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How to Cook Green Beans - Fresh Green Beans 5 Ways

Here are 5 fail-proof methods to master cooking fresh green beans.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Western
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 66kcal
Author Bintu Hardy

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 20 ounces (500g) of green beans (french beans, string beans) topped and tailed

Stovetop Method:

  • water
  • salt

Oven Method:

  • olive oil
  • salt

Instant Pot Method:

  • 1 cup chicken stock

Air Fryer Method:

  • low-calorie cooking spray
  • salt

Crockpot Method:

  • 8 slices cooked bacon  cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 cup (118ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter or bacon drippings
  • 1 onion sliced and sauteed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic puree
  • salt to taste
  • red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Fresh Green Beans on the Stovetop Instructions:

  • Top and tail the green beans.
  • Bring a pot of salted water pot of water to the boil, add in the green beans and cook 3-4 mins until they are tender but have a little bite.
  • Drain the water and plunge the beans into some cold water and drain again before seasoning and serving.

Fresh Green Beans in the Oven Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 200C / 400F / Gas 6.
  • Add the green beans to a lined baking tray, drizzle some oil and some salt, and mix well.
  • Bake for 20 mins and serve topped with some extra salt, and chopped herbs if you like.

Fresh Green Beans in the Instant Pot Instructions:

  • Add chicken stock to the Instant Pot insert.
  • Add the green beans, place the lid on the Instant Pot, and turn the valve to the sealing position.
  • Set to manual/pressure cook on high pressure for 0 minutes. Then Natural Pressure Release.
  • Serve topped with some extra salt and chopped herbs, if you like.

Fresh Green Beans in the Air Fryer Instructions:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400F / 200C.
  • Add the green beans to a bowl and spray with some low-calorie spray and salt. Mix to combine.
  • Place the beans into the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning a couple of times during cooking so that they brown evenly.
  • Remove and serve topped with some extra salt and chopped herbs, if you like.

Fresh Green Beans in the Crockpot Instructions:

  • Add all ingredients into the crockpot.
  • Mix, cover, and cook on high for 2 1/2 hours -3 1/2 hours, without opening the lid.

Notes

How To Store Cooked Green Beans

Refrigerate the green beans in shallow airtight containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Cooked green beans will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

How to Prep Ahead of Time

If you want to save some time on the day of cooking the fresh green beans, you can top and tail the green beans ahead of time and store them in a container in the refrigerator. 

Can You Overcook Green Beans?

Yes, perfectly cooked green beans should have a vibrant green color. Overcooked green beans will be an olive green color and can become mushy.

Ways To Add Flavor To Fresh Cooked Green Beans

  • season with a combination of basil, oregano, parsley and thyme, and lemon juice
  • finish your green beans with garlic and shaved parmesan
  • season with a generous portion of chopped bacon and butter

Can You Freeze Cooked Green Beans?

If you want to freeze green beans I suggest freezing them raw before cooking.

What To Serve With Cooked Fresh Green Beans

Weight Watchers Points

Fresh green beans are a ZERO SmartPoints food if prepared without any oil or butter.

Nutrition

Serving: 4servings | Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 94mg | Potassium: 362mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 978IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 2mg