green Beans

• Don't overcook . Seriously! Nobody likes mushy beans. Look for that perfect crisp tender texture.
• A little trick: salting the boiling water isn’t only for flavor! Salting the water helps the beans keep their vibrant color. Who knew, right?
• If you're making these ahead, blanch the beans. Then store them. Reheat them in the lemon garlic butter right before serving. A perfect make-ahead option.

This quick green bean recipe can also be elevated with toasted almonds! Now you have green beans almondine ! You can even drizzle the green beans with balsamic glaze for a bit of sweetness.

Or, you know, you could always make a green bean casserole .

Enjoy your blanched green beans with butter . This green bean side dish recipes will be your new go-to recipe for vegetables! So there you have it perfectly blanched green beans every time.

Recipe Notes: Let's Get This Right, Shall We?

Alright, so you've got the gist of the recipe. Now, let's nail those details! We want perfectly blanched vegetables , and these notes will help you get there every time.

Trust me, I've had my fair share of soggy disasters before I figured out the secrets to crisp tender green beans .

Serving Suggestions: Posh 'Em Up!

Presentation is key, innit? Plating blanched green beans with butter is simple but effective. Arrange them neatly on a plate.

Add a lemon wedge for a pop of color. Job done! These bad boys pair beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish.

For sides, think mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf. A crisp glass of white wine wouldn't go amiss either, would it?

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

Got leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for about 3 days. Freezing blanched vegetables isn't ideal as they can get a bit mushy.

But, if you must, spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag.

Reheat them gently in a pan with a little extra lemon garlic butter . Honestly, though, they're best fresh.

Variations: Fancy Pants Versions

Feeling adventurous? How about green beans almondine ? Toast some slivered almonds in a dry pan until golden. Then sprinkle them over the beans with the lemon garlic butter.

For a tangy twist, green beans with balsamic glaze are fantastic. Just drizzle a little glaze over the top before serving.

If you're after green bean side dish recipes that are dietary adaptations, try using olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

Or, spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick.

Nutrition Basics: Good For Ya!

Green beans are packed with vitamins and fiber. This quick green bean recipe is a relatively healthy way to get your greens.

Each serving is roughly 120 calories. But that will depend on how much butter you slather on. They're a good source of vitamins C and K.

Plus, fiber keeps things moving, if you catch my drift.

So there you have it! All the insider tips and tricks to make these blanched green beans a total success.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Have a bit of fun in the kitchen. You've got this!