There’s something about the zing of lemons that transports me straight to a sun-drenched afternoon, even if it’s the middle of winter. This lemon butter green beans recipe is like a little burst of sunshine on your plate—bright, refreshing, yet surprisingly comforting. I remember whipping this up last summer when everyone was obsessed with the latest viral TikTok dance; somehow, these beans stole the show at our backyard barbecue.
Steps
- Use a zester or small grater to peel the thin yellow zest from a lemon and set it aside.
- Remove the stems from a pound of fresh green beans, snapping them in half if you prefer shorter pieces, and rinse them with cool water in a colander.
- Transfer the rinsed green beans to a deep skillet, adding about an inch of water to generate steam, ensuring the water does not cover the beans.
- Cover the skillet with a lid, place it over medium-high heat, and bring the water to a boil. Allow the beans to steam for 3-5 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender.
- Check the beans with a fork; they should be tender yet crisp. If the beans have turned a dull olive color, they’ve been cooked too long.
- Drain the beans in a colander and return them to the warm skillet. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and freshly cracked pepper.
- Toss the beans to evenly coat them with the butter and seasonings, allowing the residual heat to melt the butter.
- Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with additional lemon juice, zest, salt, or pepper as desired. Serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 150.2 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22.1 g | Protein: 4.43 g | Fat: 5.98 g | Sodium: 1270.45 mg | Fiber: 6.73 g
FAQ
- How long should I steam green beans for the best texture?
- The ideal steaming time for green beans is typically between 3-5 minutes, depending on their size and your cooking setup. Keep an eye on them to ensure they remain vibrant green and tender-crisp.
- Do I need a steaming basket to cook green beans?
- A steaming basket isn’t necessary. You can cook green beans by placing them in a skillet with about an inch of water. They’ll steam effectively, as long as you avoid overcooking them.
- Can I use the lemon butter sauce on other vegetables?
- Absolutely! The lemon butter sauce is versatile and complements a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, asparagus, kale, peas, and carrots.
- What is the key to perfectly cooked green beans?
- The key to perfectly cooked green beans is to ensure they remain slightly firm with a bright green color. Avoid overcooking to maintain their texture and flavor.
- How can I adjust the flavor of Lemon Butter Green Beans?
- You can adjust the flavor by adding more lemon zest, juice, salt, or pepper according to your taste preferences.
Tips
- Do Not Overcook: Ensure that the green beans retain a tender-crisp texture by avoiding overcooking. Aim for a bright, vibrant green color, which indicates they are cooked to perfection without the dull olive hue of overcooked beans.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: After mixing the green beans with butter, lemon zest, and juice, taste them and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or zest to suit your preference and enhance the flavor.
- Use a Simple Steaming Method: Instead of using a steaming basket, add an inch of water to the skillet and let the beans steam directly in it. This method is quick and effective, ensuring that the beans are evenly cooked.
- Experiment with Other Vegetables: The lemon butter sauce pairs well with various vegetables. Try using it with broccoli, asparagus, or carrots to add a fresh and vibrant twist to other dishes.
Equipment
- Microplane or Zester – Used for removing the thin layer of zest from the lemon.
- Deep Skillet with Lid – Required for steaming and cooking the green beans.
