How To Blanch Green Beans

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Learn how to blanch green beans for tender-crisp and vibrant green beans. They are the perfect healthy side dish! Top with seasonings, salad dressing, or even a simple pat of butter.

plate of blanched green beans

Blanched Green Beans

Blanched green beans are a delightful treat that keeps their bright green color and perfect crispness. They’re not mushy at all, which makes them a joy to eat whether you enjoy them alone or as part of a tasty salad. You can also add some zing by tossing them with Italian dressing, adding a burst of flavor to your plate. Their texture is just right, giving you a satisfying crunch with every bite.

fork holding blanched green beans

These blanched green beans are a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a delicious side dish, they’re sure to hit the spot. Their perfectly crisp texture makes them a favorite among both kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare—just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. In no time, you’ll have a plate of vibrant green beans ready to enjoy!

learn How To Blanch Green Beans

Love green beans? We’ve got some tasty recipes! Try Sautéed Green Beans Recipe, Air Fryer Frozen Crispy Breaded Green Beans, or Instant Pot Steamed Green Beans Recipe.

How To Blanch Green Beans

The key here is to boil the green beans and then add them immediately to cold water so they stop cooking. This gives them that bright green color.

Start by heating a big pot of water to boiling. Add salt to taste.

While you are waiting for the water to boil, wash and trim the green beans.

Add the green beans to the water and boil them until tender, about 5 minutes.

Drain the green beans in a colander.

Immediately dump the green beans into a bowl of ice water. Use a spatula to submerge the green beans completely.

Leave beans in the ice water for a few minutes, so they cool completely.

Remove green beans from water using tongs. Place green beans on a serving plate.

freshly boiled green beans cooling off in a bowl of ice water

Cooking Tips:

  • Taste test a green bean before you drain the pot. Make sure the beans are tender to your liking.
  • Prep the bowl of ice water before you drain the green beans in the colander. This makes the process smoother.
  • Try serving these green beans with chopped, fresh herbs or a light salad dressing.

fork with bite of healthy dish blanched green beans

How Long To Blanch Green Beans?

Boil green beans until they are tender-crisp, which takes about 5 minutes. Then drain them and add to a bowl of ice water for another few minutes.

vibrantly green blanched green beans

What To Serve With Blanched Green Beans

These perfectly cooked green beans are super tasty in salads, like Green Beans Tomato Feta Salad Recipe, Greek Quinoa Salad, or Spring Mix Salad.

easy side dish of blanched green beans

Or serve these green beans as a side dish with a homemade sauce like Greek Tzatziki Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Recipe, Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe (Fresh Italian Homemade Pesto, Best Ever), or Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dill Sauce.

How To Blanch Green Beans by cooling them down right after cooking

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Sautéed Asparagus – How To Cook Asparagus In A Skillet On The Stove

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How To Blanch Green Beans

Learn How To Blanch Green Beans for tender-crisp and vibrant green beans. They are the perfect healthy side dish! Top with seasonings, salad dressing, or even a simple pat of butter.
Prep Time4 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time9 minutes
Course: Healthy, low-carb, Side Dish, Vegetable
Keyword: How To Blanch Green Beans
Cooking Method: Stovetop
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 35kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb green beans
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 16 oz ice water

Instructions

  • Start by heating a big pot of water to boiling. Add salt to taste.
  • While you are waiting for the water to boil, wash and trim the green beans.
  • Add the green beans to the water and boil them until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain the green beans in a colander.
  • Immediately dump the green beans into a bowl of ice water. Use a spatula to submerge the green beans completely.
  • Leave beans in the ice water for a few minutes, so they cool completely.
  • Remove green beans from water using tongs. Place green beans on a serving plate.

Notes

  • Taste test a green bean before you drain the pot. Make sure the beans are tender to your liking.
  • Prep the bowl of ice water before you drain the green beans in the colander. This makes the process smoother.
  • Try serving these green beans with chopped, fresh herbs or a light salad dressing.
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Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 594mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 782IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
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See Also:

Vanilla Milkshake

2-Ingredient Microwave Fudge

Oreo Dip Recipe

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    Great way to keep green beans bright and flavorful. Will definitely be using this technique more often!

5 from 1 vote

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