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Crispy Green Bean Almondine: Easy & Best Side Dish Recipe

crispy green bean almondine - featured image

This crispy green bean almondine is a quick and easy side dish that transforms simple green beans into a crunchy, bright, and delicious vegetable side. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the green beans: Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Snap or trim off the stem ends. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil: Fill your pot about two-thirds full with water. Add a generous pinch of saltโ€”about 1 tablespoon. While waiting, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and a handful of ice cubes.
  3. Blanch the green beans: Once the water is at a rolling boil, carefully drop in the green beans. Set a timer for exactly 2 minutes. Drain immediately using a slotted spoon and transfer to the ice bath.
  4. Shock and dry: Let the beans sit in the ice water for at least 2 minutes. Drain well, then spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them dry thoroughly.
  5. Toast the almonds: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter. Once melted and foaming, add the slivered almonds. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
  6. Sautรฉ the garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sautรฉ for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  7. Cook the green beans: Add the blanched and dried green beans to the skillet. Spread them out in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then toss and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through and starting to blister.
  8. Add the almonds and lemon: Return the toasted almonds to the skillet. Add the lemon zest and squeeze the juice of half the lemon over everything. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or dill if using. Serve immediately while warm and crunchy.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the beans after blanchingโ€”wet beans will steam instead of sautรฉ. Toast almonds separately to ensure even browning. Use medium heat to avoid burning garlic or almonds. Season in layers for best flavor. Prep all ingredients before starting as the dish comes together quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean almondine, crispy green beans, easy side dish, quick vegetable side, green beans with almonds, healthy side dish, gluten-free side dish