Gather your ingredients and tools. The first step is to gather the ingredients you need to make the process even faster. Get a large skillet out, and prepare an ice water bath for when the green beans are done cooking.
Place the green beans in a large saucepan filled with water that has been salted. The salt will help flavor the green beans and also help the green beans retain their bright green color. Boil for 3-5 minutes or until they are crisp tender.
While the green beans are cooking, start cooking your bacon. Stir them occasionally until they are starting to become crisp.
Remove the bacon pieces from the skillet, along with half of the bacon fat. Keep the other half of the bacon fat in the skillet.
Blanch your green beans. As soon as they are tender crisp, you are going to want to drain the green beans and place them in the ice water bath to stop them cooking. They can hang out here until you need them.
Add the butter and sliced almonds to the bacon fat in the skillet. Sautee for a few moments, until the almonds start to turn golden and they are fragrant.
Add in the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
Place the green beans back in the skillet, along with the lemon juice and the cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
Remove from the heat. Garnish with the lemon zest and serve immediately.
Notes
Recipe Note: These green beans are cooked to crisp tender, which means they still have a nice bite to them. If your children prefer softer green beans, just add a few more minutes to when the green beans are boiling. Be careful not to over cook them, as they will continue to cook in the skillet and you don’t want them to break down and become mush.Can I use frozen green beans? You bet! Put the green beans in the water and heat to just boiling before you drain them.