With a super easy method and perfectly tender results, this easy side dish can be on the table in 10 minutes to share with the whole family!
Boiled Green Beans
This super simple green bean recipe is our go-to since it’s lightning fast and is consistently so delicious. It’s also a great texture for kids and adults and can be paired with a whole range of types of meals. They are one of our very favorite ways to eat cooked green beans.
We love to cook vegetables in all sorts of ways, but this is a classic recipe that’s a staple because it’s seriously simple—and delicious. This quick and easy cooking method is a ringing endorsement of why boiling vegetables is a great cooking method.
This is perfect as a side for quick weeknight meals or as a side dish for Thanksgiving or other holidays.
Ingredients You Need
To make this recipe, you need the following ingredients so you know what to pick up from the store:
- Fresh green beans: I use regular green beans in this recipe, but the thinner French haricot vert beans or yellow wax beans would work, too.
- Water: We’ll boil the beans in water, so use tap water here.
- Olive oil or butter: This ingredient is added at the end for flavor. You can use either one according to your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a quick look at how to make this recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full recipe.
- Wash your green beans.
- Snap off the stem ends and any brown parts. Break in half if very long.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook beans in the boiling water until tender-crisp.
- Drain water from the string beans. Then, add butter or olive oil, and season to taste with salt.
TIP: You can also use toasted sesame oil or avocado oil for a different flavor option. Or top with red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice,
How to Store
To store leftovers, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat to serve.
If you want to ensure that the reheated beans will be a vibrant green color, dunk them into ice water at the end of cooking to stop the cooking process. Then drain and store.
To prep ahead, you can clean the beans up to 5 days ahead and store in a container or bag in the fridge until ready to use.
Best Tips for Success
- I use regular green beans in this recipe, but the thinner French beans would also work or yellow beans too.
- If your beans are thinner, you may want to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
- Cut into smaller pea-size pieces for older babies around 9-12 months.
- You can also use toasted sesame oil or avocado oil for a different flavor option.
- Offer a dipping sauce if desired such as Cucumber Sauce or Peanut Sauce.
- Add cooked beans to a pasta salad, or serve with chicken, steak, or turkey on Thanksgiving.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this easy green bean recipe if you try it, so please let me know what your family thought of it in below in the comments!
Best Boiled Green Beans
Ingredients
- 10-16 ounces green beans
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Wash your green beans. Break off the ends and any brown parts. Break in half if very long.
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add the beans and simmer for 4-6 minutes or until tender when poked with a fork.
- Drain the water from the beans, then add butter or olive oil, and season to taste with salt. (I usually just add a little sprinkle.)
Equipment
Notes
- Store leftovers, once cooled, in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge. Reheat to serve warm. (You can also make them ahead, store, and heat up for mealtime.)
- I use regular green beans in this recipe, but the thinner French beans would also work or yellow beans too.
- If your beans are thinner, you may want to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
- Cut into smaller pea-size pieces for older babies around 9-12 months.
- You can also use toasted sesame oil or avocado oil for a different flavor option.
- Offer a dipping sauce if desired such as Cucumber Sauce or Peanut Sauce.
Nutrition
This post was first published October 2020.
This is a go-to side dish for us!
Oh and I do too. So easy.
My kids love these.