Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon & Crispy Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 1½ poundsgreen beans
- 4 clovesgarlic
- 1lemon
- 3 tablespoonolive oil
- ½ cuppanko breadcrumbs
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes (optional)
Prep
- 01
Trim the stem ends from 1 1/2 pounds green beans.
- 02
Mince 4 cloves garlic.
Method
- 01
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring often, for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and season with a pinch of salt.
- 02
Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 03
Add 1 1/2 pounds green beans (trimmed) and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Toss to coat, then cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender-crisp and lightly browned in spots.
- 04
Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the beans and toss. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- 05
Transfer to a serving plate and top with the crispy breadcrumbs. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
For deeper warmth, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the breadcrumbs. A small handful of fresh mint or basil tossed in at the end adds herbal brightness.
The breadcrumbs add textural contrast and richness without cream or cheese. Make-ahead: trim the beans and mince the garlic up to 1 day in advance; toast the breadcrumbs just before cooking.