Lemon Garlic Green Beans
A quick saute keeps these green beans crisp-tender, brightened with lemon and finished with toasted almonds.
Sodium note
No added salt; lemon zest, garlic, and toasted almonds provide the flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Method
- 1
Blanch green beans in boiling unsalted water for 3 minutes, then drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
- 2
Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden, then set aside.
- 3
Add olive oil to the same skillet and cook garlic over medium heat for 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- 4
Add green beans and saute 4 to 5 minutes, tossing often, until crisp-tender and lightly blistered.
- 5
Remove from heat and toss with lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- 6
Top with toasted almonds before serving.
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
- Calories
- 130
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbs
- 10 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Sodium
- 5 mg
Nutrition and sodium information is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredients, brands, serving sizes and preparation methods. Always check the labels on the products you buy.
Substitutions
- Sliced pine nuts or walnuts can replace almonds.
- Shallots can replace garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Orange zest can replace lemon zest for a different citrus note.
Tips
- Blanching first keeps the beans bright green and evenly cooked before they hit the hot skillet.
- Toast the almonds before the garlic so you can use the same pan without burning either one.
- Add the lemon juice off the heat so its brightness doesn't cook away.
New to cooking without salt? Start with our beginner guide and 25 ways to add flavor without salt.
