Green Beans With Lemon
Bright and zesty green beans with lemon, enhanced by butter and pepper, perfect as a fresh side dish for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a Dutch oven; add salt and green beans.
- Cook the green beans for 7 to 8 minutes; then drain.
- Plunge the green beans into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain again.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over low heat.
- Stir in the grated lemon rind and lemon juice into the melted butter.
- Pour the lemon butter mixture over the cooked green beans.
- Sprinkle with pepper and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use fresh green beans and don't overcook them; they should be bright green and tender-crisp. If you don't have lemon rind, a splash of lemon extract can work in a pinch. For a vegan alternative, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter. This dish pairs beautifully with Lemon Cheese Coffeecake for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
These green beans make a delightful side dish for grilled meats or fish, and they can also be served chilled as part of a salad. Consider pairing them with a light lemon vinaigrette for added flavor. They complement well with other American recipes like Fried Rice And Cheese Balls or Lemon Bubble Loaf for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently steam the green beans to maintain their texture and flavor, or microwave them for short intervals until warmed through. Avoid reheating in a sauté pan as this can cause them to become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans With Lemon contains roughly 992 calories, with 32g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (444% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and protein (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 882mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking. Frozen beans may require a shorter cooking time, so check for doneness after about 5 minutes in boiling water.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the lemon butter mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili peppers over the green beans before serving for an extra kick.
What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you don't have fresh lemon juice, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. The acidity will provide a similar brightness, but the flavor will differ slightly. Adjust the quantity to taste, starting with half the amount.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).