Are you tired of bland, boring vegetable sides that put everyone to sleep? Get ready to electrify your dinner table with these mouthwatering Lemon Pepper Green Beans! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, crisp, and utterly irresistible dish that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. This isn't just another green bean recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines the bright, tangy punch of fresh lemon with the bold kick of black pepper, turning an ordinary vegetable into a culinary star.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the ends of the beans by snapping or cutting off the tough stem ends to ensure tender, crisp beans.
- Pat the green beans completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the beans achieve a better sear and crisp texture when cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is wide enough to allow the green beans to cook in a single layer for even browning.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the hot skillet. Spread them out evenly and let them cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop a nice golden-brown color on one side.
- Stir or toss the green beans and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing them to become tender-crisp and develop caramelized edges.
- Zest the entire lemon using a microplane or fine grater, capturing the bright yellow outer layer of the citrus skin.
- Squeeze the lemon to extract its fresh juice, being careful to remove any seeds.
- Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and salt over the green beans, tossing to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet, tossing the green beans to coat them completely with the bright, citrusy flavors.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately while the green beans are hot and at their most flavorful, garnishing with additional lemon zest if desired.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Make sure to thoroughly dry your green beans before cooking. Excess water will steam the beans instead of giving them that delicious golden-brown sear.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the green beans in a single layer to ensure even browning and that perfect crisp-tender texture.
- Let Them Sit: When first adding beans to the hot skillet, resist the urge to constantly stir. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes to develop those beautiful caramelized edges.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly ground black pepper and freshly zested lemon for the most vibrant flavor. Pre-ground pepper loses its punch quickly.
- Adjust to Taste: Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Everyone's salt and pepper preference is different, so make it your own!
- Serve Immediately: These green beans are best enjoyed hot and fresh, right out of the skillet when their flavors are most intense.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
