How to cook green beans

How to cook green beans

A bright, tender crisp green bean can be perfection on a plate when cooked properly. They’re in season during summer but available year round, so you can always pick up a bag for dinner. Never sure how to get them to that tender crisp sweet spot? Here’s everything you need to know about how to cook green beans, plus some delicious recipes to try them in.

How to prepare green beans

Give them a rinse in cool water, line up a small handful on your chopping board with the stems all facing the same way, and chop off about 1cm. You can trim both ends if you like, but as long as the harder woody tip has been cut off you’re good to go.

You can also get your kids involved. Give them a pile of beans, and get them snapping off the ends. If you’re lucky, they might even nibble on a few of them while they’re helping!

Three ways to cook green beans

Boil: Bring a pan of salted water to the boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes or until bright green. To stop them from cooking too much and turning dull, quickly add them to a bowl of iced water.

Steam: Steaming takes a little longer. Steam the green beans for about 5-6 minutes for the right consistency, then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process.

Microwave: Place trimmed beans in a microwave-safe bowl with a couple of tablespoons of water to cover the base of the bowl. Cover the bowl with a lid or a plate and microwave on High for 2-6 minutes, depending on the wattage of your microwave.

Green bean recipes

There are heaps of ways to make exciting dishes with green beans. From incorporating it into tasty curries, creating interesting side dishes or finishing an unctuous stew with fresh greens, these recipes all sing the praises of green beans.

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