How To Blanch Green Beans
Looking for an easy way to cook green beans that aren’t soggy or limp? The answer is to make Blanched Green Beans They’re easy to make and so good that my kids actually eat them… Crazy, right?! The method of blanching and then sauteing them makes green beans that are perfect every time! All you need is garlic, butter, and a little salt and pepper to dress up these simple veggies.
They’re one of my absolute favorite side dishes and go with all types of main dishes. I love to serve them with oven roasted turkey breast for holidays and this easy spaghetti bake for weeknight dinners.
Blanching Green Beans is so Easy!
- Quick and Easy. If you’re in a rush, this is the green beans recipe for you! With just ten minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have these perfect veggies on the table in under half an hour.
- Great Side for Holidays and Weeknight Dinners. Big family dinners like Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving are usually a little less stressful when blanched green beans are added to the menu. They’re also perfect for weeknights when I want something on my plate that’s nutritious, delicious, and fast.
- Simple Seasoning. Why make things overly complicated when the natural flavor of green beans is already delicious? Garlic, butter, and just a pinch of salt and black pepper complement them perfectly.
- Perfect Texture. Blanching green beans helps them stay vibrant and green, crisp, and still perfectly tender. Trust me, with this easy method, you’ll have perfect green beans every time!
5 Star Review
Only way I make green beans, so easy to make!
~ Jamie ~
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans: When blanching green beans fresh green beans are essential for success!
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to your green beans that you can’t get from other fats.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a pop of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: The finishing touch to make all the flavors come together and truly shine.
How To Blanch Green Beans
- Blanch the Green Beans. Place the green beans in a large skillet and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook just until the beans soften. Drain immediately and leave the green beans in the strainer.
- Make the Garlic Butter. Add the butter and garlic to the skillet and cook until the butter is melted. Stir so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Saute. Add the blanched green beans back to the skillet and stir them into the butter mixture until fully coated.
- Season and Serve. Sprinkle your green beans with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Different seasoning. Feel free to change up the seasoning. You can saute some shallot or onion with the garlic, add a pinch of red chili flakes, or add your favorite vegetable spice blend.
- Don’t skip the blanching step! It’s the secret to green beans that are cooked to perfection and not limp and soggy!
- Use good quality butter. It will give your blanched green beans a rich, buttery taste. If you use margarine or another fake butter, the flavor won’t be nearly as good.
- DO NOT use canned or frozen green beans! This method of preparation (blanching and sautéing) requires fresh green beans. You will be very disappointed by the results without fresh green beans.
What To Serve With Green Beans
Salads. Enjoy an Easy Fruit Salad, a Classic Chef Salad, or Macaroni Salad with blanched greens!
Holiday Dinners: Blanched green beans make an easy side dish for holidays. Serve them up with other main course favorites such as Boneless Ham, Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, or Crispy Chicken.
Weeknight Dinners: From a simple Bottom Round Roast and Ranch Chicken to easy casseroles like this easy Chicken Alfredo Bake, blanched green beans make a terrific side dish!
Sides: Serve it up with other sides such as Cheesy Potato Casserole, Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, Best Mashed Potatoes, Microwave Sweet Potatoes, and Easy Corn Casserole.
Dessert. End things on a sweet note with a batch of the Best Peanut Butter Cookies, Cherry Chocolate Chip Brownies, Homemade Chocolate Cake, or some Caramel Pretzel Bars.
Leftovers & Storing
- Store. Blanched green beans are best enjoyed freshly cooked but you can save your leftovers to reheat. They will lose a bit of their crispness when cooked a second time but still be delicious.
- Reheat. In the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a skillet with a bit of butter until they’re heated through.
More Side Dish Recipes
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Blanching Green Beans
Ingredients
- 2 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 8 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place green beans into a large skillet and cover with water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until beans start to soften, about 5 minutes. Drain water and green beans. Leave the green beans in the strainer.
- Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Cook and stir until butter is melted, about 4-6 minutes.
- Add green beans back to the skillet and stir them into the butter mixture until fully coated.
- Sprinkle it with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Different seasoning. Feel free to change up the seasoning. You can saute some shallot or onion with the garlic, add a pinch of red chili flakes, or add your favorite vegetable spice blend.
- Don’t skip the blanching step! It’s the secret to green beans that are cooked to perfection and not limp and soggy!
- Use a good quality butter. It will give your blanched green beans a rich, buttery taste. If you use margarine or another fake butter, the flavor won’t be nearly as good.
- DO NOT use canned or frozen green beans! This method of preparation (blanching and sautéing) requires fresh green beans. You will be very disappointed by the results without green beans.
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