Green Beans Toasted Almonds (Printable)
Crisp-tender green beans enhanced by toasted almonds and bright lemon zest provide fresh flavor.
# What You 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:
01 - Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt. 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.
02 - 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.
03 - In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the green beans, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
05 - Remove from heat. Add the lemon zest and juice. Toss gently. Sprinkle with toasted almonds just before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get that restaurant style presentation with about 15 minutes of actual work
- The lemon brightens everything while the almonds add this incredible crunch that makes vegetables feel special
02 -
- Make sure your beans are completely dry after the ice bath or the butter will not cling to them and they will taste watery
- The almonds can burn in seconds so do not walk away even to check your phone, stay right there until they are safely on a plate
03 -
- Use a microplane or zester to get just the bright yellow part of the lemon peel without any bitter white pith
- If your almonds are already toasted, skip that step but add them at the very end so they stay crunchy