This recipe was written by Stephanie Searor, MS RD LDN
If you want to brighten up your meals and give plain green beans a fresh twist, citrus is an excellent way to boost flavor. This recipe uses both lemon juice and zest, though you can experiment with Meyer lemons, oranges, or limes for different notes. Fresh green beans are available most of the year and deliver a firmer texture and brighter taste than canned or frozen beans.
Cooking green beans sous vide is convenient because it frees you to prepare other parts of the meal while they cook. They can remain in the water bath until you’re ready to serve without overcooking. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch. Sous vide’s hands-off approach makes this side dish easy and reliably delicious.
What Makes Sous Vide Green Beans so Healthy?
- Green beans contain flavonoids that may help reduce risk factors for heart disease.
- The fiber and nutrient profile of green beans can support blood sugar management.
- Green beans provide carotenoids and flavonoids that support the immune system; carotenoids include antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lutein.
- They are also a good source of vitamin K, calcium, and silicon, all important for bone and connective tissue health.
Equipment
- Sous vide circulator — popular models include the Anova and the Joule.
- Container — useful for larger water baths; a sturdy tote or a large pot will work.
- Vacuum sealer and bags, or a heavy-duty freezer zip-top bag suitable for sous vide.
Sous Vide Green Beans with Almonds, Citrus, and Garlic Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 2 tbsp Salted butter, cubed
- 1/2 tspn Kosher Salt and fresh black pepper
- 2 cloves Raw garlic, mined
- 2 lemons Juice from 2 lemons and zest
- 1/4 cup Raw slivered almonds
Instructions
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Prepare a sous vide container with enough water to submerge the beans. Preheat to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
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In a vacuum bag or heat-safe zip top bag, place the green beans, butter, salt, pepper, and garlic. Flatten out as much as possible.
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Remove the air and seal. When the water is heated, submerge in the cooking water and cook for one hour.
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When it’s nearly time to serve, toast the almonds over low heat in a pan, stirring constantly so that they don’t burn. The almonds are toasted when they begin to brown and smell toasty and nutty.
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Transfer the green beans along with the cooking liquid to a serving bowl. Toss with the lemon juice and zest, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with the toasted almonds and serve.
Searching for more sous vide ideas? We regularly add new recipes and reviews. Explore a range of sous vide cookbooks and more green bean preparations to expand your repertoire.