Lemon Garlicky String Beans 

Another one of my mom’s recipes that’s super simple, and sometimes those are the best. You really can’t go wrong with fresh string beans, garlic, butter, and lemon.

These come together in about 15 minutes, and I love my string beans with a little crunch, almost al dente. They’re an easy side when you need something quick to go with dinner.

Ingredient Notes

• Butter: used to sauté the garlic and finish the string beans.
• Fresh lemon juice: Add this after turning off the heat.
• Mustard: I didn’t use it, but a little mustard powder or Dijon works if you prefer.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the string beans. Steam them until they’re slightly tender and bendy but still have some bite.
• Keep the heat around medium-low when cooking the garlic so it doesn’t burn.
• Add the lemon juice after turning off the heat.
• Taste at the end and adjust the salt, black pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Grace

Lemon Garlicky String Beans

These Lemon Garlicky String Beans are steamed until slightly tender with a little crunch, then tossed with butter, fresh garlic, and lemon juice. They come together in about 15 minutes and make an easy side for just about any meal.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian, Italian-Amerian, Mediterranean

Ingredients

  

• About 15 ounces fresh string beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Mustard powder or Dijon mustard, optional

You’ll Need

• Steamer basket or pot with steamer
• Large skillet
• Chef's knife
• cutting board

Instructions

 

1. Trim and rinse the string beans.
2. Steam the string beans for about 7 to 8 minutes, until slightly tender and bendy but still with a little crunch.
3. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
4. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
5. Add the steamed string beans to the skillet and toss with the garlic butter until evenly coated.
6. Turn off the heat and add the fresh lemon juice. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm.

Notes

• Store leftover string beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
• If using mustard, add a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Serving Ideas

These Lemon Garlicky String Beans are an easy side for all kinds of meals. They pair especially well with my Miso Ginger Salmon Steaks or Crispy Parmesan Herb Tofu with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce.

Another way I love using these string beans is in my mom’s Italian green bean and potato salad with red onion, fresh herbs, a few chopped tomatoes, olives, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. It’s delicious!

Make it Your Own

• Sprinkle sesame seeds.
• Add chopped parsley or scallions.
• Toss with a little pesto.
• Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter.