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Fresh green beans when cooked right, are delicious and have a nice crunch! But you may be wondering how to boil green beans to achieve a bright color, and a bite, without overcooking. This is your ultimate guide for how to cook green beans so that they come out perfectly every single time!
Green beans are an often overlooked vegetable. They are not my husband's or my kids' favorite! But I was convinced the reason they didn't love green beans was because they had experienced overcooked soggy green beans without any flavor.
It's easy to overcook green string beans when boiling or steaming. This results in flavorless and soggy beans that are not appetizing!
But there is a simple and great way to cook them and achieve a super flavorful, easy side dish. Some of the best ways include boiling, and steaming, which when done correctly, gives you perfectly cooked, slightly crunchy beans.
Latest Recipe Video!
This boiled green beans recipe will show you how to boil green beans perfectly. It is my go-to cooking method for preparing this delicious veggie, and it will quickly become one of your favorite side dishes to serve at your dinner table! You can also use this easy way to cook your beans before adding to your favorite green bean casserole recipe.
👩🍳 Why This Recipe Works
- Easy Recipe
- Perfect Green Bean Recipe for Every Occasion
- Easy Method
- Achieve a Vibrant Green Color
- Vegan Friendly
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian
- Pairs with Numerous Main Dishes
- Add to your list of healthy recipes!
- Crisp tender beans!
🥘 Ingredients
Fresh Green Beans: Sometimes called snap beans, french beans, haricots verts, or string beans, regular green beans are one of those vegetables that are easy to acquire all year long. However, they are most fresh and in season from May to October. When preparing your raw green beans to boil, you'll want to wash them thoroughly, and trim the ends.
Kosher Salt: You'll add half the sea salt to the boiling water, and the other half of the salt to the green beans to season after they've boiled. Once the green beans are cooked, you can toss them with any of your other favorite seasonings!
Olive Oi or Butterl: You can dress these green beans with a tablespoon of butter or olive oil right after cooking. The olive oil coats the green beans and helps the salt stick to them.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil.
Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and the green beans. Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered, until just tender and green beans turn bright green color. Cooking time will vary between 2-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the beans to a colander, shake and drain. If you don't have a colander, you can also remove the green beans with a slotted spoon.
Step 4: Fill a large bowl of ice water. Submerge the green beans in the ice bath and allow to sit for 5 minutes, then drain in the colander. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and olive oil or butter. You can also saute lightly with additional spices like fresh garlic and crushed red pepper, or add toppings like pine nuts and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
📖 Variations On How To Cook Green Beans
❄️ How To Cook Frozen Green Beans
Step 1: Place frozen green beans in a large pot with a 1/4 cup of water. Cook over medium heat until water evaporates.
Step 2: Remove the green beans from the pan, and set aside. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and two cloves of minced garlic. Stir and sauté for about one minute.
Step 3: Add the green beans back to the pot. Coat the beans with the oil and garlic by shaking the pan, or folding together. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the green beans are cooked through and warm.
Step 4: Season with salt and black pepper.
🥫 How To Cook Canned Green Beans
Step 1: Drain the canned green beans. Place in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes of until heated through.
Step 2: Add one tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt, spices of your choosing, and pepper or crushed red pepper to taste.
🍵 How To Steam Green Beans
Step 1: Wash and trim green beans.
Step 2: Place a steamer basket over a medium saucepan filled with one-inch of water.
Step 3: Place the green beans in the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and steam for 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Drain the water from the saucepan, and return the green beans to the pan. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, and salt, and pepper to taste. Toss to coat, and serve!
🌱 How To Cook Green Beans For Baby
If you're baking green beans for an infant, toddler, or young child, you may want to make soft green beans that are easy to chew, or a green bean puree. To make soft green beans, just cook them for longer than described above until a fork slides through them easily, then cut them into finger food sized pieces for your little one. To make a green bean puree for baby, follow this recipe.
❓Recipe FAQs
How long do you boil green beans?
You only need to boil green beans for no more than 5 minutes, and as little as 2-3 minutes. When the beans turn bright green they are done! If you boil them for too long they will overcook and become soft.
When boiling green beans you want them to still retain their texture and crunch. Another important thing to note about boiling green beans is that if you boil them for too long they will turn from a bright beautiful green to a dull dark green. One way to retain their color is to submerge the boiled green beans in an ice bath to step the cooking process after they've been boiled.
How long should you place boiled green beans in an ice bath?
Fill a large bowl with cool water and ice. Place boiled green beans in ice bath for about 5 minutes. This will stop cooking process and the beans will keep their bright color!
How do you store and keep cooked green beans?
Store boiled green beans in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do you serve green beans?
Boiled green beans are a delicious, perfect side dish! You can dress them up by topping them with an aioli, pesto, or simple dressing of choice. Top with chopped nuts for added crunch.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for added heat. You can also enjoy them with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of lemon zest. Top with your favorite fresh herbs. Place in serving dish, and serve alongside your favorite main dishes!
💭 Expert Tips
- Use fresh green beans, haricot verts, or wax beans. Haricot verts are a longer more narrow green bean variety. Wax beans are are pale yellow in color.
- Trim the ends before cooking and wash thoroughly.
- To end the cooking process be sure to submerge the green beans in an ice bath.
