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Quick Healthy Green Bean Almond Skillet: Easy 15-Minute Side

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This quick and easy green bean almond skillet comes together in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients. Tender-crisp green beans are paired with crunchy toasted almonds and a bright lemon-garlic butter sauce, making it the perfect side dish for busy weeknights or holiday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1/3 cup (45g) raw almonds, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1g) freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients (5 minutes): Wash the green beans under cold running water and pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Trim off the stem ends. Roughly chop the almonds into pieces about the size of a pea. Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside.
  2. Toast the almonds (2 minutes): Place your large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped almonds. Cook them dry, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
  3. Blanch the green beans (3 minutes): Bring a medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for exactly 2 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Prepare a bowl of ice water. Transfer the beans to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Let sit for 1 minute, then drain and pat dry.
  4. Sauté the garlic and beans (3 minutes): Return the skillet to medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt and foam slightly, about 30 seconds. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, spreading into a single layer. Cook without stirring for 1 minute, then toss and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until heated through with some lightly charred spots.
  5. Add the almonds and finish (1 minute): Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the green beans. Add the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat immediately.
  6. Finish with lemon juice (30 seconds): Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the top and give everything one final toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a serving dish immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the blanching step—it ensures the beans stay bright green and tender-crisp. Dry the beans thoroughly after blanching to prevent steaming. Watch the garlic carefully to avoid burning. For best results, serve immediately while the almonds are still crunchy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: green beans, almonds, quick side dish, healthy, 15-minute recipe, vegetable side, garlic butter, lemon

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/quick-healthy-green-bean-almond-skillet-easy-15-minute-side/