Green Beans Toasted Almonds Lemon (Print View)
Crisp green beans tossed with toasted almonds and lemon zest for a fresh, vibrant side.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
→ Nuts
02 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds
→ Aromatics & Seasoning
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
05 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
06 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Finishing
07 - Zest of 1 lemon
08 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
# How to Make:
01 - Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt.
02 - Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and just tender. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and pat dry.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds. Toast, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate.
04 - In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Add the green beans, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
06 - Remove from heat. Add the lemon zest and juice. Toss gently.
07 - Sprinkle with toasted almonds just before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The crunch of toasted almonds transforms humble green beans into something that feels fancy enough for holiday dinners
- Lemon brightens everything without overpowering the fresh bean flavor, making even vegetable skeptics come back for more
02 -
- Don't skip the ice bath step—it's the secret to keeping green beans bright green instead of that dull army green color nobody wants on their plate
- Toast your almonds ahead of time and store them separately if you're prepping for a big dinner, because adding them at the last minute keeps them perfectly crunchy
03 -
- Work in batches if your pan is crowded—overcrowding makes beans steam instead of getting that nice buttery coating
- Room temperature beans cook more evenly than cold ones, so let them sit out for 10 minutes if you've prepped them ahead