Classic Green Beans Almondine: An Easy & Elegant Side Dish Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite vegetable side dish! This Green Beans Almondine recipe delivers tender-crisp green beans perfectly paired with the irresistible nutty crunch and toasty flavor of almonds, all bathed in a luscious buttery garlic sauce. It’s a remarkably simple dish to prepare, yet it brings an elevated touch to any meal, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasion feasts.
Why This Green Beans Almondine Recipe Will Be Your Go-To
Green Beans Almondine (or “haricots verts amandine” in French) is a true culinary gem, renowned for its vibrant flavors, appealing textures, and effortless elegance. This classic French dish showcases the simple beauty of fresh green beans enhanced by the rich depth of butter, aromatic shallots, bright lemon, and, of course, the signature crunch of toasted almonds. It’s a testament to how a few quality ingredients, prepared thoughtfully, can create an unforgettable side. Our recipe highlights these elements to perfection, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
The magic of this recipe lies in its delicate balance. We achieve perfectly tender-crisp green beans through a quick blanching process, preserving their vibrant green color and natural sweetness. This contrasts beautifully with the warm, buttery flavor infused with finely minced shallots and garlic. The “almondine” aspect, which literally translates to “almond garnish,” isn’t just an afterthought; the sliced almonds are lightly toasted to intensify their natural nutty essence, adding a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish. This textural interplay is what makes Green Beans Almondine a standout, distinguishing it from other bean preparations. Its versatility makes it suitable for anything from a casual family dinner to an elaborate holiday spread, proving that sophisticated flavors don’t have to be complicated and that this healthy side dish can easily become a family favorite.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Green Beans Almondine
Crafting the perfect Green Beans Almondine requires just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and appealing textures of this classic side. You’ll find a complete list of precise measurements, quantities, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post. For now, let’s dive into what makes each element essential to this simple yet elegant side dish.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips
GREEN BEANS – For an authentic Green Beans Almondine, using fresh green beans is paramount. Their natural snap, vibrant color, and slightly sweet flavor are what truly make this dish shine. We strongly recommend saving canned or frozen beans for other recipes like casseroles or soups, as they won’t provide the same tender-crisp texture and fresh taste required here. Look for firm, bright green beans without blemishes or soft spots. The ends should be trimmed, and you can either snap or cut them. Haricots verts, which are thinner, younger green beans, can also be used for an even more delicate touch and a quicker cooking time, often favored in traditional French preparations.
ALMONDS – The “almondine” in the name speaks volumes! Sliced almonds are the star here, providing that crucial nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. We’ll lightly toast them to unleash their aromatic oils and deepen their flavor profile, ensuring they remain crisp when tossed with the hot green beans. The key is to toast them gently over medium-low heat until they achieve a beautiful light golden hue – watch them carefully, as they can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds. As soon as they’re golden, transfer them to a plate to stop the cooking. While sliced almonds are traditional, slivered almonds can also be used for a slightly different texture. For a more adventurous twist, you could experiment with a mix of almonds and a few pine nuts, but for classic almondine, stick to the almonds.
BUTTER – Good quality unsalted butter forms the foundation of the rich, savory sauce. It’s what carries the flavors of the shallots, garlic, and lemon throughout the dish. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the finished product. If you only have salted butter on hand, simply reduce the amount of added flaked sea salt. The butter helps to coat the beans, creating a luxurious mouthfeel and binding all the wonderful flavors together, making it an essential element for this buttery garlic green bean dish.
SHALLOTS – These mild, delicate members of the onion family offer a subtle oniony-garlicky flavor without overpowering the fresh green beans. Sliced or minced shallots will soften and sweeten as they sauté in the butter, adding a nuanced layer of aromatic depth to the dish. Their mildness is key to letting the fresh green bean flavor shine. If shallots are unavailable, a very finely minced sweet onion (like Vidalia) or even a small amount of chives can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. Start with half the amount of onion compared to shallots, as onions can be stronger.
FRESH LEMON JUICE & ZEST – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is vital for brightening the flavors of the Green Beans Almondine. Its acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and enhances the natural sweetness of the green beans, adding a fresh, zesty finish. Adding a dash of lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended!) introduces a more intense, aromatic citrus note that truly elevates the dish. Always use fresh lemon for the best results; bottled lemon juice often lacks the vibrant flavor and aroma. Start with a smaller amount of zest and add more to taste, as it can be quite potent.
GARLIC – A few cloves of minced garlic provide a warm, pungent undertone that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Sautéing it briefly with the shallots ensures its flavor is fully released without becoming acrid or burnt. Always use fresh garlic for optimal taste; pre-minced jarred garlic won’t deliver the same fresh, robust flavor.
FLAKED SEA SALT – A sprinkle of flaked sea salt at the end not only seasons the dish but also adds a delicate textural element, providing tiny bursts of salinity that awaken the palate. Its irregular crystals adhere nicely to the beans, offering a satisfying finish. Adjust the amount to your preference, usually between 1 to 1.5 teaspoons, depending on how salty you like your food.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Green Beans Almondine
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious Green Beans Almondine recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
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Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. While the water heats, prepare your fresh green beans by trimming off the tough ends. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 2-5 minutes. For a delightful, crisp bite, cook them closer to 2 minutes; for a slightly softer yet still firm texture, extend to 5 minutes. The goal is perfectly tender-crisp. Immediately after blanching, drain the beans thoroughly and plunge them into a large bowl filled with an ice bath for at least 1 minute. This crucial step instantly halts the cooking process, preserving their vibrant green color and preventing them from becoming overcooked or mushy. Once thoroughly cooled, remove the green beans from the ice bath and spread them on a paper towel-lined surface to dry. They don’t need to be completely bone-dry, but removing excess moisture is helpful for the sautéing step.
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Next, heat a cast iron skillet or a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat. Once the skillet is hot, add 1/3 cup of sliced almonds. Toast them gently, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or spatula, until they are lightly golden brown and beautifully fragrant. This usually takes just 2-3 minutes. It’s essential to keep a close eye on them, as almonds can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly due to their high oil content. As soon as they reach that beautiful golden color, transfer them immediately to a clean plate to cool and prevent any further cooking. This step truly brings out their deep, nutty flavor and ensures a perfect crunch that’s characteristic of Green Beans Almondine.
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Using the same skillet (no need to clean it – the residual flavor from the almonds is a bonus!), melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and slightly shimmering, add the sliced or minced shallots. Sauté the shallots for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become translucent and fragrant, not browned. This gentle cooking helps to soften their texture and release their sweet, delicate flavor into the butter, creating a wonderful aromatic base that will infuse the green beans with incredible depth.
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Now, add the dried blanched green beans into the skillet with the sautéed shallots and butter. Mix everything well, tossing gently to ensure the beans are evenly coated with the flavorful buttery mixture. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes over medium heat, allowing the green beans to warm through completely and absorb those wonderful buttery shallot flavors. This step also helps any residual moisture from the beans to evaporate, concentrating their fresh taste. After 5 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice (and the zest, if you’re using it for an extra burst of brightness) and the minced garlic. Mix everything thoroughly one last time to evenly distribute the lemon and garlic. Finally, sprinkle generously with flaked sea salt to taste before serving immediately. For an extra touch of elegance and visual appeal, you can garnish with a few fresh lemon wedges or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve this exquisite side dish while hot and enjoy its perfect blend of flavors and textures!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Green Beans Almondine
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Green Beans Almondine to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either gently warm it in the microwave or, for best results to maintain texture, reheat it in a skillet over low heat until it’s warmed through. Be careful not to overcook during reheating, as this can make the beans soggy and diminish their vibrant color.
Absolutely! This dish is excellent for partial make-ahead preparation, especially useful when hosting. You can blanch the green beans a day in advance. Cook them for around 2 minutes (or your preferred crispness), then immediately plunge them into an ice bath. Once thoroughly cooled, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to pat dry, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also toast the almonds ahead of time if desired, storing them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp. However, toasting only takes a few minutes, so it’s easy enough to do right before serving. Sautéing the shallots and finishing the dish should ideally be done just before serving to ensure the freshest flavors and best texture.
While fresh green beans are highly recommended for their superior texture and flavor, you can use frozen green beans in a pinch. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before adding them to the skillet. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen beans tend to be softer once thawed. The blanching step can be skipped if using frozen beans, but they still benefit from a quick sauté to remove excess moisture and warm them through and re-crisp them slightly.
If fresh shallots are not available, you can substitute with a very finely minced small onion, such as a sweet onion (like Vidalia) or even a red onion for a bolder flavor. Alternatively, a teaspoon of onion powder could be used, but fresh shallots or onions will always provide the best flavor and texture. Just remember that onions have a stronger flavor, so use them sparingly and taste as you go.
The key to tender-crisp, not soggy, green beans lies in a few crucial steps. First, do not overcook them during the blanching process – aim for 2-3 minutes for a firm snap. Second, the immediate ice bath after blanching is critical for stopping the cooking and preserving their texture. Third, ensure you pat the blanched beans thoroughly dry before adding them to the skillet; any excess water will steam them instead of allowing them to sauté beautifully and achieve that desired crispness. Finally, avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing them with the butter and shallots, as this can also lead to steaming rather than sautéing.
Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Serving Suggestions for Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine is an incredibly versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses. Its elegant presentation and harmonious blend of flavors make it a perfect accompaniment for various proteins and occasions. Serve it hot to fully appreciate the warmth of the butter, the fresh vibrancy of the beans, and the satisfying crunch of the almonds.
For a classic pairing, enjoy it alongside roasted or pan-seared meats such as a succulent almond-crusted chicken, a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin, or a juicy pork loin. The lightness and brightness of the beans cut through the richness of heavier meats beautifully, creating a balanced meal. It also pairs exceptionally well with fish and seafood, from flaky baked salmon to delicate pan-fried cod or shrimp scampi, adding a touch of sophistication to any seafood dish. Poultry, whether it’s a roasted turkey for the holidays or simple grilled chicken breasts, finds a fantastic partner in this side. Its elegant nature means it truly shines as part of holiday spreads, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner, offering a fresh, bright counterpoint to richer, heavier dishes. However, don’t reserve this gem only for special occasions! It’s simple enough to become a regular fixture in your weekly meal rotation, easily elevating a mundane weeknight meal into something truly special and delicious.
More Irresistible Green Bean Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of fresh green beans and looking for more delicious ways to incorporate them into your meals, you’re in luck! Green beans are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in countless ways to suit any palate. We have a variety of fantastic green bean recipes that offer different flavors, cooking methods, and styles. Explore these options to expand your repertoire of delightful vegetable sides and discover new favorites:
- Garlic Green Beans
- Roasted Green Beans
- Southern Green Beans
- Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
- Instant Pot Green Beans
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Green Beans Almondine
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 24 ounces green beans ends trimmed
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 stick
- 2 shallots sliced or minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice juice from 1/2 of a lemon PLUS a dash of zest if desired
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoons flaked sea salt 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons
Things You’ll Need
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Stockpot
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Large heavy bottomed skillet or cast iron skillet
Before You Begin
- For the absolute best flavor and texture, always use fresh green beans for this recipe. Similarly, opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled for its brighter, more authentic citrus notes.
- Lemon zest is an optional addition, but it can significantly enhance the aromatic profile of your Green Beans Almondine. If you choose to include it, start with a small amount and gradually add more to achieve your desired intensity, as lemon zest can be quite powerful and too much can overpower the dish.
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and blanch the green beans for 2-5 minutes (use 2 minutes if you prefer them with a crunchier bite, up to 5 for a softer texture). Immediately after, drain them and submerge them in an ice bath for at least 1 minute to stop the cooking process and lock in that vibrant green color. Remove the green beans and spread them on a paper towel-lined surface to dry. They don’t have to be completely dry, but removing excess moisture is beneficial.
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Over medium-low heat, place 1/3 cup of sliced almonds in a cast iron skillet (or any large, heavy-bottomed skillet). Toast the almonds slightly, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer them immediately to a plate once lightly golden to prevent them from burning.
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Melt the unsalted butter in the same pan over medium heat. Add the sliced or minced shallots and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until they become translucent and fragrant.
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Add the blanched green beans into the skillet and mix well, tossing to coat them evenly with the buttery shallot mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the beans to warm through and soak up the flavors. Remove the skillet from the heat, then add the fresh lemon juice (and zest, if using) and the minced garlic. Mix once again to combine. Finally, sprinkle with flaked sea salt to taste and serve immediately, optionally garnished with the toasted almonds.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- To store cooled leftover Green Beans Almondine, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, being careful not to overcook and make them soggy.
- For preparing ahead of time, blanch the green beans for about 2 minutes a day in advance. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate, pat them dry, and once cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Toasting almonds can also be done in advance, but this step is quick and best performed just before final assembly for maximum freshness and crunch.
- To achieve truly tender-crisp beans, do not skip the ice bath after blanching. This step is crucial for stopping the cooking process and preserving their vibrant color and texture.
- When toasting almonds, use medium-low heat and stir constantly. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds due to their high oil content. Remove them from the pan immediately once toasted.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle kick, or a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley at the end for added freshness and color.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.