Sauteed Green Beans with Lemon, Garlic, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

Sauteed green beans make a quick and flavorful side dish that complements any meal. With the bright zest of lemon, crunchy pine nuts, and a sprinkle of fresh parmesan, this recipe adds a fresh twist to simple green beans.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces microwavable bag snipped green beans
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pierce the bag of green beans and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Set aside once cooked.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the pine nuts without any oil. Stir and toast until golden brown, being careful not to burn them.
3. Step 3: Immediately remove the pine nuts from the skillet and place in a bowl to prevent further cooking. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Add olive oil to the same skillet and warm over medium heat.
5. Step 5: Add minced garlic to the oil and cook until fragrant, avoiding browning. Take care as garlic can splatter.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked green beans to the skillet and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown on most sides, coating them well in garlic oil.
7. Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts. Toss everything together to combine.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle in salt and pepper, then toss again.
9. Step 9: Taste the green beans and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.
10. Step 10: Serve and enjoy your flavorful sauteed green beans!

Tips & Variations

• Substitute pine nuts with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different crunch and flavor.
• For extra brightness, add a splash of balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice.
• If you prefer a milder garlic taste, lightly soften the garlic with oil first before adding green beans.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and texture.

Storage

Store leftover sauteed green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to keep the beans tender without drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of microwavable ones?

Yes, you can steam or blanch fresh green beans until tender before sauteing. This may take about 5-7 minutes depending on bean size. Then follow the recipe as usual.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh lemon zest?

You can use a small amount of dried lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract as a substitute, but fresh zest will give the best bright flavor.

Sauteed Green Beans with Lemon, Garlic, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 725 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and flavorful sauteed green beans recipe featuring fresh garlic, toasted pine nuts, tangy lemon, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a healthy side dish, it combines tender green beans with a delightful garlic-lemon dressing and crunchy nuts for texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 12 ounces microwavable bag snipped green beans
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Oils and Fats

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Other

• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Microwave Green Beans: Pierce the bag of green beans and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Remove from microwave and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Toast Pine Nuts: Heat a large skillet over medium heat without oil. Add the pine nuts and stir continuously until they turn golden brown, being careful to avoid burning. Immediately remove pine nuts from skillet and place them into a separate bowl to stop cooking.
3. Heat Olive Oil and Cook Garlic: In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned. Watch carefully to prevent splattering and burning.
4. Saute Green Beans: Add the microwaved green beans to the skillet with the garlic oil. Stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat, tossing so the beans are well coated and start to brown on most sides.
5. Add Flavorings and Nuts: Remove skillet from heat. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, grated Parmesan, and the toasted pine nuts. Toss everything together to evenly combine flavors.
6. Season to Taste: Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the beans and toss again. Taste a green bean and adjust seasoning with additional salt and/or pepper as desired.
7. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy this flavorful and crunchy green bean side dish immediately.

Notes

• Microwaving the green beans first reduces overall cooking time and preserves their bright color.
• Toast pine nuts carefully on medium heat; they burn easily and quickly.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright, tangy flavor.
• Grated fresh Parmesan adds a savory, salty richness to balance the lemon and pine nuts.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if Parmesan cheese is salty.
• This dish is best served fresh while warm and crunchy.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sauteed green beans, garlic green beans, lemon green beans, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan green beans, quick side dish, healthy vegetable recipe