Are you looking for a simple, healthy, and delicious side dish that comes together in minutes? Look no further! This easy frozen green bean recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and nutritious meal on the table without sacrificing flavor. Forget complicated recipes; this one is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks, and yields perfectly tender-crisp green beans every time. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Toasted slivered almonds or chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the beans: If your frozen green beans are still in large blocks, break them apart into smaller pieces. This ensures even cooking.
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Sauté the aromatics (optional): For a deeper flavor, you can heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic powder and onion powder and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step is completely optional, but it elevates the dish.
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Cook the green beans: Add the frozen green beans to the skillet (or directly to a dry skillet if skipping the sautéing step). Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking, as this can result in mushy beans.
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Season and finish: Stir in the salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
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Serve: Garnish with toasted slivered almonds or chopped fresh parsley for added visual appeal and flavor, if desired. Serve immediately as a delicious and healthy side dish alongside your favorite protein and starch.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Green Beans:
- Don't thaw the beans: Cooking frozen green beans directly from frozen saves time and ensures a tender-crisp texture.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on your stovetop and the size of your green beans, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor to your preference. Consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Variations:
- Garlic Butter Green Beans: Add 1-2 tablespoons of butter along with the garlic powder and onion powder for a richer flavor.
- Lemon Herb Green Beans: Substitute the garlic and onion powder with 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (Italian mix, or a combination of oregano, thyme, and basil) and increase the lemon juice to 2 tablespoons.
- Roasted Green Beans: For a slightly different texture, spread the frozen green beans on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Fat: 5-10g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This easy frozen green bean recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can create with minimal effort. It's a perfect choice for busy weeknights, satisfying your cravings for homemade cooking while providing a wholesome and healthy meal. Enjoy!