Green Beans: Big Bar Pan Portioning

There are many ways to cook green beans, and many recipes to follow. You can boil, steam, sauté, roast, or fry them. You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as garlic, lemon, olive oil, butter, or almonds.

How to cook green beans on a stove

First, trim the ends of the green beans. You can use a sharp knife to cut off the ends or snap off the tough ends by hand.

Then, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add some red pepper flakes and toss the green beans until they are coated in the oil. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for around 7 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent burning. You want the beans to be blistered and tender but still have a little "snap".

Next, remove the lid and add some garlic, stirring to coat the beans. You can also add lemon zest and juice for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

This is a simple and quick way to cook green beans, and they go great with any meal!

For an extra flavor boost, you can add some lemon-pepper seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.

How to trim green beans fast

Trimming green beans can be a tedious task, but there are some tricks to make the process faster. Here are some steps you can follow to quickly trim a large number of green beans:

Step 1: Grab a Handful of Beans

Take about 15 to 20 beans and place them on a cutting board. Work quickly to create a uniform pile with the beans lined up lengthwise. They don't all need to be facing the same way since you'll be cutting off both ends.

Step 2: Cut the First Ends

Line up all the ends of the beans against your knife edge. Grab them in one hand and cut off the ends in one quick motion.

Step 3: Flip and Cut the Other Ends

Quickly flip the beans over and push them towards your knife blade so that the other ends are now lined up. Grab the pile and slice off these ends as well.

Step 4: Optional - Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces

If your recipe calls for long beans, you can leave the beans as they are. If you need bite-sized pieces, simply slice the beans to your desired length.

And that's it! You've trimmed your green beans in no time. Now you can use them in your favourite recipes, such as green bean casserole, sautéed green beans, or any number of delicious dishes.

How to make ahead and reheat green beans

Green beans are a great make-ahead dish as they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Here is a guide on how to make and reheat green beans ahead of time.

Preparation

To prepare your green beans, cut the stem ends off with a sharp knife. It is recommended to line a handful of stem sides together and cut them off at once, rather than breaking them off by hand.

Cooking

When cooking green beans, it is best to use as little water as possible and for the shortest amount of time, to avoid overcooking them. You can boil, steam, or microwave them, but if you want to keep them crispy, baking or sauteing works best.

Storing

Once cooked, rinse the green beans in cold water and dry them thoroughly with paper towels. Store them in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic or a sealable bag, for up to four days.

Reheating

When you are ready to serve the green beans, you can reheat them in a microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.

To reheat in the microwave, place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a lid or plastic wrap to create an airtight seal. Heat them in 30-second intervals until they are at your desired temperature.

For the stovetop method, use a non-stick or regular pan and add some olive oil. Heat the pan on low flame and add the green beans, heating for about 1-2 minutes on each side.

To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F and place the green beans on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Let them bake for about 10 minutes or until they are heated to your liking.

Tips

When boiling, steaming, or microwaving green beans, it is best not to overcrowd the pan. Do not cook more than one pound of green beans in a single pan, as they will cook faster and have better flavour when cooked in smaller batches.

Additionally, if you want to add some flavour to your green beans, you can saute them with garlic and olive oil, or bake them with shallots and butter.

What to serve with green beans

Green beans are a versatile side dish that can be served with almost any main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve with green beans:

Proteins

Green beans can be served alongside a variety of proteins, including:

• Chicken—try Ree Drummond's Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Supper, or her Peanut Chicken with Green Beans
• Fish—green beans are a great side for any fish dish, from salmon to tuna
• Beef—roast beef and broccoli is a great side dish to serve with green beans
• Pork—pork and green beans are a classic combination
• Turkey—use leftover Thanksgiving turkey in a soup or shepherd's pie with green beans
• Eggs—add some protein to a green bean salad with a few boiled eggs

Dairy

Green beans pair well with a number of dairy products, including:

• Butter—try garlic butter green beans, or buttered noodles with garlic and parsley
• Cheese—a little parmesan, goat cheese, or crumbled chevre can be a great addition to green beans
• Mozzarella—buffalo mozzarella is a good pairing with green beans

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates that go well with green beans include:

• Noodles—toss some buttered noodles with garlic and parsley, or serve with an Italian-inspired dish
• Rice—steamed white rice is a great side for green beans and teriyaki chicken drumsticks
• Potatoes—roast potatoes with garlic and olive oil, or make mashed potatoes to spread over a Thanksgiving leftover casserole

Vegetables

Green beans can be served with a variety of other vegetables, including:

• Broccoli—roasted beef and broccoli is a great side dish to serve with green beans
• Butternut squash—roasted butternut squash with parmesan and herbs is a tasty and nutritious side
• Carrots—roasted or boiled carrots are a good pairing with green beans
• Tomatoes—add some chopped tomatoes to a green bean salad, or try Ree Drummond's Green Beans with Tomatoes
• Mushrooms—try a mushroom sauce with your green beans, or add them to a stir-fry
• Onions—caramelised fried onions are a classic green bean casserole topping

Herbs and spices

Herbs and spices that go well with green beans include:

• Garlic—sautéed green beans with garlic is a classic side dish
• Ginger—add some minced ginger to your green beans for an Asian-inspired twist
• Red pepper flakes—add a little spice to your green beans
• Parsley—toss some fresh parsley with your green beans, or add to a butter sauce
• Basil—tear some fresh basil over your green beans for a summery twist

Other ideas

Other ideas for what to serve with green beans include:

• Baked mandarin orange chicken—this tangy, sweet dish is a great main course to serve with green beans
• Meatloaf—this classic comfort food is a good choice for a potluck or family gathering
• Sloppy joes—these sandwiches are a fun choice for a casual get-together
• Cauliflower casserole—a creamy, cheesy cauliflower casserole is a filling and comforting side dish

How to cook fresh green beans

Preparation

First, wash your green beans in a colander under cool running water. Snap or cut off the stems, and trim the tough, fibrous ends. You can also trim the pointy tips if they look scraggly.

Blanching

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the trimmed beans into the pot and cook for 2-4 minutes, until they are crisp-tender and a vibrant green colour.

Remove the beans from the boiling water and immediately immerse them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Chill for at least 15 seconds, or until they are completely cool.

Drain the beans and spread them on a kitchen towel or paper towels to dry.

Sautéing

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can also add in some red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Add the green beans to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until they are blistered and browning in areas.

Add in minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and browning, about 30 seconds.

Add a little water to the skillet and immediately cover with a lid or aluminium foil. Steam the green beans for 1-2 minutes, until they are bright green and crisp-tender.

Serving

Your green beans are now ready to serve! You can add some salt and pepper to taste, or get creative with toppings like shaved parmesan, almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, or crispy bacon.

For an Asian-inspired twist, add a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These green beans are best served immediately, but you can keep them warm in the pan for up to 15 minutes before serving.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use a non-stick skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot.

Frequently asked questions