Mean Lean Green Beans
Give your dinner table a vibrant burst of flavor with "Mean Lean Green Beans," a quick and healthy side dish that’s as bold as it is simple to make. Featuring fresh, crisp green beans sautéed in fragrant garlic and olive oil, then brightened with zesty lemon juice and zest, this recipe packs a punch of citrusy and savory goodness. A touch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while steaming the beans ensures they stay perfectly tender-crisp. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect for weeknight meals or holiday feasts alike. Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or tofu for a complete and satisfying plate. Whether you're searching for a wholesome vegetable side or an easy skillet recipe, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 whole lemon
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.75 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 60 milliliters water
Instructions
Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim off the stem ends.
Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside.
Zest the lemon to obtain about 1 teaspoon of zest, then cut the lemon in half and juice it to yield approximately 2 tablespoons of juice.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss in the trimmed green beans and stir well to coat them in the garlic and oil mixture.
Add the water to the pan, cover it with a lid, and let the beans steam for 5-7 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high to evaporate any remaining water while stirring the beans occasionally.
Sprinkle the red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest over the beans. Stir well to combine.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the top and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the green beans to a serving dish.
Serve warm as a side dish to complement your favorite main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
424 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.2 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1803 mg | 78% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.5 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.4 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.4 g | ||
| Protein | 9.4 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 205 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 1078 mg | 23% | |
*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.
