Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. While the water is coming to a boil, fill a large mixing bowl half-full of ice water and set it aside.
Add the trimmed green beans into the boiling water and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the beans for about 5 minutes or until they reach the desired degree of tenderness.
Drain the beans and immediately submerge them in the bowl of ice water until they have cooled completely. Remove the ice, drain the beans once again and set them aside.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced shallots and cook until they have softened and become translucent (about 2 minutes).
Once the shallots are soft, immediately add the green beans. Toss the beans in the butter mixture to coat completely. Cook only long enough to heat the beans through (about 2 minutes).
Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with salt and fresh black pepper.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
If you like your green beans on the soft side, sauté them for a couple more minutes.