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A vibrant side dish of freshly cooked garlic butter green beans, glistening with melted butter and fragrant with herbs.

Best Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe with a Secret Twist

Elevate your classic garlic butter green beans with a unique twist! This recipe delivers crisp-tender, vibrant green beans perfectly coated in savory garlic butter, finished with a subtle hint of toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds for an unexpected depth of flavor and delightful crunch. Quick, easy, and versatile, it's the perfect side for any meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh green beans (aka string beans, ends trimmed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (+ more for seasoning the boiling water)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Optional
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil - Optional, for unique twist
  • Toasted sesame seeds - Optional, for unique twist

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large bowl
  • Ice bath
  • Sheet pan
  • Paper towel
  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer
  • Large skillet (10 or 12-inch)

Method
 

Prepare the Blanching Water and Ice Bath
  1. In a large pot, combine 6 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Cover it and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. While the water is heating, fill a large bowl with ice and water to create an ice bath. Line a sheet pan with a few sheets of paper towel and set both aside.
Blanch the Green Beans
  1. Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully add the trimmed fresh green beans. Cook them until they are crisp-tender, which usually takes about 5 minutes. The beans should turn a vibrant green color.
Cool and Dry the Green Beans
  1. Using a slotted spoon or a spider strainer, quickly transfer the blanched green beans from the boiling water directly into the prepared ice water. Let them cool completely for about 5 minutes. After cooling, drain them well and transfer onto the sheet pan lined with paper towels, patting them as dry as possible.
Sauté the Garlic Butter
  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large 10 or 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foaming, add the minced fresh garlic cloves. Cook the garlic, stirring constantly, for only about 30 seconds, taking care not to overcook it.
Combine and Sauté
  1. Now, add the dried green beans into the skillet with the fragrant garlic butter. Gently stir them to ensure they are fully coated. Sauté the beans, turning them often, for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to warm through, absorb flavors, and develop a slight char.
Add the Finishing Touches and Serve
  1. If using, toss in the 1 teaspoon of lemon zest at the very last minute for a burst of fresh brightness. For the unique twist, drizzle the Garlic Butter Green Beans with 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil and sprinkle them with toasted sesame seeds. Transfer the beans onto a plate and serve them immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

After blanching, thoroughly dry the green beans with paper towels to prevent steaming and ensure a crisp-tender sauté. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can turn bitter if burnt. Aim for a crisp-tender texture by monitoring blanching time carefully.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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