This quick cook green beans recipe is a simple and healthy side dish! Fresh green beans are boiled in under 5 minutes, making them the perfect addition to any meal.
Green beans are a very versatile side dish and will go with pretty much any main course.
Tips
- Add other vegetables - sugar snap peas, mangetout, asparagus and broccoli all cook in 3 minutes too, so can be added to the green beans for a mix of green vegetables. If you want to add carrots too, cook them first for 3 minutes, then add the green beans and any of the other green veg, if you like.
- Herbs and spices - for extra flavour, try adding fresh herbs like thyme, parsley or dill, or spices like smoked paprika or cumin for a unique twist.
- Cheese and toppings - for added texture and depth, try adding grated parmesan, or toasted almonds or crispy onions.
- Sauces and glazes - drizzle the cooked beans with balsamic glaze, soy sauce or a light honey mustard dressing for a more dynamic flavour profile.
- Leftovers - use leftover green beans in a stir-fry with tofu or chicken for a quick meal, or chop them into bite sized pieces and add them to a quinoa salad with a light dressing for a refreshing lunch., a frittata or quiche, or toss it into a grain bowl.
- This quick cook green beans recipe is easily adapted if you’re cooking for less or more people.
Frequently Asked Questions
To keep green beans vibrant, blanch them in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and preserves their colour and crunch.
Yes - frozen green beans work well. Thaw them first and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they don’t become watery.
You can blanch the green beans in advance and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat by sautéing them in a little butter or olive oil just before serving.
Yes - but tinned green beans have a softer texture. Drain and rinse them, then sauté with butter and seasonings for added flavour.
Green beans pair well with roast chicken, grilled fish, steak, or even a hearty pasta dish. They’re versatile enough to compliment almost any main course.
Cook them over medium heat and monitor them closely. They should be tender-crisp, which typically takes 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the method.
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HOW TO MAKE THESE QUICK COOK GREEN BEANS
Ingredients
- 200g green beans, trimmed
- cooking salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the trimmed green beans to a saucepan of boiling water and add some cooking salt. Cover the pan with a lid, bring back to the boil and cook on a continuous simmer for 3 minutes.
- Drain well in a colander, transfer to a serving bowl and season lightly with freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
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Quick Cook Green Beans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 200 g (7.1 oz) green beans trimmed
- cooking salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the trimmed green beans to a saucepan of boiling water and add some cooking salt. Cover the pan with a lid, bring back to the boil and cook on a continuous simmer for 3 minutes.
- Drain well in a colander, transfer to a serving bowl and season lightly with freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add other vegetables - sugar snap peas, mangetout, asparagus and broccoli all cook in 3 minutes too, so can be added to the green beans for a mix of green vegetables. If you want to add carrots too, cook them first for 3 minutes, then add the green beans and any of the other green veg, if you like.
- Herbs and spices - for extra flavour, try adding fresh herbs like thyme, parsley or dill, or spices like smoked paprika or cumin for a unique twist.
- Cheese and toppings - for added texture and depth, try adding grated parmesan, or toasted almonds or crispy onions.
- Sauces and glazes - drizzle the cooked beans with balsamic glaze, soy sauce or a light honey mustard dressing for a more dynamic flavour profile.
- Leftovers - use leftover green beans in a stir-fry with tofu or chicken for a quick meal, or chop them into bite sized pieces and add them to a quinoa salad with a light dressing for a refreshing lunch.
- This quick cook green beans recipe is easily adapted if you’re cooking for less or more people.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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