Recipe: Blistered Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic (Easy)

Blistered Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon

Makes about 4 Servings | Total Cook Time ~ 18 min

Calories: 90 | Protein: 2g | Carbs: 7g | Fat: 6g

Inspired by my love for shishito peppers when eating out -- it’s a recipe that showcases the simplicity of fresh ingredients, saves you $$$, while delivering a burst of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb (about 19 oz) fresh green beans, trimmed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder, divided)

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 30-45 ml, adjust to taste)

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra citrus flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Wash and trim the green beans. Pat them dry to ensure they blister properly.

2. Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter, ensuring it evenly coats the bottom.

3. Sauté the Green Beans: Add the green beans to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a light char. Toss and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the heat to medium-low if they brown too quickly.

4. Add Garlic and Spices: About halfway through cooking, add minced garlic (or half the garlic powder), onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beans, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.

5. Finish with Lemon: In the last minute of cooking, drizzle the lemon juice over the green beans and sprinkle the lemon zest (if using). Toss everything to combine.

6. Rest the Beans: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the remaining half of the garlic powder (if using). Cover the skillet and let the beans rest in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This allows them to soften slightly while maintaining their crunch. The residual heat will bloom the garlic flavor without burning it.

7. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a little extra lemon zest or freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
   

Tips:

• For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing.

• To elevate the dish further, sprinkle it with toasted sesame seeds (or light drizzle of sesame oil), togarashi, or roasted garlic or red chili flakes before serving.

If you try out this recipe, please leave a comment below. Share your own experiences and any tips you might have while preparing the dish. Your feedback is valuable and can help others in the community!