Blistered Green Beans with Lemon Breadcrumbs
Fast blistered green beans get a crisp lemon breadcrumb shower and a little Parmesan at the finish.
Prep: 8 · Cook: 12 · Total: 20 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.7/5 (248 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
A skillet vegetable side that uses high heat for charred edges and a toasted breadcrumb topping for texture.
Story
Green beans do not need much help, just a very hot skillet and something crisp to finish. I like the way lemon breadcrumbs turn a simple side into the bite everyone reaches for, especially when there is a little Parmesan melting into the crumbs. Put this next to roast chicken, pasta, or a grain bowl and dinner feels complete.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 1 pound trimmed green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the panko and toast for 2 to 3 minutes until golden.
- Stir the garlic and lemon zest into the breadcrumbs for 30 seconds, then scrape them into a bowl and season with a pinch of salt.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining olive oil and green beans.
- Cook the beans for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until blistered in spots and tender-crisp.
- Add the lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and remaining salt, then toss for 30 seconds.
- Transfer to a serving dish and shower with the lemon breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and parsley.
Chef Tips
- Do not crowd the skillet or the beans will steam instead of blister.
- Zest the lemon before juicing it so the breadcrumb topping stays fluffy.
- For a richer side, add a pat of butter with the lemon juice.
- Keep the breadcrumbs separate until serving if you are making the beans ahead.
Cook's Notes
- **Heat:** Let the skillet fully preheat before adding the beans.
- **Crunch:** Keep the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl until the last minute.
- **Flavor:** Add extra lemon juice at the table if your main dish is rich.