Sauteed Runner Beans with Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest

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Cuisine

British

Servings

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Calories

110

Runner beans, often overlooked in favour of their green bean cousins, are a delightful and versatile vegetable deserving of a spot on every dinner table. With their long, flat pods and firm texture, they stand up well to cooking and offer a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with bold, fresh ingredients.

In this quick and vibrant dish, runner beans are lightly blanched to maintain their crisp-tender texture and then sautéed in butter and olive oil with garlic for savoury depth. A generous sprinkle of lemon zest lifts the whole dish, adding brightness and balance.

This simple side is not only delicious but also endlessly adaptable. Whether served alongside roasted meats, folded into a pasta dish, or eaten on their own, these runner beans add colour and flavour to your plate.

They’re also a fantastic way to use up a garden glut during summer or autumn months. Quick to prepare and light on ingredients, this is vegetable cookery at its best — seasonal, satisfying, and shining with natural flavour.

Image of Sauteed Runner Beans with Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest

Ingredients

300g (about 10 oz) fresh runner beans, trimmed and sliced on the diagonal
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: toasted almonds or grated Parmesan for garnish

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Directions

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add runner beans and blanch for 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Add the blanched runner beans and toss to coat. Cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and glossy.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Toss again.
Serve warm, optionally topped with toasted almonds or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
per serving: Calories; 110

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Fat: 7 grams; 9%
Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams; 12%
Cholesterol: 8 milligrams; 3%
Sodium: 160 milligrams; 7%
Carbs: 9 grams; 3%
Protein: 2 grams
Sugar: 3 grams
Fiber: 3 grams; 10%

Tips for Cooking Runner Beans

Slice runner beans diagonally for visual appeal and even cooking.
Blanch beans first to preserve colour and reduce bitterness.
Don’t overcook — keep them slightly firm for best texture.
Use a mix of butter and olive oil for rich yet light flavour.
Infuse garlic gently without browning for a mellow aroma.
Add lemon zest at the end to keep the citrus notes fresh.
Top with almonds or Parmesan for extra crunch or umami.
Season generously — beans need salt to enhance flavour.
Prepare just before serving for best colour and bite.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy cold or reheated.

Serve It With Suggestions

Roast chicken or grilled lamb
Pan-seared fish like salmon or cod
Herbed quinoa or couscous
Creamy mashed potatoes
Vegetable lasagna or savoury pies
Garlic butter pasta
Grain bowls with feta or chickpeas
Poached eggs for brunch
Mushroom risotto
Lentil stew or dhal

FAQ's

Q: Can I freeze runner beans?
A: Yes — blanch them first, then cool and freeze in sealed bags for up to 3 months.

Q: Do I need to string runner beans?
A: Most modern varieties are stringless, but older or large pods may need de-stringing.

Q: Can I use green beans instead?
A: Yes — this recipe works well with green beans or flat beans too.

Q: How long should I blanch runner beans?
A: 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan?
A: Absolutely — use only olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Q: What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
A: Use a microplane or fine grater, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Q: Are runner beans healthy?
A: Yes — they’re low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Q: How do I avoid soggy beans?
A: Blanch quickly, cool if prepping ahead, and sauté just before serving.

Q: What herbs go well with runner beans?
A: Try thyme, parsley, tarragon, or mint for bright herbaceous notes.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can blanch and prep the beans, but sauté just before serving for best texture.

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Sauteed Runner Beans with Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest