How to Cook Fresh Green Beans

Co-authored by Ollie George Cigliano

Available all year round, green beans are a nutritious addition to any meal. Before cooking green beans, wash them thoroughly in clean water and remove the woody stem end from the bean with either a knife or by snapping it off. Read on for information about basic cooking methods and two popular green bean recipes.

Ingredients

Basic Green Beans, 3 Ways

Green beans, washed with ends removed
Water
Salt and pepper

Green Bean Salad

2 cups (250 g) green beans, cooked
1 tomato, diced
1 red onion, diced
1 cup (240 g) feta cheese, crumbled
2 Tablespoons (30 g) red wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons (30 g) olive oil
Salt and pepper

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

5 cups (625 g) green beans, cooked
1 cup (110 g) seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons butter (28 g), melted
1 onion, diced
2 cups (150 g) mushrooms, chopped
1 1/2 cups (375 g) chicken broth
2 Tablespoons (16 g) cornstarch
1/2 cup (225 g) sour cream
1/4 (1 g) teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 (1.5 g) teaspoon pepper
1/2 (2.5 g) teaspoon salt

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Basic Green Beans, 3 Ways

1
Boil green beans.
- Rinse beans with cool water in a colander or a sink. Shake them off, trim the stem ends, and cut very long beans in half.
- Fill a large pot with just enough water to cover the beans.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat and then add the freshly washed and trimmed beans to the water.
- Once the water comes to a boil again, turn the heat down and let the beans simmer for about 4 minutes or until they are tender but still crisp.
- Drain the beans, season them with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
- You can also season green beans with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced shallot.
2
Steam green beans. Steaming green beans is the best way to preserve the maximum nutritional value.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Fill a pot with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water and set the steamer basket into the bottom of the pot.
- Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and bring the pot to a boil. When boiling, remove the lid and add the freshly washed and trimmed beans to the steamer basket.
- Turn the heat down to medium and put the lid back on.
- Cook for about 2 minutes and then test for doneness. They should be tender but still crisp.
- Season and serve immediately.
Advertisement
3
Microwave green beans.
- Add freshly washed and trimmed green beans to a microwave safe bowl or container.
- Add 2 tbsp. (30 ml) of water and then cover tightly with plastic wrap. The plastic wrap should not be touching the beans.
- Microwave on high for about 3 minutes then pierce the plastic wrap being careful of escaping steam.
- Test for doneness, then season and serve immediately.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Green Bean Salad

1
Cook 2 cups (250 g) of green beans according to one of the basic methods above. Allow the beans to cool, then cut them in half.^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
Place the beans in a medium bowl. Add the tomatoes, onion, and feta cheese. Toss together with tongs.
3
In a small bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Pour the dressing over the green beans. Toss until the beans are coated.^{[4]
X
Research source}
5
Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve cold.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

1
Cook 5 cups (625 g) of green beans according to one of the basic methods above. Slice the beans in half lengthwise.^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Preheat the oven to 350ºF (176ºC) degrees. Grease a large casserole dish with butter or olive oil.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon butter in a small bowl.^{[7]
X
Research source}
4
Heat the other tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion to the saucepan and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook until soft, about 4 more minutes. Stir the green beans into the mushrooms and onions.
5
Pour the chicken broth in a small pot. Place it on a burner over high heat, and bring to a boil.
6
Mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water. Stir until the cornstarch has dissolved, then add it to the boiling chicken broth. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture thickens.
7
Pour the thickened broth over the green beans, onions and mushrooms. Stir in the sour cream.
8
Spread the mixture into the casserole dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and Parmesan evenly over the green beans. Place the dish in the oven.^{[8]
X
Research source}
9
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Sugared Beans

1
Cook the amount of green beans desired in boiling water for 15 minutes.
2
Then pour out all the water. Transfer the beans to a bowl.
3
Sprinkle with a little sugar or pour over a little golden syrup.
4
Serve. The sugar touch will bring out the sweetness in the beans and it will taste delicious.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I fry green beans?

Community Answer

Put them in a frying pan with olive oil and butter, then sauté for about three to four minutes. Cover and continue cooking on low for another four minutes. Add lemon juice and slivered almonds if you want.
Question

How do I season steamed green beans?

Community Answer

Use a small amount of butter, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and fresh ground black pepper. You could also toss them with a small amount of your favorite salad dressing.
Question

How do I get the strings off the beans?

Community Answer

Grab an end of a string and peel.