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Easy Green Bean Almond Skillet in 20 Minutes

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A quick and easy side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans and toasted almonds in a browned butter garlic sauce, ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the green beans: Wash and trim 1 pound of fresh green beans. Snap or cut off the stem ends — about 1/4 inch. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. Set aside.
  2. Toast the almonds: Place your large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt, swirling the pan occasionally. Once it’s foamy, add 1/3 cup slivered almonds. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, until they turn golden brown and smell nutty. Transfer the almonds to a small bowl and set aside. Do not wipe the skillet.
  3. Cook the aromatics: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let the butter melt and foam, then add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Cook for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Sauté the green beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet in an even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes — this creates those lovely browned spots. Then stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans should be bright green and crisp-tender. If you like them softer, cook 1-2 minutes more. You can add a tablespoon of water and cover the pan for 1 minute if you want them more tender.
  5. Season and finish: Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Drizzle 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over the top and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Add the almonds and serve: Return the toasted almonds to the skillet and toss everything together. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the top right before serving. Transfer to a serving dish or serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

For thicker green beans, blanch them first in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, then shock in ice water and pat dry before cooking. To keep almonds from burning, toast over medium heat and stir constantly. Dry green beans thoroughly to avoid steaming.

Nutrition

Keywords: green beans, almonds, skillet, quick side dish, easy recipe, 20 minutes, vegetarian, gluten-free

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