Spicy Garlic Green Beans
Tender-crisp green beans tossed with garlic, shallots, red pepper flakes, and fresh lemon zest. An easy, flavorful side dish with just the right amount of heat!
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
- 1 pound haricot verts or green beans ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 shallot thinly sliced
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like them
- flaky salt and lemon zest to garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for 3 minutes. Drain the green beans and set aside.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallot, garlic, and red pepper flakes and sauté for 2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Add the green beans and mix everything together, making sure the garlic and shallots are evenly distributed amongst the green beans.
- Season with salt and the lemon zest and serve immediately.
Notes
- Choose your favorite green beans. I love haricots verts because they're thinner and more delicate, but regular green beans work too. Just trim the ends before cooking.
- Don't overcook the beans. Boil them for about 3 minutes, then drain. You want them bright green and still a little crisp because they're going into the skillet next.
- Use fresh garlic. Freshly chopped garlic makes a big difference in this recipe, so it's worth skipping the jarred stuff.
- Watch the garlic and shallots. Sauté just until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn't burn or turn bitter.
- Adjust the spice level. Add more red pepper flakes if you like heat, or use less for a milder side dish.
- Toss everything together. Make sure the garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes are evenly distributed so every bite has plenty of flavor.
- Finish with lemon zest. Add it at the end for a fresh, bright finish that balances the garlic and spice.
- Serve immediately. These green beans are at their best straight from the skillet while they're hot and crisp-tender.
Nutrition (estimated)
Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 192mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 621IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg