How to Blanch Green Beans

Follow this simple method and step-by-step guide for How to Blanch Green Beans in just 5 easy steps for perfect crisp tender green beans.

5 from 64 votes

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Calorie

Keyword: green bean recipes, low calorie side dish recipe, Side Dish Recipes, Vegetable Dishes

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 15

Servings:

Calories: 35kcal

Use a sharp knife to trim the tops of the green beans. Fill a large pot of water, about halfway, and bring to a boil.
While the water is heating up, fill a large bowl of ice water to make an ice bath. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by layering it with paper towels.
Once the water comes to a rolling boil, add 1 tablespoon of sea salt to the boiling water. Then add half the green beans. Boil the green beans for 2 minutes.
Remove the green beans with a slotted spoon and place the green beans in the ice water bath. Leave the green beans in the water for a minute.
Then, remove the green beans from the ice water and place them in a colander or mesh strainer to drain.
Transfer the green beans to the paper towel-lined cookie sheet in a single layer.
Repeat the blanching process with the remaining green beans until all of the green beans are cooked.

Do not cook longer than 2 minutes for blanched green beans. Otherwise, you'll have fully cooked, boiled green beans.
The extra step of drying the green beans ensures your green beans will not add any extra water to the dishes you will be using them in.
I have not tried this cooking method for blanched beans with frozen green beans.
Use the blanched green beans in a recipe right away, eat as-is, or store in meal prep containers until ready to eat.