This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Lemon Butter Green Beans recipe is what happens when simple ingredients team up and decide to be fabulous. Steamed green beans get tossed with melty butter, a splash of lemon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Already obsessed with green beans? Then don’t miss my classic green bean casserole or these roasted green beans that basically cook themselves.
A Simple Green Beans Recipe
Is it just me, or are vegetables drenched in butter welcomed by everyone and anyone? I didn’t always love green beans growing up, but toss them in butter, give them a squeeze of lemon, and suddenly I’m fighting for the last scoop. These days, I make this quick lemon butter version whenever I need a veggie side that’s fresh, fast, and won’t get side-eyed by the kids. It’s simple, yes, but it totally delivers.
I’ve got a few green bean combos in my rotation, and they always disappear fast. Like these green beans and tomatoes simmered in garlicky goodness, or the green beans and carrots sautéed with sweet apples and smoky bacon. But when I want something bright, buttery, and on the table in 15 minutes, this lemony version is the move.
Ingredients You’ll Need For This Green Beans Recipe
These gorgeous green beans are all covered in a luscious butter sauce and sprinkled with a bit of Parmesan cheese. If you haven’t tried them yet, they’re about to change your view of the world! Okay, too far. But they will certainly change your mind about green beans.
- Fresh green beans – About a pound, rinsed and trimmed. Look for firm, vibrant beans with no wilting.
- Butter – This brings the richness. Use unsalted if you want more control over the seasoning.
- Lemon zest – Adds a punch of citrus flavor that brightens up the whole dish.
- Fresh lemon juice – For that tangy, fresh finish. I usually go with 2 to 3 tablespoons.
- Salt and black pepper – A good pinch of each brings everything together.
- Parmesan cheese – Totally optional, but highly encouraged. A little sprinkle on top adds a salty-savory boost.
How To Make Lemon Butter Green Beans
The story about this recipe? Let’s just say that these Amish ladies I met in Cleveland would be SO super proud of me! I loved their green beans, and when I asked them about how they were prepared, all she said was lemon and butter. Done and done! These come together in just 10 minutes, so get your ingredients ready before you start. Here’s how it goes:
- Boil the green beans. Fill a sauté or frying pan with about ½ inch of salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the green beans, cover, and steam until they’re just tender.
- Infuse the butter. Melt the butter in a separate nonstick pan over medium heat. Stir in the lemon zest and cook for another minute to infuse that buttery goodness.
- Cool the beans. Drain the green beans and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and keep that vibrant green color.
- Toss it all together. Return the beans to the pan and pour the lemon butter over them. Add the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and toss until everything’s nicely coated.
FAQs
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before tossing them in the butter and lemon.
These are best served fresh, but you can blanch the green beans ahead of time and quickly finish them before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Grilled meats: Grilled lemon chicken, this London broil steak, or my grilled pork tenderloin pair beautifully.
- Holiday dinners: A fresh side that balances out heavier mains like roast beef or prime rib. Of course, a Thanksgiving turkey, too!
- Simple weeknights: Toss it next to some baked salmon or rotisserie chicken and call it delicious.
More Green Beans Recipes
- Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
- Green Bean Salad
- Roasted Green Beans with Squash and Tomatoes
- Creamy Green Beans
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Lemon Butter Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, rinsed and ends trimmed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Blanch the green beans. Fill a saute pan or a frying pan with about 1/2 inch of salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the green beans to the boiling water, cover, and cook until they are tender to the bite, about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how crisp you like your green beans.
- Cool the beans. Drain the beans and wash under cold water until completely cooled.
- Infuse the butter. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add the lemon zest and continue to cook and stir for about 1 minute.
- Combine. Put the green beans back in the pan and pour the lemon butter over them; add lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine. Taste and adjust.
- Finish and serve. Transfer the lemon butter green beans to a serving plate. Garnish with parmesan cheese and serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
What a bright and fresh way to enjoy green beans!
I love fresh green beans, and these sound perfect to me!
Best idea for green beans ever! Better yet – my kiddos will love it!
I could honestly make dinner out of a huge plate of those. YUM!
Veggies drenched in butter are my fav! These look amazing!
Yum! I am going to have these with dinner!