Lemon Garlic Frozen Green Beans Recipe

Name: Lemon Garlic Frozen Green Beans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound frozen green beans; 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional*); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ¼-½ teaspoon salt (to taste); ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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For a super simple and minimal effort side dish, this lemon and garlic frozen green bean recipe is the answer. With just 7 ingredients and 20 minutes you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious side that pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes.

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Frozen green beans recipe on a serving platter with lemon slices.

I love a good frozen veggie recipe. They’re affordable, just as nutritious as fresh, and convenient! You don’t need to wash or chop, saving preparation time and helping you get food on the table faster. Great for busy weeknights!

Plus, it’s a great alternative if something is out of season. There’s a good chance you can find it frozen!

I love making frozen veggies in the air fryer, especially air fried frozen brussels sprouts, roasted frozen cauliflower, and even frozen potato wedges. While you could also make this recipe in the air fryer, I’m going to show you a super simple way to cook frozen green beans on the stovetop and make them taste good!

Ingredients Needed

To make a simple side dish that even a picky eater would enjoy, you just need 7 ingredients:

Gathered ingredients for this frozen green beans recipe in various bowls with labels.

Frozen Green Beans: Using frozen green beans in this recipe is convenient and ensures that you have a reliable source of vegetables year-round. Plus, they’re just as nutritious as fresh green beans! You can use frozen whole green beans or frozen cut green beans. And, of course, fresh green beans are always an option if you have them.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds tons of flavor to this dish. If you’re a garlic lover, consider the amount a suggestion, and feel free to add more! You can also add some dashes of garlic powder for even more garlic flavor.
Lemon Zest and Juice: These citrus elements brighten up the dish, providing a refreshing contrast to the intense flavor of garlic. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best flavor.
Dried Thyme: Dried thyme complements the garlic and lemon but feel free to experiment with other dried herbs like rosemary or oregano for variation.
Salt and Black Pepper
Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color to the finished dish. It’s best to add it right before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and appearance.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown.

Minced garlic cooking in a skillet with oil.

Step 2: Stir in the frozen green beans, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, ensuring the green beans are evenly coated. Cook on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans reach a tender-crisp texture.

Frozen green beans and seasonings added to a skillet.

Step 3: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the sauteed green beans with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Sauteed frozen green beans in a skillet.

Tips

For best results, do not thaw the green beans before cooking.

Flavor Variations

Want to mix it up? Frozen green beans are super versatile and there are plenty of ways to enjoy them! Here are some more ideas:

Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the cooked green beans for a sweet and tangy flavor addition.
Toasted Almonds: Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds or chopped almonds over the green beans for added crunch and nuttiness.
Sesame Ginger: Toss the cooked green beans with a sesame ginger sauce made from sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness.
Spicy Garlic: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the garlic sauté for a spicy kick.
Mushroom Medley: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy addition to the green beans. Finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.
Maple Dijon Glaze: Whisk together a glaze using maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Drizzle over the cooked green beans for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
Asian Stir-Fry: Stir-fry the green beans with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and water chestnuts, and season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for an Asian-inspired dish. Green beans would be delicious in this Thai Vegetable Pad Pak stir fry!
Italian Herb: Replace the dried thyme with Italian seasoning and add cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair. Finish with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.

The finished lemon garlic frozen green beans in a skillet top with lemon slices.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this frozen green beans recipe alongside almost any main dish!

Pasta: Add some greens to your pasta routine! This simple recipe makes an excellent side dish for any pasta, from vibrant beet sauce pasta, to creamy coconut milk pasta, to rich and savory french onion pasta. You can even double down on the amount veggies by serving it alongside this hidden veggie pasta sauce.

Wraps or Sandwiches: Use the green beans as a filling for wraps or sandwiches along with hummus, avocado, lettuce, and tomato for a quick and convenient meal on the go. Or simply serve it as a tasty side dish.

Soups or Stews: Enjoy this recipe as an easy side dish to serve with a hearty stew like this Irish vegetable stew or this navy bean soup. For something lighter, try it with this roasted cherry tomato soup.

Holiday Side: Serve alongside your favorite holiday meal or special occasion. I love it with this lentil loaf, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Tip: You can even use frozen green beans for the classic green bean casserole!

Storage

Allow the green beans to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through.

FAQ’s

Can you roast frozen green beans in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook the green beans in an air fryer preheated to 400F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For even cooking, make sure they’re in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.

Should I thaw frozen green beans before cooking?

There’s no need to thaw frozen green beans before cooking. In fact, you’ll achieve the best texture and flavor if you cook them directly from frozen.

Recipe with frozen green beans on a serving platter with lemon slices and topped with lemon zest.

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