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- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce Fresh green beans are the star of this dish. They give a crisp texture and bright color. I love using unsalted butter. It lets me control the salt and enhances the garlic flavor. Minced garlic adds a strong, rich taste. Red pepper flakes give the dish its heat, so adjust as you like. Soy sauce adds depth and umami to the beans. - Salt and pepper, to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish) Seasoning with salt and pepper makes the flavors pop. Lemon zest brightens the dish with freshness. Lemon juice adds a tang that balances the richness of the butter. Chopped cilantro is a perfect garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring this water to a rolling boil. Next, add 1 pound of fresh green beans. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. After that, drain the beans. Quickly plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps them crunchy. Set the green beans aside once they cool. Now, grab a large skillet and put it on medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt slowly. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Make sure to watch the garlic closely. You don't want it to burn. The aroma will fill your kitchen! Time to bring everything together! Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter until they are well-coated. Next, pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix everything until the beans are evenly seasoned. This adds a nice salty flavor. Cook the green beans for an extra 3-4 minutes. Stir them often to avoid sticking. After that, season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, add the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Toss everything again for a fresh burst of flavor. Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the green beans to a serving platter. Finally, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for a beautiful garnish. Enjoy your spicy garlic butter green beans! To get that perfect crunch, start by blanching the green beans. First, boil salted water in a large pot. Then, add the trimmed beans and cook for just 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp. After blanching, drain the beans and plunge them into ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps them crunchy. You can adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild, use less. You can also experiment with other seasonings. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a splash of vinegar for zing. Spicy garlic butter green beans pair well with roasted chicken or grilled fish. They add color and flavor to any plate. For presentation, serve them on a white platter. This makes the bright green beans pop. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter over them for extra richness. Adding lemon wedges on the side also brightens up the dish. Pro Tips Blanching Technique: Ensure the water is fully boiling before adding the green beans for the best texture. This helps maintain their vibrant color and crispness. Garlic Cooking: Stir the garlic continuously when cooking to prevent it from burning, which can give a bitter taste to the dish. Adjusting Spice Level: Start with a smaller amount of red pepper flakes and taste as you go. You can always add more for extra heat! Fresh Herbs: For a more robust flavor, try adding fresh basil or parsley alongside the cilantro for an aromatic twist. {{image_2}} You can change things up by using different veggies. Instead of green beans, try snap peas or asparagus. Both add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also use frozen green beans when fresh ones aren't in season. When it comes to butter, you can switch to ghee for a nutty taste. If you want a lighter option, try olive oil. It gives a different flavor but still works well. For those who like heat, add jalapeños or serrano peppers. They really boost the spice level. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper for extra kick. Another fun idea is to toss in nuts like sliced almonds or toasted pecans. They add crunch and a new texture. This makes the dish even more interesting. If you want a vegan or dairy-free version, replace the butter with coconut oil. This keeps the dish rich and tasty without dairy. For those avoiding gluten, check the soy sauce. Use a gluten-free version to keep it safe. You can also try tamari, which has a similar flavor. To keep your spicy garlic butter green beans fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure the beans have cooled down before sealing. This helps keep them crisp. If you notice any moisture inside the container, dry it out with a paper towel. For long-term storage, you can freeze these green beans. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. These beans can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to use them, just pull them out and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating is key to keeping the flavor and texture. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat, add a splash of water or extra butter, and toss in the green beans. Stir for about 3 to 5 minutes until heated through. This method helps them stay tender and flavorful. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook. Yes, you can use frozen green beans. However, they will have a different texture. Frozen beans often become softer when cooked. This may change how they taste and feel in your dish. If you use frozen beans, adjust the cooking time. Cook them just until heated through to keep some crunch. You can easily change the spice level. If you want it milder, use less red pepper flakes. For more heat, add more flakes or even some fresh chopped chili. You could also try a dash of hot sauce for a different kick. Taste as you go to get your perfect spice level. These green beans pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with grilled chicken or fish for a healthy meal. They also complement steak nicely. For a vegetarian option, serve with rice or quinoa. Adding a fresh salad can round out your meal beautifully. This post covered the key ingredients and steps for making spicy garlic butter green beans. We talked about blanching, preparing garlic butter, and seasoning for the perfect taste. You can even tweak flavors or swap veggies to suit your taste. These beans are not just easy to make; they are also delicious. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy it as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Spicy Garlic Butter Green Beans

A vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed in a spicy garlic butter sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 lemon zest of
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and immerse them for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter until well-coated. Pour in the soy sauce, mixing until the beans are evenly seasoned.
  • Cook the green beans for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the lemon zest and juice, giving everything a final toss.
  • Remove from heat, transfer to a serving platter, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Notes

Serve on a white platter for a clean look and drizzle remaining garlic butter over the top.
Keyword butter, garlic, green beans, spicy, vegetable