Bobby Flay’s Zesty Green Beans Recipe: A Fresh Twist!

Green beans Amandine sparkle with culinary elegance on every plate, promising a symphony of flavors and textures.

Buttery almonds transform ordinary green beans into a gourmet sensation that whispers French sophistication.

Crisp, vibrant vegetables get a luxurious makeover with nutty crunch and golden-brown butter.

Each bite delivers a delicate balance of earthy freshness and toasted richness that dances across your palate.

Professional chefs know this simple side dish can steal the spotlight from any main course.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact, turning a humble vegetable into a restaurant-worthy delicacy.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible recipe that turns dinner into a celebration of flavor and technique.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

Green Beans Ingredients à la Bobby Flay

• Green Beans: Choose slender, vibrant haricots verts with a crisp snap and no blemishes for the freshest flavor.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Select high-quality, freshly ground seasonings to enhance the natural bean taste.
• Garlic: Pick firm, plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin for maximum aromatic punch.

• Unsalted Butter: Look for creamy, high-fat European-style butter for a richer, more luxurious finish.
• Sliced Almonds: Seek out fresh, golden-hued almonds with a clean, nutty aroma for perfect toasting.

Tools to Sauté or Steam Beans

• Large pot: Essential for boiling water with enough space for green beans.
• Large bowl: Used to create an ice water bath for quick cooling.
• Strainer: Helps drain green beans efficiently after blanching.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring beans between boiling water and ice bath.
• Small sauté pan: Ideal for toasting almonds evenly.
• Large sauté pan: Needed for finishing green beans with butter and garlic.
• Cutting board: For chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise cutting.
• Paper towels: Used to dry green beans after blanching.
• Small bowl: Holds toasted almonds before garnishing.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate salt and butter measurements.

Cooking Green Beans with Garlic or Spice

Blanch and Sauté Green Beans with Toasted Almonds

• Boil Water Vigorously

Create a rolling boil in a large pot with water and salt. The bubbling water will be your cooking magic zone for the green beans.

• Prepare Cooling Station

Set up an ice bath with cold water and plenty of ice cubes in a large bowl. This chilly area will stop the cooking process and keep beans crisp and bright green.

• Cook and Shock Green Beans

Drop trimmed haricots verts into boiling water and cook for 4 minutes until they reach a perfect tender-crisp state. Immediately transfer beans to the ice water using a slotted spoon to halt the cooking and lock in vibrant color.

• Toast Nutty Crunch

Warm a sauté pan and gently toast sliced almonds until they turn golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning and create a rich, toasty flavor. Set aside once perfectly colored.

• Create Garlic Butter Sauté

Melt butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped garlic and the blanched green beans. Toss everything together, cooking for 2 minutes to warm through while maintaining a delightful al dente texture. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

• Serve with Flair

Sprinkle toasted almonds over the beans just before serving. Transfer to a beautiful dish and enjoy the harmonious blend of crisp vegetables, buttery notes, and crunchy nuts.

Creative Green Bean Variations

• Boost Blanching Brilliance: Blanch green beans precisely for optimal texture and vibrant color. The quick hot-and-cold technique locks in nutrients and prevents overcooking.
• Almond Alternatives: Swap sliced almonds with toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or pepitas for different nutty dimensions. Each nut brings its unique crunch and flavor profile to the dish.
• Garlic Genius: Experiment with garlic variations by using roasted garlic, garlic confit, or adding minced shallots for a milder aromatic experience. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor complexity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Blanch and store green beans in the refrigerator up to two days in advance. Simply reheat quickly in the sauté pan when ready to serve, maintaining their crisp-tender texture and fresh taste.

How to Serve Green Beans with Dinner

• Elevate Dining Experience: Pair these garlicky green beans with roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a complete meal that feels restaurant-worthy.
• Garnish with Gourmet Flair: Scatter fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and bright herbal notes that complement the nutty almonds.
• Create Elegant Presentation: Arrange the green beans in a white ceramic dish, allowing the golden almonds and green beans to create a visually stunning side that will impress dinner guests.
• Customize with Personal Twist: Experiment by adding lemon zest or red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor that transforms this simple side dish into something extraordinary.

Fresh Bean Storage Tips

• Chill and Store Blanched Beans: Transfer cooled green beans to an airtight container, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them dry to maintain their crisp texture and prevent soggy vegetables.
• Prep Ahead for Quick Meals: Blanch and cool beans in advance, making weeknight cooking a breeze. Store prepped beans separately from other ingredients to preserve their freshness and prevent flavor mixing.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Pack cooled green beans in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen beans stay good for 3 months, providing a convenient veggie option for quick side dishes or last-minute meal additions.
• Revive Refrigerated Beans: Refresh cold beans by quickly sautéing in a hot pan with a touch of butter or olive oil. This method restores their just-cooked texture and brings back the vibrant green color.

Smoky Bobby Flay Green Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Green beans with Bobby Flay’s signature smoky-sweet glaze highlight fresh seasonal produce. Crisp green beans caramelize with a savory-sweet sauce, creating an irresistible side dish you’ll want to serve alongside grilled meats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) green beans (haricots verts), trimmed
• 5 tbsps (74 ml) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (60 g) sliced almonds
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped and smashed into a paste
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Blanching Preparation: Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil, ready to preserve the green beans’ vibrant color and crisp texture.
2. Ice Bath Setup: Prepare a cold water bath with ice cubes and position a strainer nearby for quick bean transfer.
3. Boiling and Blanching: Add kosher salt to boiling water and cook haricots verts for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and maintain bright green color.
4. Bean Preparation: Drain beans thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
5. Almond Toasting: Toast sliced almonds in a skillet over medium heat until golden-brown and fragrant, then set aside.
6. Butter and Garlic Infusion: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat until foaming, then add minced garlic and sauté briefly to release aromatic oils.
7. Final Cooking and Seasoning: Toss blanched green beans in garlic butter, cooking for 1-2 minutes, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
8. Serving: Sprinkle toasted almond slices over the green beans to add a delightful crunch and nutty complexity before serving.

Notes

• Master Blanching Technique: Preserve green beans’ vibrant color and crisp texture by briefly boiling then immediately cooling in ice water.
• Butter Browning Secrets: Watch butter carefully as it foams and turns golden to develop rich, nutty flavor without burning.
• Garlic Timing Matters: Sauté garlic for just 30 seconds to release aromatic oils without risking bitter, burnt notes.
• Almond Toasting Pro Tip: Toast almonds slowly over medium heat, stirring constantly to achieve golden-brown color and maximize nutty flavor without scorching.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg