Learn How to Blanch Green Beans with this quick and easy method! Fresh green beans are par-boiled in salted water until they are perfectly tender, then dropped in an ice water bath to keep them nice and crisp. Once you are done blanching the green beans, serve as a side dish, freeze for later, or add them to a wide variety of recipes.
Whether they’re from the garden, the farmer’s market, or the grocery store, fresh green beans are the way to go!
Boiling Green Beans is such an easy way to cook them, but taking it a step further to blanch is next-level.
Transferring the cooked green beans to an ice water bath stops the cooking process. This ensures they stay perfectly crisp, tender, and a beautiful bright green color.
Add them to your favorite recipes, toss into salads, or enjoy as a healthier alternative to a chip with your favorite dips!
Take your favorite green bean recipes up a notch by blanching them first. This method is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or a simple weeknight meal.
How to Blanch Green Beans
The basic steps for blanching green beans are simple to follow:
Trim the Ends
Snap off the ends with your hands one at a time. Or, line up a few together and slice the ends off with a sharp knife. Take off about ¼-½ inch from the end. The stem is the only necessary part to trim, but if you prefer you can remove the tail end also.
Boil on Stovetop
Fill a pot large enough to comfortably fit all of the green beans with water. Bring the water to a boil.
Once you have boiling water, use a slotted spoon to carefully add the veggies to the water. Boil for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are crisp tender. When they are done the color will turn a vibrant green. Start checking on them after 3 minutes to make sure they do not overcook.
Blanch in Ice Water Bath
Using a slotted spoon, immediately remove the green beans from the pot and add them to an ice water bath. Let them blanch for at least 2 minutes, or until they are no longer warm.
Drain and Dry
Once cooled, drain the green beans in a colander in the sink. If you like, you can also pat them dry to ensure all of the extra water is removed before serving.
To serve, warm them up and top with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of kosher salt to taste. Or keep chilled and add to salads or enjoy as a snack with a dip!
One pound of green beans will make 4 servings.
Meal Prep and Storage
- To Prep-Ahead: Wash and remove the ends, dry them thoroughly, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days in advance.
- To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days.
- To Freeze: Spread the cooked green beans out in single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 4 hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe Ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Add to a pan on the stovetop over medium heat, or simply microwave until warm.
FAQs
Boil the green beans until they are bright green and tender yet crisp then transfer to an ice bath. Once cooled, drain and dry the beans. Arrange in a single layer and freeze for 4 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for storage.
It isn’t necessary, but it does help to make sure the beans are not overcooked.
Blanching green beans before freezing is better than freezing uncooked. Raw green beans that have been frozen and defrosted may end up with a mushy texture.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Do more than one. Gather a few green beans at a time and cut off the ends with a knife.
- Wait for the boil. Do not add the beans to the water until it is boiling to ensure your cook time is accurate.
- Watch the color. The beans will transform to a vibrant green color once done.
- Freeze them. Blanch a big batch of green beans and freeze to have on hand for the future.
- Don’t overcook. Start watching carefully once they have cooked for 3 minutes.
How to Use Blanched Green Beans
Now that you know how to perfectly prepare green beans, use them up in these fabulous recipes:
- Green Beans Almondine
- Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
- Sauteed Green Beans
- To dip in hummus or ranch dressing.
- Niçoise Salad
How to Blanch Green Beans
Learn How to Blanch Green Beans with this quick and easy method! Fresh green beans are par boiled in salted water until they are perfectly tender, then dropped in an ice water bath to keep them nice and crisp.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. green beans fresh
- 1 tsp. salt plus more for serving
- 1-2 Tbsp. butter optional
Instructions
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Snap off the stems of the green beans by hand or cut and remove the ends with a knife.
-
Bring a large pot of water to a boil along with the salt. Carefully add the green beans to the water using a slotted spoon and boil for about 4-5 minutes, or until crisp tender. Begin checking on them after 3 minutes to ensure they do not overcook.
-
Using a slotted spoon, immediately remove the green beans from the pot and add them to an ice water bath. Let soak for at least 2 minutes.
-
Once cooled, drain the green beans in a colander in the sink. Use in your favorite recipes, add to salads, or eat as a healthy snack. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Meal Prep and Storage
- To Prep-Ahead: Wash and remove the ends and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days in advance.
- To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days.
- To Freeze: Spread the cooked green beans out in single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 4 hours. Then transfer to a freezer-safe Ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Add to a pan on the stovetop over medium heat, or simply microwave until warm.
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