Lemony Green Beans
Brighten up your table with these vibrant and flavorful Lemon Green Beans! This quick and easy side dish combines tender-crisp green beans with the zesty punch of fresh lemon juice and zest, a hint of garlic, and a touch of spice from optional red pepper flakes. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is the perfect balance of freshness and simplicity, making it an ideal companion to any main course. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and garnished with lemon slices, these green beans are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Whether you're prepping for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this healthy, gluten-free, and vegan dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 1 whole lemon
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Wash and trim the green beans. Remove any ends or tough stems.
Zest the lemon and set the zest aside. Cut the lemon in half and juice one half. Slice the other half into thin rounds for garnish, if desired.
Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Add the green beans to the skillet and stir to coat in the garlic and oil.
Pour in the water and cover the skillet. Steam the green beans for 5-7 minutes, or until tender but still slightly crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Uncover the skillet and let any remaining water evaporate. Lower the heat to medium-low.
Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Toss the green beans to coat evenly.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and garnish with the lemon slices, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
282 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.3 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1191 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.2 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 1.2 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 43 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 121 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
