Jul 14 2026

Green Beans Recipe

Time25m
Serves4

Make Green Beans Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Blanched green beans

Method

Blanching and shocking

  1. 1

    Prep and bring water to boil

    Trim the stem ends from the green beans and rinse under cold water. Fill a large pot with 2 liters (about 8 cups) of water and bring to a rolling boil; add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to the boiling water.

  2. 2

    Blanch

    Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling, salted water. Cook until they are bright green and just tender-crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes (thicker beans may take up to 4 minutes). Stir once to ensure even cooking.

  3. 3

    Shock

    While the beans cook, prepare an ice bath by combining 4 cups of ice and 4 cups of cold water in a large bowl. Using a slotted spoon or a sieve, transfer the beans immediately to the ice bath to stop cooking. Let them sit in the ice bath for 2 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Sautéing and finishing

  1. 4

    Heat fat and garlic

    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil until foam subsides, about 1 minute. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

  2. 5

    Sauté green beans

    Add the drained blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat in the butter and oil and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and a few surfaces develop light golden spots.

  3. 6

    Season and finish

    Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and, if using, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds. Toss for 30 seconds to combine and warm the almonds. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

  4. 7

    Serve

    Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and serve immediately while warm. Optionally garnish with an extra pinch of lemon zest or a few more almonds.

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