How Long To Cook String Beans On Stove

Master how to cook green beans and achieve the perfect texture and color every time. The simple blanch and shock method is the key to bright and crunchy beans.

Master how to cook green beans and achieve the perfect texture and color every time. The simple blanch and shock method is the key to bright and crunchy beans.

Nobody likes to eat mushy and dull-colored vegetables, that's why learning how to cook green beans like a pro will be a game-changer in the kitchen. There is an easy method to achieve beautiful bright and crisp beans called "blanch and shock."

It's a two-step process that takes less than 10 minutes to ensure perfect results. From there, you can refrigerate the beans for later use in recipes, or rewarm them immediately with seasonings for a tasty side dish. Once you've mastered this cooking technique, you will never have to worry about the dreaded green bean disaster being served to your guests every again!

Metal tongs grabbing green beans from a hot boiling pot of water

What is Blanching?

Blanching is submerging vegetables in a large pot of boiling salted water for just a few minutes to soften the cell walls. For green beans, what you'll observe is the dull green chlorophyll transform into a bright green color. The change is due to the air between the cells bubbling off in the hot environment and the tissue of the plant becoming more transparent.

Beware! Do not walk away from the pot. If you cook the vegetables too long or don't stop the cooking process, the bright green can change to the dull olive green. This is because as the chlorophyll molecules get heated, the magnesium ion contained in the center releases, and causes the unpleasant color change. What should you do to prevent this?

Large silver bowl of green beans and ice cubes

Let the Beans Chill!

The quick blanching helps cook and tenderize the green beans, but shocking them right after in a large ice water bath stops the cooking and any further change in color. The result is crisp, tender, gorgeous green vegetables.

Just reheat the vegetables right before serving. You can also freeze or refrigerate the blanched beans until ready to cook. This method is also perfect for green vegetables like broccoli, snow and snap peas and asparagus.

More green bean recipes

Green Beans with Orange Miso Sauce
Haricot Verts with Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions
Citrus Green Beans with Almonds

Pin this recipe to save for later

Pin This

▢ 4 quarts water, divided
▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 4 cups ice cubes
▢ 1 pound green beans, or haricot verts

Add 3 quarts of water and salt to a large pot. Heat pot over high heat until a rolling boil is reached and large bubbles break the surface.
In a medium-sized bowl combine 1-quart water and ice. Set the ice bath aside.
Add beans to the boiling water and cook until the green beans are bright green and crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
Immediately transfer beans to the ice bath for 5 minutes. Drain beans and use them as desired.

Want to save this recipe?

Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.

Nutrition Facts

How to Cook Green Beans

Amount Per Serving

Calories 35 Calories from Fat 1

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.1g 0%

Saturated Fat 0.03g 0%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.01g

Sodium 307mg 13%

Potassium 237mg 7%

Carbohydrates 8g 3%

Fiber 4g 16%

Sugar 2g 2%

Protein 2g 4%

Vitamin A 750IU 15%

Vitamin C 25.6mg 31%

Calcium 40mg 4%

Iron 1.1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @jessica_gavin on Instagram. I'd love to see how it turns out!

Tag @jessica_gavin

Filed under: American Christmas Cooking 101 Green Beans How To Ingredient Guides Side Dish Stovetop Thanksgiving Vegetables Vegetarian Veggie Sides Video

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

I'm a culinary school graduate, cookbook author, and a mom who loves croissants! My passion is creating recipes and sharing the science behind cooking to help you gain confidence in the kitchen.

Reader Interactions