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Crispy Brown Butter Lemon Green Beans Almondine

crispy brown butter lemon green beans almondine - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring crisp green beans sautéed in nutty brown butter with toasted almonds and a bright splash of lemon. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Trim and prep the green beans: Wash and trim the ends of 1 pound fresh green beans. Pat dry with a kitchen towel.
  2. Blanch the beans (optional): Boil salted water, add beans and cook 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Transfer to ice bath, drain and dry thoroughly.
  3. Toast the almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/3 cup sliced almonds, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. Cook the green beans: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add green beans and sauté for 5-7 minutes until blistered and crispy spots form.
  5. Brown the butter: Push beans to one side of skillet. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to empty side. Melt and cook, swirling frequently, until golden brown and nutty, about 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Combine and season: Stir beans into browned butter. Add minced garlic, toasted almonds, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Final touch and serve: Toss once more, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve immediately for best crisp texture.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Pat green beans dry after blanching for best crispness. Toast almonds carefully over medium heat to prevent bitterness. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based butter or ghee. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth after lemon juice can create a light sauce. Optional garlic adds savory depth. Variations include adding red pepper flakes for heat or swapping almonds for pumpkin seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: green beans, brown butter, lemon, almonds, almondine, side dish, easy recipe, quick, healthy