Imagine a side dish so tantalizing that it transforms ordinary green beans into a culinary masterpiece. Our Lemon Garlic Roasted Green Beans are not just a simple vegetable side – they're a flavor explosion that will have your family and guests begging for seconds! With a perfect balance of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a delightful crispy texture, this recipe turns humble green beans into a restaurant-worthy dish that's incredibly easy to make at home.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even roasting.
- Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water, then pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure crisp roasting.
- Trim the ends of the green beans by cutting off the tough stem ends, creating uniform beans for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and half of the lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together to create a fragrant marinade.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the bowl and toss thoroughly, ensuring each bean is evenly coated with the lemon-garlic oil mixture.
- Spread the green beans in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting and caramelization.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the green beans to enhance their flavor.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and caramelization.
- Remove from the oven when beans are tender-crisp and have slightly charred edges. Beans should look bright green with golden-brown spots.
- Drizzle the remaining lemon juice over the roasted green beans just before serving to add a bright, fresh finish.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Tips
- Dry Beans are Key: Always thoroughly pat your green beans dry before roasting. Moisture is the enemy of crispy, caramelized vegetables.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Spread beans in a single layer with some space between them. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- High Heat is Essential: Roasting at 425°F ensures beautiful caramelization and crispy edges.
- Shake the Pan: Halfway through cooking, give the baking sheet a good shake to ensure even browning.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh garlic and freshly zested lemon for the most vibrant flavor.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper – they bring out the beans' natural flavors.
- Serve Immediately: These beans are best enjoyed hot and crisp right out of the oven for maximum texture and taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
