Sep 01 2026
RestaurantsWhat's Cookin'Green Beans Recipe

Green Beans Recipe

Inspired by What's Cookin'
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

Blanched green beans

  1. 1

    Trim and prepare

    Rinse the green beans under cold water and trim the stem ends. Discard any blemished beans.

  2. 2

    Bring water to a boil

    Place 8 cups of water in a large pot with 1 tablespoon kosher salt and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

  3. 3

    Blanch

    Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Stir once to submerge and boil for 2 to 3 minutes until they are bright green and just tender-crisp (they should still have a slight snap).

  4. 4

    Shock in ice bath

    While beans boil, fill a large bowl with 4 cups cold water and 2 cups of ice. Using a slotted spoon or a spider, transfer the beans to the ice bath immediately to stop cooking. Leave them in the ice bath for 2 minutes.

  5. 5

    Drain

    Drain the beans thoroughly in a colander and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towels to remove excess surface water.

Sauté & seasoning

  1. 6

    Toast almonds (if not pre-toasted)

    If your sliced almonds are not toasted, warm a small dry skillet over medium heat and toast the almonds, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

  2. 7

    Heat fat

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is shimmering but not browned, about 1 minute.

  3. 8

    Sauté aromatics

    Add the finely minced shallot and sauté for 1 minute until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds more, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

  4. 9

    Add green beans

    Add the blanched and drained green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat with the butter-oil mixture and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and starting to take on a little color on the edges.

  5. 10

    Season

    Zest the whole lemon directly over the skillet to capture the oils, then add 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Toss to combine and taste, adjusting salt and pepper if needed.

  6. 11

    Finish

    Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Transfer to a serving dish.

  7. 12

    Serve

    Serve warm as a side dish. Leftovers keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet to retain texture.

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