French Green Beans

This French green beans recipe is beyond easy and so delicious! You’ll love the crisp-tender green beans and the buttery sauce with a hint of lemon.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 142kcal

Bring the water and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and blanch until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain the beans and wipe the skillet dry.
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the shallot and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Add the blanched beans, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, lemon juice, and pepper. Toss well to coat the beans. Serve hot or warm.

Choose your haricot verts wisely. Look for firm, bright green beans. Avoid those that are soft or have brown spots.
Blanch the beans. Boiling the green beans quickly makes them tender without being soggy, and maintains their beautiful green color. Don’t skip salting the water in this step either! The beans won’t taste salty, but they will taste bland if you leave it out.
Don’t skimp on the butter. Butter is important for adding flavor to the sautéed green beans. I like high-quality butter for this recipe, too, since the ingredients are minimal, and the quality will really show through.