To cook green beans, here are several popular and effective methods:
1. Sautéed Green Beans
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add trimmed green beans along with seasonings like onion salt, garlic salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Cook and stir for 5 to 10 minutes until beans reach desired tenderness.
- Serve hot
2. Blanched Green Beans (for crisp-tender beans)
- Wash and trim the beans.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add green beans and cook for about 2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking and cool completely.
- Drain and dry before serving or using in recipes
3. Garlic Sautéed Green Beans
- Blanch beans briefly in salted boiling water, then drain and cool.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add green beans and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes until garlic is golden.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve warm
4. Glazed Green Beans
- In a skillet, combine green beans, butter, water (or stock), and crushed garlic cloves.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover, bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low.
- Cook for about 8 minutes until beans are cooked but not mushy.
- Optionally top with shaved Parmesan before serving
5. Green Beans with Bacon and Onion
- Cook chopped bacon in a skillet until done.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add butter, minced garlic, sugar, pepper, steak seasoning, green beans, and chicken broth.
- Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until beans are tender.
- This method works with fresh, frozen, or canned green beans
6. Buttery Garlic Green Beans
- Place green beans in a skillet, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
- Simmer until beans start to soften (3-5 minutes).
- Drain and return to skillet.
- Add butter and stir until melted.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Season with lemon-pepper seasoning and salt
7. Roasted Green Beans
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on baking sheets.
- Roast for 14 to 16 minutes until tender and browned.
- Optionally drizzle with lemon juice, add grated garlic, Parmesan, toasted almonds, or lemon zest before serving
These methods offer a range of textures and flavors, from crisp-tender to tender and buttery, suitable for various meals and occasions. Choose based on your preference for quick sautéing, blanching for salads, or richer preparations with butter, garlic, or bacon.
