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    Home » Recipes » Kitchen Basics

    Published: Dec 9, 2021 · Modified: Sep 9, 2023 by Jen Wooster

    Blanched Green Beans

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    collage of blanched green bean photos
    green beans in an ice bath
    blanched green beans on a plate with lemon
    plates of green beans with lemon and garlic
    collage of blanched green bean photos

    A quick and easy tutorial on how to blanch green beans. Blanched green beans are great for meal prepping, to extend the shelf life of your green beans, and for freezing seasonal garden harvests.

    Blanched green beans can be used in any recipe that uses fresh or frozen green beans.

    plates of green beans with lemon and garlic

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    The process of blanching beans is a quick boil and shock in an ice bath. Our step by step tutorial will teach you how to blanch green beans in just a few minutes.

    Why you should blanch green beans:

    • Brightens their color
    • Preserves the crispness
    • Fast and easy way to prepare green beans with simple seasonings
    • A critical step if you want to preserve or freeze green beans
    • Extends shelf life and ideal for meal prepping
    • Beans can be reheated or serve cold
    Jump to:
    • 🧾 Preparing Green Beans
    • ⏲️ How to Blanch Green Beans
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip
    • 🌡️ Freezing Blanched Green Beans
    • 🔪Equipment
    • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    🧾 Preparing Green Beans

    For this recipe you will need:

    • 1 pound of green beans
    • Kosher salt
    • Water
    • Ice
    ingredients for blanching green beans on a counter

    For serving right away we recommend these optional seasonings:

    • Extra-virgin olive oil
    • Lemon- the zest and juice
    • Kosher salt & black pepper

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Buying Green Beans

    You can blanch any variety of green beans, haricot vert, or string beans. Whether homegrown, from the grocery or your local farmer's market.

    Regardless of the variety of beans, look for vivid color. Most are green but some varieties will be purple or yellow. They should have a snap when broken.

    Avoid beans that are limp, slimy, or are covered in brown spots. A few blemishes are normal during the growing process but beware of heavily speckled soft green beans.

    ⏲️ How to Blanch Green Beans

    Blanching green beans is a simple 3 step process. Let's get started!

    Step 1- Prep and Trim

    Thoroughly wash the green beans by submerging them in a bowl of cold water or rinsing them in a colander.

    Trim the stems with a knife. Trimming the tail is optional but I prefer to trim it so both ends look the same.

    cutting board with fresh green beans with ends trimmed off

    Step 2- Boil

    Use a large stockpot and add the kosher salt and fill it ¾ of the way full. Place over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil.

    Add the green beans and continue to boil. The green beans will cook for two to three minutes. They are done when they turn bright green and are just slightly tender.

    If you plan to serve right away without cooking further, you can cook for up to 4 minutes.

    pot on stove with boiling water

    Step 3- Ice Bath

    While the water is coming to a boil prepare your ice bath. Add 4 cups of ice to a mixing bowl and fill ¾ full with cold water.

    Use tongs or a mesh sieve to move the beans from the boiling water to the ice bath. This is called "shocking" them and will immediately stop the cooking process.

    Once the green beans are completely cold (15 to 20 seconds). You can drain them in a colander and then move them onto a clean dish towel to dry off.

    Store beans in a tightly sealed container for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

    green beans in an ice bath

    🥗 Bests Green Bean Recipes

    To serve blanched green beans immediately as a salad or cold side, drizzle with olive oil and toss with the zest and juice of one lemon. Salt and pepper to taste.

    My go-to recipe is this sauteed garlic green bean recipe. Blanching the beans during my Sunday meal prep is perfect.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip

    Allow the water to boil for several minutes before adding your green beans. This will prevent the water from cooling too much when you add the green beans.

    strainer to transferring green beans to ice water

    🌡️ Freezing Blanched Green Beans

    There are two ways to store frozen green beans. If you know you will use the whole bag at once simply place the drained and dried blanched beans in a freezer bag. Seal and store for up to 8 months.

    If you plan on using them a few handfuls at a time I recommend pre-freezing on a baking sheet before adding to your freezer bag to prevent the green beans from sticking together.

    Place parchment paper on a baking sheet and spread out the green beans in a single layer. Freeze for 1 hour before transferring to a freezer bag.

    🔪Equipment

    While you don't need any special equipment to blanch vegetables you will need the correct size pot and bowl. Your largest stockpot and largest mixing bowl should do the trick.

    I prefer to use a mesh strainer to transfer the beans, but you can also drain in a colander and then plunge the beans into your ice bath.

    blanched green beans on a plate with lemon zest

    💬Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a blanched green bean?

    Blanching is the process of boiling green beans for 2 to 3 minutes before plunging them into an ice bath. This partially cooks the green beans while brightening their color and preserving the snappy crisp texture.

    Is it better to blanch or steam green beans?

    For meal prep, preserving, or freezing it is better to blanch green beans. Steaming is fine for a quick dinner preparation but blanching will yield a better texture and color.

    How long do you blanch green beans?

    Green beans should be boiled for 2 to 3 minutes and in the ice bath for 15 to 30 seconds before they are drained.

    What are the best green beans for growing at home?

    Heirloom varieties are great for home gardeners. We recommend Seed Savers Exchange for the best options.

    Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    blanched green beans in a bowl with a lemon

    Blanched Green Beans

    Easy blanched fresh green beans make a great side dish when topped with olive oil and lemon. Or make them when meal prepping to add them to your favorite recipes.
    Servings: 4
    Prep: 10 minutes mins
    Cook: 5 minutes mins
    Total: 15 minutes mins
    5 from 4 votes
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    Equipment

    • Stockpot
    • Large mixing bowl
    • Tongs

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound green beans trimmed
    • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

    Optional Seasonings

    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • ½ lemon juice and zest
    • Kosher salt
    • Black pepper
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Add salt and 4 quarts of water to a large pot. Bring to a boil. While the water is coming to a boil, add ice and water to a large mixing bowl.
      1 tablespoon kosher salt
    • Drop the green beans into the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minute until they are tender but still crisp.
      1 pound green beans
    • Immediately remove the beans and plunge into the ice water long enough to cool completely, 15 to 30 seconds.
    • Drain the green beans in a colander. Use in any recipe that calls for blanched green beans.

    Optional Serving Suggestion

    • To serve a green bean salad, toss the blanched green beans with the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
      2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, ½ lemon, Kosher salt, Black pepper
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    Notes

    Storing Options
    • Store beans in a tightly sealed container for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
    • Place the green beans in a freezer bag. Seal and store in the freezer for up to 8 months. Use as you would any store-bought frozen green bean. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 101kcal | Carbs: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 3g
    Author: Jen Wooster
    Course:: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword blanched green beans, how to blanch green beans, how to blanch haricot verts
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

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    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

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