Using frozen green beans are convenient way to you can enjoy this vegetable all year round. In this article, I’ll instruct you on how to cook frozen green beans in 5 different ways that bring out the best flavors and textures
1. Do You Have To Thaw or Blach Frozen Green Beans Before Cooking?
You don’t need to thaw frozen green beans before cooking. You can cook them directly from frozen.
Besides, blanching is already done to the green beans before they are frozen so you don’t need to blanch them again before cooking.
2. How To Cook Frozen Green Beans on Stove
2.1. How To Saute Frozen Green Beans
Ingredients
- 12-16 ounces (340-450g) frozen green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
- Lemon zest (optional, for a burst of flavor)
Instructions
Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil or butter and let it melt or heat up.
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil or butter. Sauté it for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Then add the frozen green beans to the skillet and sauté the green Beans for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, season the green beans with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences. You can also add lemon zest for a zesty flavor.
Once the green beans are cooked to your desired level of tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the sautéed green beans to a serving dish, and they’re ready to be served!
2.2. How To Steam Frozen Green Beans
Ingredients
- 12-16 ounces (340-450g) frozen green beans
- Water
- Salt (optional)
- Butter or olive oil (optional, for seasoning)
Equipment
- Steamer basket or
- A pot
Instructions
Place a steamer basket inside a pot. Add enough water to the pot, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom of the steamer basket.
Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the water to a simmer.
Once the water is simmering, add the frozen green beans to the steamer basket then cover the pot with a lid and let the green beans steam for about 4-6 minutes.
Once the green beans are steamed, transfer them to a serving dish. You should season them with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of butter or olive oil. These seasonings will enhance the flavor of the green beans
Your steamed frozen green beans are now ready to be served as a delicious and nutritious side dish!
3. How To Cook Frozen Green Beans in Oven
Ingredients
- 12-16 ounces (340-450g) frozen green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, etc.)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen green beans, olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you like. Toss everything together until the green beans are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Take a baking sheet or roasting pan and spread the green beans in a single layer. Try to avoid overcrowding them, as this can prevent even roasting.
Place the baking sheet with the green beans in the preheated oven. Roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and slightly caramelized.
Once the green beans are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving dish.
Roasted frozen green beans make a delightful and nutritious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve them hot and enjoy!
4. How To Cook Frozen Green Beans in Air fryer
Ingredients
- 12-16 ounces (340-450g) frozen green beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, grated Parmesan cheese, etc.
Instructions
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the frozen green beans with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you prefer. Toss the green beans until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Spread the seasoned green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Slide the basket into the preheated air fryer. Air fry frozen green beans at 400°F (200°C) for 8 – 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
After the cooking time is up, check the green beans to ensure they are cooked to your liking. They should be tender and slightly crispy on the outside.
Once the green beans are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a serving dish. Air-fried frozen green beans are now ready to be served as a delightful and healthy side dish!
5. How To Cook Frozen Green Beans in Microwave
Ingredients
- 12-16 ounces (340-450g) frozen green beans
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
Transfer the frozen green beans to a microwave-safe dish. Make sure the dish is microwave-safe and has a lid or can be covered with a microwave-safe cover or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
Add about 2 tablespoons of water to the dish. The water will help create steam, which will cook the green beans evenly.
Place a lid or microwave-safe cover on the dish. If you don’t have a lid, you can use microwave-safe plastic wrap to cover the dish, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape.
Cook the green beans on high power in the microwave for 3-5 minutes.
After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be hot. Gently stir the green beans to ensure even cooking. Check for doneness by testing their tenderness with a fork. If they are not yet tender enough, return the dish to the microwave and cook in additional 1-minute increments until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, you can season them with salt, pepper, and butter for added flavor. Toss them gently to coat evenly.
Your microwaved frozen green beans are now ready to be served as a delicious and nutritious side dish!
Cooking frozen green beans offers a convenient and tasty way to add a healthy dose of green goodness to your table. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can achieve perfectly cooked frozen green beans that retain their vibrant color, crispness, and essential nutrients
