Perfect Green Beans Almondine Recipe: Your Ultimate Guide to a Classic Side Dish
Elevate your dinner table with this exquisite Green Beans Almondine recipe. Imagine tender-crisp green beans, perfectly cooked to retain their vibrant color and satisfying snap, paired with the irresistible nutty crunch and rich, toasted flavor of sliced almonds. All of this comes together in a luscious bed of buttery garlic, brightened with a touch of fresh lemon. This classic French-inspired side dish isn’t just a delight for the palate; it’s also incredibly simple to prepare, making it a new favorite for both special occasions and everyday meals.
Why This Green Beans Almondine Recipe Works
There’s a reason why Green Beans Almondine remains a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide, from bustling French bistros to cozy home dinners. This dish embodies the perfect balance of fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and sophisticated flavors. It’s a testament to how minimal effort can yield maximum taste, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to add an impressive yet effortless side dish to their repertoire.
The name “Almondine” itself, derived from the French word for “almond garnish,” perfectly describes the star component (besides the beans, of course). The lightly toasted almonds aren’t just for show; they provide a crucial textural contrast and a deep, nutty aroma that elevates the humble green bean. This recipe leverages the power of blanching to ensure the green beans are vibrant and tender-crisp, not soggy. Followed by a quick sauté in fragrant butter with delicate shallots and pungent garlic, and a final flourish of bright lemon, the dish achieves a harmonious blend of richness and freshness. It’s a versatile side that complements almost any main course, making it a go-to for holiday spreads, Sunday roasts, or even a quick weeknight dinner when you want something a little extra special.
Ingredients You Will Need for Green Beans Almondine
Creating the perfect Green Beans Almondine requires just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so memorable. You’ll find a complete list of measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
Let’s dive deeper into the key ingredients and how to get the best out of them:
- GREEN BEANS: For this classic dish, fresh green beans are absolutely essential. Their firm texture and vibrant green color truly shine when prepared correctly. While canned or frozen beans have their place in casseroles or soups, they simply won’t achieve the desired tender-crisp snap and fresh flavor that defines Green Beans Almondine. Look for firm, brightly colored beans without any blemishes. Trim the ends for a clean presentation.
- ALMONDS: Sliced almonds are the namesake and backbone of this recipe. Their delicate shape allows for even toasting, yielding that perfect nutty crunch. We will lightly toast them in a skillet to awaken their natural oils and enhance their rich, buttery flavor. This step also helps them stay crisp when combined with the warm green beans. Be vigilant during toasting; they can go from golden to burnt very quickly! If you don’t have sliced almonds, slivered almonds can work, but avoid whole almonds as they are too large.
- BUTTER: Unsalted butter is preferred as it gives you control over the overall saltiness of the dish. It’s the foundation of the rich, savory sauce, carrying the flavors of garlic and shallots beautifully. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the amount of added flaked sea salt at the end.
- SHALLOTS: These delicate members of the onion family provide a milder, sweeter, and more refined flavor than regular onions. They sauté quickly and lend a subtle aromatic depth without overpowering the fresh green beans. If shallots are unavailable, a very small amount of finely minced sweet onion (like Vidalia) can be used as a last resort, but shallots are highly recommended for their unique profile.
- FRESH LEMON JUICE (and ZEST): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is the magic touch that brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the butter and enhancing the natural sweetness of the beans. It adds a crucial acidic lift. If desired, a little lemon zest can be added for an even more intense citrus aroma, but remember that zest is potent, so use it sparingly and adjust to taste.
- GARLIC: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for its aromatic punch. It infuses the butter with its unmistakable flavor, complementing the shallots and creating a savory base for the green beans. Avoid pre-minced jarred garlic for the best results, as its flavor can be muted.
- FLAKED SEA SALT: Finishing the dish with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt (like Maldon) not only seasons the beans but also provides a delightful textural pop. Its irregular crystals dissolve slowly, offering bursts of savory flavor. Regular fine salt can be used throughout the cooking process and for initial seasoning, but flaked sea salt is ideal for that gourmet finish.
How to Make Green Beans Almondine
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This ensures the beans cook quickly and evenly. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 2-5 minutes. For a crispier texture, aim for 2 minutes; for slightly softer beans, go up to 5 minutes. The goal is bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately after blanching, drain the beans and plunge them into an ice bath for at least 1 minute. This crucial step, known as shocking, halts the cooking process, preserves their vibrant color, and maintains their crispness. Remove the green beans from the ice bath and place them on a paper towel to dry. They don’t need to be perfectly dry, just patted down to remove excess water.
- Toast the Almonds: In a cast iron skillet (or any heavy-bottomed skillet) over medium-low heat, add the 1/3 cup of sliced almonds. Toast them gently, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden brown and fragrant. This usually takes just 2-4 minutes. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly. Once toasted, immediately transfer them to a plate to cool and prevent further cooking. This step is crucial for their texture and flavor.
- Sauté Shallots: In the same skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the sliced or minced shallots. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to brown them too much; we want their sweet, delicate flavor to shine.
- Combine and Finish: Add the blanched and dried green beans into the skillet with the shallots and butter. Mix well to ensure the beans are evenly coated. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the beans to warm through and absorb the buttery flavors. Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the fresh lemon juice (and zest, if using) and the minced garlic. Stir once more to combine everything thoroughly. Finally, sprinkle with the toasted sliced almonds and a generous pinch of flaked sea salt just before serving. This ensures the almonds remain crunchy and the salt provides a delicate finish.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store cooled leftover Green Beans Almondine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the beans soft.
Yes, you can prepare components in advance! If you want to get a head start, blanch the green beans a day in advance for about 2 minutes. Once cooled, pat them dry with paper towels and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also toast the almonds in advance and store them in a separate airtight container at room temperature. The actual sautéing of the shallots and combining with the beans is a quick step best done just before serving to maintain the freshness and crispness of the dish.
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, thaw them completely and pat them very dry before proceeding. You may skip the blanching step if they are already par-cooked, or briefly blanch them for just 1 minute to ensure they are tender-crisp. Be aware that the texture may be slightly softer than with fresh beans.
Shallots offer a unique, delicate flavor. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with a very small amount (about 1 tablespoon) of finely minced sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or Walla Walla onion. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still provide an aromatic base.
The key to crunchy almonds is toasting them properly and adding them at the very end. Toast them gently over medium-low heat until lightly golden, then remove them immediately from the hot skillet to prevent over-browning. Adding them just before serving means they don’t sit in the warm, buttery sauce and lose their crispness.
Expert Tips for Success:
- Don’t Skip the Blanching and Ice Bath: This is a game-changer for green beans. It ensures they are perfectly cooked (tender-crisp) and retain their vibrant green color.
- Watch Your Almonds: Toasted almonds add so much flavor, but they burn quickly. Keep a close eye on them during toasting and stir often.
- Fresh is Best: As mentioned, fresh green beans, lemon juice, and garlic make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Adjust Salt to Taste: Different types of salt (fine, kosher, flaked sea salt) have different strengths. Start with the recommended amount and add more flaked sea salt at the end if needed.
- Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: Mushy green beans are a common pitfall. The blanching time is short for a reason – you want them to be tender but still have a slight bite.
Serving Suggestions for Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses. Its elegant simplicity makes it suitable for anything from a casual weeknight dinner to a sophisticated holiday feast. Serve it hot, fresh off the skillet, to enjoy the full warmth of the butter and the crispness of the almonds.
- With Poultry: It’s a classic pairing with roasted chicken, turkey breast, or pan-seared duck. The bright lemon and buttery notes complement the richness of poultry perfectly. Try it with our Almond Crusted Chicken for a harmonious meal.
- With Fish: The delicate flavors of Green Beans Almondine are a dream with baked salmon, pan-fried cod, or grilled halibut. The lemon accentuates the natural flavors of the seafood.
- With Red Meat: Don’t shy away from serving this with beef or pork. It provides a light, fresh contrast to heavier dishes like prime rib, pork tenderloin, or a juicy steak.
- Holiday Spreads: This dish is a fantastic addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter tables, offering a fresh, vibrant alternative to heavier casseroles.
- Everyday Meals: It’s quick enough to prepare on a busy weeknight alongside a simple grilled chicken or a vegetarian lentil loaf.
Variations & Customizations
While the classic Green Beans Almondine is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Add Bacon: For a savory twist, crisp up some bacon pieces before you start, then crumble them over the finished dish. You can even use a tablespoon or two of the rendered bacon fat instead of some of the butter for extra flavor.
- Herbal Notes: Fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley, chives, or a sprig of thyme can be added along with the lemon juice and garlic for an extra layer of freshness.
- A Splash of Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the shallots for a more complex, French-inspired flavor.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can introduce a subtle warmth.
- Different Nuts: While almonds are traditional, you could experiment with other nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts for a different nutty profile.
- Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: Easily substitute the butter with your favorite plant-based butter alternative or olive oil. The flavor will still be delicious!
More Green Bean Recipes
If you love green beans as much as we do, explore some of our other delicious recipes:
- 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
- Use fresh green beans for this recipe as well as fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Lemon zest is optional, if you want to add it, start by adding a small amount and build up depending on your preference. Lemon zest can be quite powerful if you add too much.
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and blanch beans for 2-5 minutes (2 if you prefer them with a crunch). Immediately after, drain and place in an ice bath for at least 1 minute to stop the cooking process. Remove the green beans and place on a paper towel to dry. They do not have to be fully dried.
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Over medium-low heat, place 1/3 cup sliced almonds in a cast iron skillet once hot and toast slightly. Transfer to a plate when lightly golden.
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Melt butter in the pan and add the shallots. Sauté for about 3 minutes.
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Add the beans into the skillet and mix well. Cook for an additional 5 minutes then remove from heat and add lemon juice (plus the zest if using) and garlic. Mix once again and sprinkle with flaked sea salt to serve.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store cooled leftover green beans almondine in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
- If you want to prepare the green beans a day in advance feel free to blanche them for around 2 minutes. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and pat them dry. Once cooled, store the green beans in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator. You can toast the almonds in advance as well if desired, but this step is really quick and is easy enough to prepare the day of (along with sauteeing the shallots).
- Toasted Almond Perfection: For optimal crunch and flavor, toast the almonds just until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Don’t walk away, as they can burn quickly. Adding them just before serving helps maintain their crisp texture.
- Blanching is Key: Don’t skip the blanching step followed by an ice bath. This ensures your green beans are perfectly tender-crisp and maintain their vibrant green color, preventing them from becoming soggy.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: The simple nature of this dish means the quality of ingredients shines through. Use fresh green beans, freshly minced garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best possible flavor.
- Season to Taste: Taste your dish before serving. You may need a little extra flaked sea salt or another squeeze of lemon juice to bring out all the flavors.
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.