Prepare to transform the humble green bean into a restaurant-worthy side dish that will have your family and guests begging for seconds! This Pan Fried Lemon Garlic Green Beans recipe is not just another vegetable preparation - it's a culinary adventure that turns ordinary green beans into a vibrant, flavor-packed sensation that will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the tough ends of the beans by snapping or cutting them.
- Pat the green beans completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure proper browning during cooking.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, ensuring they are chopped into small, uniform pieces for even flavor distribution.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the prepared green beans to the hot pan in a single layer, allowing them to make direct contact with the pan surface to create a nice golden-brown sear.
- Cook the green beans without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop a caramelized exterior, then toss or stir to ensure even cooking.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the green beans, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the green beans are tender-crisp and have developed a vibrant green color with golden edges.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter, ensuring to scrape all the garlic and pan juices over the beans.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Dryness is Key: Always thoroughly dry your green beans before cooking. Excess moisture prevents proper caramelization and can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Use High Heat: A hot pan is crucial for achieving those beautiful golden-brown edges that add incredible depth of flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook beans in a single layer to ensure each bean gets direct contact with the pan surface, promoting even browning.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, crisp green beans for the most vibrant texture and flavor. Look for beans that snap cleanly when bent.
- Timing Matters: Watch your garlic carefully - it can burn quickly and turn bitter. Add it later in the cooking process to maintain its sweet, aromatic qualities.
- Finish with Brightness: The fresh lemon juice adds a crucial bright note that cuts through the richness of the olive oil and enhances the beans' natural flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
