Warm Green Beans with Walnut Lemon Crumble
Blistered green beans get a crunchy walnut and lemon crumble for a fresh side that is ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep: 10 · Cook: 18 · Total: 28 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (119 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
This original side gives skillet green beans a toasty walnut crumble and a bright lemon finish for contrast.
Story
Casey likes a vegetable side that can make a weeknight plate feel complete. The green beans stay bright and tender, the walnut crumble adds the crackle, and lemon pulls the flavors together without fuss. Make the crumble first, then let the skillet do the rest of the work.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 pound trimmed green beans
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Toast the walnuts and panko in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes until golden.
- Stir in the olive oil and lemon zest, cook for 1 minute, then transfer the crumble to a bowl.
- Add the green beans and water to the skillet, cover, and steam for 5 minutes until bright and nearly tender.
- Remove the lid, add the garlic and butter, and cook for 5 minutes until the beans are tender with browned spots.
- Season the beans with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, then fold in half the parsley.
- Pile the beans on a platter, shower with the walnut crumble, and finish with the remaining parsley.
Chef Tips
- Keep the walnuts moving so they do not burn while the panko toasts.
- Use a large skillet so the green beans brown instead of steaming after the lid comes off.
- Make the crumble up to 2 days ahead and store it airtight.
- Swap walnuts for almonds if needed.
Cook's Notes
- **Crumble:** Toast the walnuts and panko together.
- **Beans:** Cover briefly to steam, then uncover to brown.
- **Lemon:** Add juice after cooking.
- **Make ahead:** Store crumble separately until serving.