Learn this quick and easy way toBlanch Green Beansto ensure the best color, texture, and taste of the green bean every time.

Blanching green beans is a simple cooking method that creates a crisp and tender green bean.Blanching is often referred to as “blanch and shock” – first you boil water, then add the green beans for a couple of minutes, and finally scoop the green beans to a bowl of ice water to “shock” or stop the cooking process.

It is such a simple method but it makes a huge difference in the overall quality and taste of the green bean.AND blanching is also how you prep green beans that you are going tofreeze.

freshly picked green beans in a metal colander

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Enhanced Flavor and Color: Blanching green beans helps to retain their vibrant green color and enhances their natural flavor by removing the bitterness.
Perfect Texture: This method ensures that green beans remain crisp-tender, giving them a satisfying bite that’s perfect for salads, side dishes, or snacking. If you’re not a fan of mushy green beans, you’ll definitely love this.
Quick and Easy: The blanching process is simple and quick! You can prep the green beans without much time or effort.

Ingredients

As many green beans as you want to cook or have to preserve, it can be a large or small amount
A pot of water
A large bowl of ice water

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to Blanch Green Beans

Step #1.Wash and prep the green beans. Bring a pot of water to a boil.

Step #3.Use a slotted spoon and scoop the bean from the boiling water and place them immediately in the ice bath. Repeat until all the beans have been blanched.

Step #2.Once the water is boiling, add green beans (working in batches, if necessary) and cook for one minute.

Step #4.Put the beans in freezer containers or store in the fridge for use in your favorite recipes.

Recipe FAQs

Do you salt water when blanching vegetables?

I salt the water when blanching green beans because it improves the taste and also helps the green beans maintain their color.

How long do you blanch green beans?

Once the water is boiling you will only blanch the green beans for 2-3 minutes depending on their size.

How to look for the best green beans?

When buying green beans you want to find firm, bright green beans that snap. Avoid any limp or discolored beans.

How do I freeze green beans?

Once you have blanched your green beans, arrange the beans on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer. Once they are frozen, you can put the green beans in an airtight bag and enjoy them throughout the year.

What is the purpose of blanching?

There a several reasons for blanching. When you blanch a vegetable if brightens the color. This is especially good for green vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Blanching removes any bitter taste from vegetables. Blanching also affects the texture. When you blanch green beans you end up with a very crisp and tender bean. The blanch method is a tool used to preserve the nutrients in preparation for freezing vegetables.

snapped green beans in strainer with un-snapped beans

Expert Tips

Choose fresh, firm, and bright green beans for the best results.Avoid beans that are limp or have brown spots.
Cut or snap the bean to the size you like or use most– whole or bite size or whatever else you like!
Don’t overcrowd the pot!You don’t want to lose the boil so work in small batches. But don’t worry, it doesn’t take long!