Wash 2 pounds of green beans in cold water then trim the ends off of them. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans to the boiling water and let them cook for 4 minutes. Remove the green beans from the boiling water and add them to a bowl of ice water to shock them and stop the cooking process.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt and brown.

Once the butter is brown add the green beans to the skillet and toss them with the salt and pepper until they are warmed through. Top the green beans with the toasted slivered almonds and lemon zest. Serve the green beans in the skillet they were cooked in or transfer to a serving dish.