Learn how to blanch green beans the easy way! This quick kitchen trick locks in color, flavor, and texture—perfect for freezing, salads, and make-ahead meals.
In This Post
There’s something about crisp-tender green beans that just feels fresh and wholesome—especially when they still have that beautiful bright green color. Over the years, I’ve learned that blanching is the key to keeping that just-picked taste and texture. Whether I’m making a Southern-style salad, prepping ahead for a holiday meal, or freezing extra beans from the farmers’ market, this simple technique always comes in handy.
Did You Know?
Blanching helps preserve nutrients and flavor. It might sound like a fancy word, but blanching is just a smart, simple way to keep green beans tasting fresh. It’s one of those little tricks I always use when cooking ahead or freezing summer produce to enjoy later on.
What You’ll Need
- Fresh green beans (trimmed) or haricot verts
- Kosher salt
- Large pot of boiling water
- Bowl of ice water
- Slotted spoon, colander or tongs
- Kitchen towel or paper towels for drying
How To Blanch Green Beans
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. I like to add a generous pinch of salt—just like I do when cooking pasta.
- Add the green beans. Drop them in the blanching water and boil for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on their thickness. They should turn a bold, bright green and be just tender but still have some snap.
- Move them to ice water. Immediately transfer the beans to a large bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking. This step prevents them from going limp or dull, resulting in crisp-tender green beans.
- Drain and dry. After a few minutes in the ice bath, drain the beans and pat them dry. From here, you can use them in your favorite recipes, store them in the fridge, or freeze them.
How To Store Blanched Green Beans
Once the green beans have been blanched, cooled, and dried, they can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure they’re completely dry before storing to help maintain their crisp texture.
Tips For Freezing Green Beans
Freezing green beans is a great way to enjoy that fresh flavor year-round, but there are a few tips that make all the difference. Always blanch green beans before freezing. After blanching and cooling, be sure to dry them completely to prevent ice crystals from forming. Next, lay the green beans out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to freezer bags or containers. Label and date your bags—frozen green beans are best used within 8 to 10 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Just like when you cook pasta, salting the water helps season the green beans as they cook and keeps their color vibrant. Plus, the salted water adds flavor.
Absolutely – I do this almost every week! You can blanch green beans the day before and store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Just be sure they’re fully dry before storing to avoid sogginess.
Yes, blanching before freezing is key to preserving the color, flavor, and texture of beans. Skip this step, and your beans could turn soft and dull after thawing.
You sure can! This method works for broccoli, asparagus, carrots, and even corn. Just adjust the blanching time depending on the veggie.
How I Use Blanched Green Beans
Once they’re blanched and ready, I love tossing them into a simple salad, adding them to a holiday veggie tray, or sautéing them in a skillet with olive oil and garlic for a fast side dish. They’re also great in casseroles or frozen for future meals when I want that fresh taste in a flash.
Green Bean Recipes You’ll Love
Southern Style Green Beans
Tender, flavorful, and steeped in tradition, Southern Style Green Beans are a down-home delight that's easy to make! Fresh green beans cooked with bacon and just the right amount of seasoning is the perfect side dish for any meal.
Skillet Green Beans
Fresh, crisp Skillet Green Beans made in just 15 minutes is one of life's simple pleasures! Made in just one pan and infused with garlic and lemon with just the right amount of red pepper, these green beans are sure to be at the top of your side dish list in no time.
Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
My classic Southern Green Beans and Potatoes recipe is all about cozy, down-home goodness. It’s got fresh string beans, tender red potatoes, and just the right touch of savory bacon, all cooked in butter and a rich broth. This comfort food side dish is a can’t-miss favorite at any holiday or Sunday supper table.
Crock Pot Maple Bacon Green Beans
Green beans are a classic side dish now made even easier thanks to the Crock Pot. Tender green beans, with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup, and a bit of smokiness from bacon, are so good that this recipe is sure to become a favorite for years to come.
Air Fryer Green Beans (Quick And Easy)
Learn the secret to making the best Air Fryer Green Beans. This quick and easy recipe using fresh green beans is easy to master and is the perfect way to add a delicious side dish to any meal.
If you tried this How To Blanch Green Beans guide or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans – washed and trimmed
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, using about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water.
- Add the green beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on their thickness, until they are bright green and just tender.
- Immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let the beans sit in the ice water for a few minutes, then drain and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Use immediately in recipes, refrigerate for later, or freeze for long-term storage.
Notes
Nutrition
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