Imagine a side dish so vibrant, so incredibly delicious, that it steals the spotlight from your main course. These Lemon Basil Green Beans are not just another vegetable recipe—they're a culinary revelation that will make even the pickiest eaters beg for seconds! Bursting with bright citrus notes, aromatic fresh basil, and perfectly crisp-tender green beans, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cool running water, then trim off the tough ends by snapping or cutting them.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Carefully add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
- While the beans are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
- Once the green beans are blanched, immediately drain them and transfer to the ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- After 1-2 minutes, drain the green beans and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add the dried green beans to the hot skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and light browning.
- Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the green beans.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the beans, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select bright green, firm beans and use fresh basil for the most intense flavor.
- Blanching Technique: The ice bath is crucial—it stops the cooking process and maintains that gorgeous bright green color.
- Timing is Everything: Sauté the beans just until they're lightly golden to preserve their crisp texture.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beans in a single layer to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
- Season Boldly: Don't be shy with salt, pepper, and lemon juice—they bring out the beans' natural flavors.
- Serve Immediately: These beans are best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, to maintain their perfect texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
