Prepare the Green Beans: Start by blanching the green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
Make the Brown Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep cooking the butter, stirring occasionally, until it starts to foam and turns a golden brown colour. You’ll also notice a nutty aroma—this is when you know the butter is browned. Be careful not to burn it!
Once the butter is browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the brown butter and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the green beans are heated through—season with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional Toppings: Sprinkle lemon zest over the green beans for an extra burst of flavour. For a bit of crunch, add a handful of sliced almonds or pine nuts.
Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.
