Start by rinsing the green beans under cool running water. This removes any dirt and helps freshen them up. Don't skip this step; the freshness is key!

Next, you’ll trim the ends of the beans. Grab a cutting board and a sharp knife. Cut off the tough ends, but be careful not to chop too much. It’s a quick job, but oh, so important for the final look.

Fill a large pot with water and add your coarse sea salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, drop in your trimmed green beans. Blanch them for about 2 to 3 minutes. You'll notice a vibrant green color developing. After the time is up, quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and ensures they stay bright and crisp.

While your beans chill out in the ice bath, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter; either works well here. Then add the finely chopped garlic. This is where the kitchen starts to smell divine! Sauté it until fragrant, about a minute, making sure not to let it burn.

Once your garlic is ready, remove the green beans from the ice bath and drain them. Add the drained beans to the skillet. Toss in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), freshly cracked black pepper, lemon zest, and pink Himalayan salt. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld while keeping the beans tender.

Your green beans are now cooked to perfection! Serve them hot as a side dish or add them to your salads or pasta meals. You might just find a new favorite.