Published: May 2, 2024 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·
Learn how to blanch green beans in just a few simple steps. Blanching helps to retain the vibrant green color and crisp texture, making them perfect for immediate use in dishes or for freezing.
Quick and simple, blanching green beans is a culinary technique that ensures your veggies stay crisp and vibrant!
It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a huge difference to the look and texture of your finished dish.
Blanching is a cooking technique that preserves the beans’ natural crunch while enhancing their color and flavor. It might sound fancy, but it really isn’t. It simply means briefly boiling your green beans, then plunging them into ice water. Drain and you’re ready to use them!
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, mastering the very simple art of blanching will take your green bean game to the next level.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to blanching green beans like a pro, ensuring they’re always crisp, tender, and bursting with flavor.
Use them in a dish or simply serve them up with a little salt, pepper and maybe some parmesan cheese and a pinch of garlic powder. Perfection!
If you love green beans, be sure to also try them in Green Beans with Cranberries and Pecans or Green Beans Almondine – they both make tasty side dishes.
If you love blanching your veggies (it’s a great way to prep them for freezing), then be sure to check out How To Blanch Broccoli.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Rinse the green beans.
Trim off the ends of the beans using a knife or kitchen scissors.
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. You’ll need enough water to fully submerge the green beans.
Prepare an ice bath: While the water is heating up, prepare a large bowl filled with ice water. This will be used to immediately cool down the beans after blanching to stop the cooking process.
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the green beans to the pot. Make sure they are fully submerged.
Boil the beans for about 2-3 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the beans. You want them to be bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
Using a slotted spoon or tongs (or drain in a colander), remove the green beans from the boiling water.
Immediately transfer them to the ice water bath. This will quickly cool them down and prevent them from cooking further.
Once the green beans are completely cooled, drain them from the ice water bath.
Store: Blanched green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply steam or microwave until heated through.
Yes, blanched green beans can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Yes, blanched green beans can be frozen for longer storage. Simply blanch, cool, and then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers.
Yes, the blanching method can be used for a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, asparagus, and carrots.
Follow the instructions for blanching green beans, then complete the following steps to freeze them:
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Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
Learn how to blanch green beans, to retain the vibrant green color and crisp texture. Perfect for immediate use in dishes or for freezing.
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 35 kcal
Wash the green beans, then trim off the ends of the beans using a knife or kitchen scissors.
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. You’ll need enough water to fully submerge the green beans.
Prepare an ice bath: While the water is heating up, prepare a large bowl filled with ice water. This will be used to immediately cool down the beans after blanching to stop the cooking process.
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the green beans to the pot. Make sure they are fully submerged. Blanch the beans for about 2-3 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the beans. You want them to be bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
Using a slotted spoon or tongs (or drain in a colander), remove the green beans from the boiling water and immediately transfer them to the ice water bath. This will quickly cool them down and prevent them from cooking further.
Once the green beans are completely cooled, drain them from the ice water bath. You can pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel if desired.
Use or store: Blanching prepares the green beans for various recipes. You can use them immediately in salads, stir-fries, or as a side dish. Alternatively, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.
Calories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 7mgPotassium: 239mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 782IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.