Brown Butter Green Beans with Toasted Almonds and Lemon Zest Recipe
Introduction
These brown butter green beans with almonds offer a simple yet sophisticated twist on a classic side dish. The nutty richness of browned butter combined with toasted almonds and a touch of lemon zest brightens up any meal. They are quick to prepare and can easily be made ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain in a colander and run under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Cook it until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, about 3 to 4 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Add the sliced almonds to the browned butter and toast them lightly for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Toss the blanched green beans into the skillet with the browned butter and toasted almonds. Stir in the lemon zest, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when toasting the almonds.
- Swap sliced almonds for chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty profile.
- Make this dish ahead by blanching the beans and preparing the brown butter mixture separately; combine and reheat just before serving.
- Add a drizzle of fresh lemon juice along with the zest to enhance brightness.
Storage
Store the cooked green beans and the brown butter with almonds separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the butter and almonds in a skillet, then toss with the green beans to warm through without overcooking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Thaw and drain them well before blanching to avoid excess water in the dish. Adjust blanching time as frozen beans may cook faster.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons for zest?
If fresh lemons aren’t available, you can use a small amount of bottled lemon juice instead. Add it sparingly at the end of cooking to avoid making the dish too wet.
PrintBrown Butter Green Beans with Toasted Almonds and Lemon Zest Recipe
Brown Butter Green Beans with Almonds is a simple yet elegant side dish featuring tender green beans enhanced by the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter and toasted almonds. Finished with a bright touch of lemon zest, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, with options for advance meal prep and easy reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
Brown Butter and Almonds
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 3 to 4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the beans in a colander and rinse with cold water or submerge in ice water to stop the cooking process and keep them vibrant.
- Brown the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
- Toast the Almonds: Add the sliced almonds to the browned butter in the skillet and toast them lightly for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until they are fragrant and lightly golden.
- Toss and Season: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the brown butter and almonds. Sprinkle the lemon zest over the beans, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss everything together until the green beans are evenly coated and warmed through.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while warm. Optionally, add an extra sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top for brightness.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, store cooked green beans and brown butter mixture separately and combine just before reheating and serving.
- Reheat by warming the brown butter and almonds in a skillet, then toss with green beans.
- This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To save time, blanch green beans a day ahead and refrigerate in cold water.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best citrus brightness; avoid bottled lemon juice as a substitute.
Keywords: green beans, brown butter, toasted almonds, lemon zest, side dish, quick recipe, easy green beans, elegant vegetables
