STEP 1: PREPARE THE GREEN BEANS

The first step is to prep the green beans. Rinse them under cold water and trim off the ends. To trim green beans, simply use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to remove the tough tips from both ends.

If you prefer, you can also snap the ends off by hand. Once the beans are cleaned, set them aside.

STEP 2: BLANCH THE GREEN BEANS

Blanching is an essential step that ensures the green beans are perfectly tender yet still vibrant and crisp. To blanch the green beans, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to help the beans retain their bright green color.

Once the water is boiling, drop in the green beans and cook them for 2-3 minutes. The beans should become bright green and tender but still have a slight crispness to them.

Pro Tip: To stop the cooking process and preserve the color, immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water (an ice bath) for 1-2 minutes. Afterward, drain them thoroughly.

If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the ice bath, but it does help keep the beans looking vibrant.

STEP 3: TOAST THE ALMONDS

While the green beans are cooling, it’s time to toast the sliced almonds. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced almonds. Stir frequently to prevent them from burning. Toast the almonds for about 2-3 minutes until they’re golden brown and aromatic.

Once toasted, transfer the almonds to a plate to prevent them from cooking further. You can also set them aside for later use.

STEP 4: COOK THE GARLIC AND BUTTER

Next, return the skillet to the heat and add the butter and olive oil. Let the butter melt over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn. The garlic will release a delicious aroma as it softens in the butter and olive oil.

Once the garlic is fragrant and golden, add the drained green beans to the skillet. Toss the beans gently to coat them in the butter and garlic mixture. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through.

STEP 5: ADD LEMON AND SEASON

Once the green beans are heated, add the fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to combine, allowing the lemon juice to brighten the dish. If you’d like an extra citrus kick, you can also add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest.

The tangy lemon juice will balance the richness of the butter and give the dish a burst of freshness.

STEP 6: FINISH WITH TOASTED ALMONDS

At this point, add the toasted almonds to the green beans and give everything one last toss to combine. The warm green beans will absorb the nutty flavors of the almonds, making each bite wonderfully crunchy and flavorful.

Once everything is combined, transfer the Green Bean Almondine to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with additional lemon zest, if desired, and serve immediately.