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Sauteed Green Beans

Fresh, crisp green beans transformed into a golden, tender side dish with garlic, almonds, and lemon that even picky eaters will enjoy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Method
 

  1. Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim off the stem ends. Pat the beans completely dry with paper towels to prevent oil splattering during cooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
  3. Carefully add the green beans to the hot oil. They should sizzle immediately. Spread them in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir the beans and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they're bright green and tender-crisp. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  5. Push the green beans to one side of the pan and add butter to the empty space. Once it melts and begins to foam, add the minced garlic and sliced almonds. Cook for 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and the almonds turn golden.
  6. Toss everything together, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat green beans completely dry to prevent oil splattering. Don't overcrowd the pan - cook in batches if needed. Green beans should remain vibrant and crisp-tender. Add garlic at the end to prevent burning. Can trim green beans the night before to save time. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in skillet.