How to Boil Green Beans
Surely knowing how to boil green beans is straightforward, right? Not always. I boil my green beans using a simple technique that keeps them crisp and vibrant every time. All I need are my beans, salt, and olive oil, and in just 20 minutes, I have beans so green and bright that not even the pickiest eater could resist them.
Servings: 6
Calories: 44kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans washed and ends trimmed
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and the green beans. Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered, until just tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the beans to a colander, shake and drain.
- Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for this how to Boil Green Beans recipe is to move them into the ice bath immediately after boiling. This step is key to locking in the color and preserving the texture.
- Salt the water well: I do this to ensure my beans are seasoned from the inside as well.
- Watch the time: I start checking the beans at the 2-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Always place into boiling water: Always place your beans in rapidly boiling water. Never bring the beans to a boil in water, as this will cause them to absorb too much water, leading to a limp texture.
- Dry before serving: After the ice bath, I pat my beans down with a paper towel to avoid a watery finish.
- Use fresh beans: I use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 44kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 780mg | Potassium: 160mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g