Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon & Toasted Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 1½ poundsgreen beans
- 4 clovesgarlic
- 1lemon
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- ½ cuppanko breadcrumbs
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes (optional)
Prep
- 01
Trim the ends from 1.5 pounds green beans.
- 02
Mince 4 cloves garlic.
Method
- 01
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
- 02
In the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high and add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 03
Add the prepared green beans and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes until tender-crisp and lightly browned in spots.
- 04
Remove from heat and squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the beans. Toss well. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- 05
Transfer to a serving dish and top with the toasted breadcrumbs. Serve warm.
Spice Tips
For a warm finish, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. A pinch of Parmesan cheese stirred into the breadcrumbs before toasting adds savory depth. Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if you have them on hand.
This dish is best served immediately after toasting the breadcrumbs, while they're still crispy. Leftovers can be reheated gently in a skillet.