How To Cook Fresh Green Beans for Optimal Taste

Sure, green beans can be boring, but when you know how to cook fresh green beans the right way, they can blow you away. We'll show you how to prepare them to perfection along with a few delightful recipes that show them off.

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Sep 10, 2024
Image of a close up multi colored green beans showing the best way to cook fresh green beans.

Crunchy, fresh green beans are incredibly simple and easy to prepare. But knowing how to cook fresh green beans is essential, as they are a deliciously perfect addition to most any meal.

Cook Fresh Green Beans if You Want the Best Green Beans

Green beans, also commonly called snap or string beans, are in the same family as pinto beans and kidney beans. They differ though in that they are picked early in harvest in order to maintain the edible shell. Unlike their related legumes, they aren’t dried and thus can be enjoyed raw.

You can also find string beans in other shades including purple and yellow which are referred to as wax beans. (We say reach for the purple ones, as blue foods (and purple!) foods have been linked to longevity!) These uniquely hued versions can add a vibrant touch to a variety of dishes and even widen the spectrum of nutrients.

Wondering what to serve alongside your perfectly cooked green beans? Watch the video and make Roasted Sheet Pan Chicken with Smashed Potatoes and Rainbow Carrots. And this video shows how to prepare a luscious Lion’s Mane Mushroom Pasta with Peas and Parm. And for another simple breakdown, learn how to make oatmeal perfectly every time. 

The Best Way to Cook Fresh Green Beans

The health benefits of green beans are noteworthy as they are rich in vitamins B1, B2, C, and K, manganese, fiber, folate, copper, magnesium, and iron. All of these nutrients combine to help keep your immune system strong, digestion running smoothly, and bones strong.

We highly recommend buying organic green beans given they are number 20 on EWG’s Dirty Dozen List which ranks the pesticide and herbicide content of produce.

Check out your local farmers market between June and September, the peak season of string beans, to find an abundance of green beans. You might even spot a few of colored varieties pictured above.

When selecting green beans, opt for picking them loose so you can ensure you get the freshest beans. Look for firm, vibrant beans and avoid those that are limp and discolored. Store them unwashed in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.

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How To Cook Fresh Green Beans

Image of a close up multi colored green beans showing the best way to cook fresh green beans.
What’s the best way to cook fresh green beans? Try the no-fail methods below to find your new favorite way.

First and foremost, wash your green beans in a colander under cold water. Next “tail” the beans by snapping off each end. Now you’re ready to move on to the cooking methods below. Note that the variety and size of the green beans will impact cooking time. For smaller, thinner beans, check that they don’t overcook by piercing with a fork halfway through cook time. For larger beans, extend cook time until they reach desired tenderness.

1. Raw

Green beans can be enjoyed in their raw state, especially wax beans which make a great addition to a fresh salad. Enjoy them in a salad or squeeze lemon juice over them and enjoy them all on their own.

2. Blanch

Enhance green beans’ vibrant color and preserve the crunchy texture by blanching them. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and fill a large bowl with ice cubes and water. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, strain and transfer beans to the ice water. After 1 minute, drain into a colander and serve.

If you would like to store your green beans for later use, you can prepare them for freezing. Just cut them into smaller pieces before blanching. Once cooking and cooling process has finished, dry them thoroughly. Store them in an airtight container such as a freezer safe container or airtight freezer bag.

3. Steam

Steam green beans for maximum nutrient retention. Fill a pot with enough water to reach the bottom of a steamer basket and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the prepared green beans and cover. Cook for 5-10 minutes depending on how firm or fork tender you like your green beans.

Have a favorite way to cook fresh green beans? For the love of all things organic, please share with the community in the comments below!

Image of a close up of fresh trimmed green beans on a bamboo cutting board with the trimmed ends off to the side on a white table cloth.
Unsure how long to cook green beans? It depends on the method but probably less time than you think.

4. Boil

Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 6 minutes, until lightly firm yet fork tender. Drain into a large colander and serve.

5. Sauté

Sautéing green beans will really enhance the flavor and allow you to get creative with seasonings and sauce drizzles. First, blanch the green beans (directions noted in method 2 above). Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the blanched green beans as well as any desired spices. Cook for 3-4 minutes and serve.

6. Roast

Roasting green beans is a bit more uncommon than some of the other cooking methods, but it’s not to be overlooked. It is a delicious way to bring back memories of eating salty, tender canned green beans as a kid while preserving the nutrients of fresh green beans. Simply preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. Spread out green beans and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes, until fork tender and lightly golden.

How Long Should You Cook Fresh Green Beans? See These Recipes

Now that you know the basics, try some of these awesome green bean recipes from around the web. 

Spiced Sesame Green Beans Recipe

Image of sauteed fresh green beans with sesame seeds sprinkled on top in a wooden bowl with chopsticks laying beside them.
If you’re tired of the same old fresh green beans recipe, give this one a try!

With an Asian twist, these green beans are anything but ordinary. The sesame seed garnish adds a delightful crunch to this standout side. Get the recipe.

Cold Pasta Salad Recipe with Green Beans, Red Peppers, and Feta

Image of a cold pasta salad with sliced grape tomatoes, basil, and fresh green beans, which are easy once you know how to cook them right. The pasta salad is in a red bowl on a counter with a teal towel folded beneath and additional grape tomatoes on the vine.
A cold pasta salad is a great way to load up on veggies like fresh green beans. – Credit: Image of pasta salad via Shutterstock

Raw green beans add a crunchy bite to this light and refreshing pasta salad. Bring this to your next picnic for a healthy meal. Get the recipe here.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Image of homemade vegan green bean casserole in an iron skillet on top of a small piece of burlap, with a silver slotted spoon laying beside on a wood work surface showing how to make fresh green beans into a casserole.
This ain’t your grandma’s green bean casserole (no offense!), this is a casserole done the right way, with fresh green beans.

Traditionally, green bean casserole is dairy and calorie laden but we have lightened up this classic dish by making it vegan and tastier than ever. Savory, crunchy onions juxtapose the creamy, tender green beans in this sensational casserole. Get the recipe for this vegan casserole made with fresh green beans.

Mediterranean Salad with Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette

Image of a fresh Mediterranean quinoa salad with grape tomatoes, fresh green beans, and cucumber showing one way to cook fresh green beans.
This delicious salad featuring perfectly cooked fresh green beans will fill you up, thanks to the Marcona almonds and quinoa, but it doesn’t feel too heavy.  – Credit: Image via The Sun and The Spoon

This light-tasting and healthy salad features crunchy green beans, hearty quinoa, and a tangy lemon oregano vinaigrette. Get the recipe.

Read More Nutrition Nerd Deep Dives

We make it easy to ensure you’re getting all the nutrition and veg you need in your daily diet. Read our deep dives on which greens powders are our favorites (all reviewed and tested) and what science says about the powers of spirulina powder. Learn what chlorella is and what exactly it can do for you, and finally read up on what the experts say about the benefits of wheatgrass.

P.S. Did you know? Organic Authority has its own nutrition and wellness shop to meet your needs and help you take control of your health. Shop clean supplements for energy, sleep, inner beauty for skin support, protein, workouts, pantry items and more. Shop The Organic Authority Shop now.

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