Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds thin string beans, rinsed and ends trimmed
For Lemon Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
Additional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the green beans: Rinse the green beans under cold running water using a colander to remove any dirt. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Trim the ends off each green bean and discard any bruised or discolored ones. Cut the beans in half for easy eating.
- Steam the green beans: Add about 1 inch of water to a pot and place a steamer basket inside, making sure the water does not touch the basket. Place the green beans in the steamer basket and cover with a lid. Steam over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes until green beans are crisp-tender and still bright green. For thicker beans, steam for 5-7 minutes. Immediately transfer the steamed beans to a large bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and dry the beans completely.
- Make the lemon garlic butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the olive oil and unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic, swirling gently to infuse the flavors, then remove from heat immediately to prevent burning. Stir in the lemon juice.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese: Use a hand-held fine grater to grate the Parmesan cheese finely. Alternatively, pulse the Parmesan pieces in a blender or NutriBullet for 15-30 seconds to create a fine cheese dust.
- Toss green beans with lemon garlic butter: Add the dried green beans to a large bowl and pour over the lemon garlic butter. Toss to coat evenly. Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and lemon zest over the green beans and toss once more. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Notes
- Use thin fresh green beans for best steaming results and tender bites.
- Rapidly cooling the steamed beans in ice water helps maintain their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
- Adjust the garlic amount based on your preference to avoid overpowering the delicate beans.
- For a nut-free or dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a healthy side dish to complement any main course.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
