Cook The Beans Until Just Done
You want to cook the beans in plenty of seasoned boiling water just until theyre done.
How do you know theyre done? Well, depending on the size and thickness of your beans, it will take anywhere from 5-10 minutes for them to cook.
Start checking after 5 minutes the second they stop feeling squeaky between your teeth , are tender yet still crisp: Drain them and rinse them under cold water. That way youll stop the cooking process ASAP.
ALTERNATIVELY, steam them in a steamer basket for 4-5 minutes and then come over to kick my butt because I have one of those baskets. Still in its original package. Oops.
How To Cook Fresh Green Beans
My method for how to cook green beans is super simple! Heres how it goes:
First, wash and trim the beans. Rinse them in a colander under cool running water, and snap off the stems. While you work, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Set a large bowl of ice water nearby.
Next, blanch the beans. When the water is boiling, drop the trimmed beans into the pot. Cook for 2 minutes, until the beans are crisp-tender and vibrant green.
Then, chill! Immediately transfer the blanched beans to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them chill for at least 15 seconds you want them to cool completely.
Finally, drain the beans, and spread them on a kitchen towel or paper towels to dry.
Thats it! The string beans are ready to eat.
Common Green Bean Recipe Questions
More or Less Liquid?Ninja Foodi Recipes say you need at least 1/2 cup of liquid in it to pressure cook. My instant pot says 1 cup of liquid. Therefore, I recommend you read your manual to make sure you know what your appliance needs if you are not using the Ninja Foodi all in one pressure cooker.
I thought French Style Green Beans were Cut? They arent cut French style. They are whole beans. The package said French style and I think they are skinnier than a regular green bean. A standard green bean seems to have more girth .
What if I have a different pressure cooker? The recipe SHOULD be the same but pressure can build differently on the quart size of the cooker, so always refer to your products recipe guide to double check the timing. If you have an instant pot or another type of cooker and test out altering the food prep, please let me know if the timing worked for you.
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How To Make Fresh Green Beans
- 1Skillet method: Slice onions, mushrooms and bacon. Drizzle olive oil in skillet and add bacon and onions. Sautee until bacon is lightly brown. Add thawed beans on top, and mushrooms on top of the bean. Cover with lid and cook over very low heat for about 10-15 min. Stir and remove to bowl.
- 2Microwave/skillet method: Saute onions and mushrooms in olive oil. If using bacon pcs. cook those a few minutes by themselves before added mushrooms and onions. Cook till onions are tender .Also you can cook the bacon in the oven on a baking sheet at 425° for about 25 min. then crumb and add to cooked beans. Place beans in med large microwaveable bowl. Add about 1/4 c. of water. Cover with lid or plate and micro for 6-8 minutes. Pour beans from bowl to pot. Saute a few minutes longer to combine flavors.
- Last Step: Don’t forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don’t forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
How To Steam Green Beans

Steaming green beans is an easy way to make a delicious side dish for weeknight dinners. So why would you steam vegetables instead of boiling them? Steaming is slightly healthier because it keeps some of the nutrients intact, but is also a more risk-free cooking method since theyre less likely to overcook. To steam them, create a double boiler by placing a steamer basket in a medium-sized pot. Bring one to 2 inches of water to a boil, place the beans in the basket, and cover with a lid. The cooking time may vary based on the amount of beans that youre preparing, but as a rule of thumb, start by steaming them for five minutes over medium-high heat and continue to cook until the beans have the perfect bite to them.
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How To Make Simple Skillet Green Beans
- 1. Line up several green beans and trim the stem ends off.
- 2. Chop the garlic.
How To Store And Prep Green Beans Before You Cook Them
If you are not using them right away, fresh green beans should be refrigerated in a plastic bag and used within one week. Before cooking them, be sure to rinse them under cold water and then trim the stem end.
However you cook them, the key thing is to cook the beans for the shortest time possible to preserve their flavor .
Tools Needed
- A mixing bowl.
- Meal prep bowls for storing leftovers.
Here are some easy ways to cook fresh green beans and how long to cook fresh green beans for each method.
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Green Beans With Pecans And Date Syrup
The Spruce / Miri Rotkovitz
Dress up the humble green bean with a sticky and sweet-savory date sauce and chopped pecans, for a unique side dish worthy of the holidays or a company supper. A hint of garlic keeps the dish nicely balanced and it all comes together pretty much just as quickly as more basic preparations.
How To Make The Butter Glaze
While you are boiling the green beans for 4 to 6 minutes, add a few pads of unsalted butter to a large saute pan over low heat to make the butter glaze.
Start swirling the butter around by moving the handle in a circular motion. Remember we arent trying to fry with the butter, we want to glaze with the butter, so keep it over low heat while continuing to move until its completely melted.
The butter should appear milky and doing this will allow you to coat all of the green beans instead of dropping a glob of butter on top hoping it touches all of the beans.
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How To Cook Fresh Green Beans In A Skillet
Vegan Asian Green Beans
For a unique vegan side dish, try tossing fresh green beans with sherry or rice wine, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sugar. Steaming them and then sauteeing them in a wok with the sauce ensures each bean gets perfectly coated, and a little crispy too. Serve with a side of rice and your favorite Asian-inspired vegan protein.
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How To Cook Fresh Green Beans On The Stovetop
Here are some of my favorite fresh green bean recipes made on the stovetop:
Fresh Green Bean Side Dishes

I do believe we have hit the mother load of fresh green bean recipes. Homemade Green Bean Casserole by The Anthony Kitchen is one I can personally vouch for. A creamy homemade mushroom sauce, loads of Cheddar cheese, and fresh green beans take green bean casserole to the next level!
Ughhhhh, are you seeing what Im seeing? Just look at that luscious sauce made of soy sauce and rice wine vinegar?! PF Changs Spicy Green Beans by Souffle Bombay is calling to us loud and clear.
Just look at those fancy green beans, all speckled with toasty, buttery pine nuts? Yassss! Toasted Pine Nut Green Beans by The Speckled Palate is a simple green bean side dish made for entertaining!
Oh, Im sorry. Did somebody say bacon? Ok, then. Im there. Green Bean and Bacon Bundles might say it all, but did I mention theres a brown sugar glaze? You can find this gem at Spend with Pennies.
Southerners, I got your number, right here. Stewed Green Beans with Tomatoes is a slow cooking side dish that feeds a crowd and makes them rejoice all at the same time. Win. This one features fresh green beans, bacon, onions, and fire roasted tomatoes. Its by The Anthony Kitchen. Also, known as mwah.
Instant Pot lovers, this ones for you: Instant Pot Green Beans with Ham by Savory Tooth is beyond fast and over-the-top full of flavor.
Who doesnt love a little Cajun spice in their life? These Cajun Green Beans by Souffle Bombay put it to perfect use in this super simple, super easy green bean side dish
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Green Beans With Bacon
So much of my time is spent developing new recipes that I often forget to share family recipes that totally rock my world. Ive shared my Nanas To-Die-For Carrot Cake, her Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Crunch Balls and her Sausage Gravy and I just couldnt wait another day to share this one with you all.
One of my Nanas recipes that is near and dear to my heart is Nanas famous green beans. My Nana would serve up these mouth-watering green beans for all sorts of special occasions.
What my Nana never realized was how much more special each of those occasions became with the addition of her famous green beans to the menu.
Main Dishes Featuring Fresh Green Beans
Lets kick this off with a bang, shall we? Smoky Green Bean Turkey Skillet by Project Meal Plan features seasoned ground turkey, red bell peppers, onions, salsa and of course fresh green beans. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or pasta, and dive in!
Roasted Mahi Mahi with Green Beans and Cherry Tomatoes by Sidewalk Shoes features roasted mahi mahi with green beans and cherry tomatoes, and is topped off with a lemony vinaigrette. Yes, please.
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Green Bean Onion Salad
The Spruce / Molly Watson
Zippy red onions add contrast to crisp-tender green beans, while a zesty oil and vinegar dressing ties it all together. The flavors get even better as it sits, so this makes a great dish for a picnic, potluck, or other make-and-take dinner. Cook the beans until just tender, for best results.
Buttermilk Fried Green Beans
The Spruce
Fried green beans may represent one of the most popular presentations, and you’ll see why once you try these. Coat them just like buttermilk-fried chicken: first a dip in buttermilk, a dredge in flour, and a quick bath in hot oil to crisp them up. They come out easy, delicious, and a super fun snack or appetizer.
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Green Beans With Jalapeo And Mint
The Spruce / Molly Watson
Cooling fresh mint and spicy jalapeño chiles turn everyday green beans into a fresh, exciting side dish with wonderful contrast. They taste great as a side all by themselves but try them as part of a salad too. If you like super hot foods, leave all of the seeds in the pepper. If not, scrape some or all of the seeds out for a milder dish.
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Thank you for trying this green beans and bacon recipe! If you have feedback or have improved this side dish recipe, we want to hear it!
Leave a comment or to follow upcoming new recipes for all your homecooked meals!
~Trisha
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Green Beans With Salsa Recipe / Thanksgiving
We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy green beans with salsa recipe. Ingredients · 4 cups fresh or frozen cut green beans · 2 small onions, chopped · 1/4 cup butter, cubed · 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges · 2 tablespoons salsa · 1 . In a medium sized pot, add enough water to cover the beans . Add 1 tablespoon of salt for every 2 .
Japanese Ochazuke Recipe from www.milesteaandcoffee.com
Slice green beans, green onion and chop cilantro. Add 1 tablespoon of salt for every 2 . Resist the urge to stir the green beans oftenthat’s the secret to getting a nice amount of char. In a medium sized pot, add enough water to cover the beans . Recipe · 1 shallot, finely minced · 1 lime, juiced and zested · 1 1/ 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar · 1 teaspoon agave nectar · 3/ 4 teaspoon whole grain mustard · 1/ . · mix lemon juice, oils, salt and ginger. For even better flavor, use 13 oz. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Green Bean Grilled Cheese

Grilled Cheese Social
Combine the taste of green bean casserole into a portable, gooey sandwich with this unique grilled cheese. Camembert has a funky, creamy quality that adds a richness to mimic the consistency of the classic holiday side dish. Adding French onion dip seasoning to the top rounds it all out.
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Chef Recipe Notes + Tips
How to Reheat: The best way to reheat green beans is by heating up a small amount of chicken stock or water with 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat and adding in the cold green beans and tossing until warm, about 1 to 2 minutes. You can also cook them in the microwave for 45 seconds to reheat.
Storing And Freezing: Green beans will hold in the refrigerator covered in plastic for up to 3 days, after that they start to break down. Green beans dont freeze all that well after being cooked because they lose a lot of moisture. If you do decide to freeze cooked green beans, then it is best to thaw and use them in a soup.
Green Bean And Lamb Tagine
The Spruce / Christine Benlafquih
This Moroccan dish combines succulent lamb, fresh or frozen green beans, potatoes, and warming turmeric, ginger, paprika, cayenne, and cumin for a hearty and complex-flavored dish. If using a conventional pot, double the cooking times and add water as it cooks, if necessary.
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Green Beans With Salsa Recipe
Slice green beans, green onion and chop cilantro green beans with salsa recipe
Corn Relish Recipe | Savoring The Good from www.savoringthegood.com
What’s on your menu for thanksgiving dinner this year? Green beans, trimmed · 4 cups fresh corn kernels · 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced · 1/4 cup olive oil · 1/3 . Every item on this page was chosen by a woman’s day editor. Slice green beans, green onion and chop cilantro. Ingredients · 4 cups fresh or frozen cut green beans · 2 small onions, chopped · 1/4 cup butter, cubed · 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges · 2 tablespoons salsa · 1 . · wash and prepare beans and add to the pan and cook for a further 3 minutes. Resist the urge to stir the green beans oftenthat’s the secret to getting a nice amount of char. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Mexican chorizo quiche Recipe | New Idea Food from www.newideafood.com.au
- Total Time: PT32M