Description
Tender-crisp green beans steamed to perfection with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and optional Parmesan. A versatile, nutrient-rich side in just 13 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb green beans, washed, stemmed, and cut into 2-inch pieces
1–2 tbsp butter or olive oil
2–3 cloves garlic (optional)
1 tbsp lemon zest or juice
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt to taste
1–2 inches water (for steaming)
Instructions
Trim green beans with a sharp knife or kitchen shears
Bring water to a boil in a pot with a steamer basket
Add minced garlic (if using) to the pot and sauté 1 minute
Add green beans to steamer basket and season with salt
Cover and steam 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp
Toss with melted butter or olive oil
Finish with lemon zest/juice and Parmesan (if using)
Notes
Use olive oil for a lighter option
Substitute shallots for garlic in the notes
Vinegar can replace lemon juice
Omit Parmesan for vegan/vegetarian
Adjust cooking time based on bean thickness
Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 8
- Category: DINNER
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Health-Conscious Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg