Boiled green beans (8 min): cooked to perfection – Neary

Sep 24, 2025Lou0 comments

Easy cooking • Fresh vegetables • Anti-mistake tip

Boiled green beans (8 min): cooked to perfection – Neary

Green beans in water, cooked to perfection – Neary

Do you want green beans that are perfectly green, tender but not mushy, and just crispy enough? 😍 Here's the foolproof method for successfully boiling green beans! Whether you're in a hurry or cooking for the whole family, this guide will help you achieve top results 🟢. Tips, a summary table, delicious variations, and FAQs: everything you need to avoid common mistakes. 🥗

By Lou (Neary)
Neary Kitchen Tested • Updated: 09/24/2025

✅ Express response

Fresh green beans Cook in boiling salted water for 8 min 🕗 for an ideal texture: green, tender, slightly crunchy

Ultra-soft Leave for 10–12 min , but watch the color: the more they cook, the more they dull

Pro tip : Plunge them into ice water right after cooking to set the color 🧊

Steam variant Same duration (~8 min) with a steamer basket, for a more intense taste

Important safety 🔥: Do not oversalt the water, especially if you are adding broth or cooking vegetables for your baby. Always remember to taste before serving!

Cooking time table & tips

Kind	Preparation	Cooking	Water or steam?	Color tip	Final texture
Fresh green beans	Tailed, rinsed	8 min in boiling salted water	Boiling water	Plunge into iced water at the end of cooking	Bright green, crisp-tender
Frozen green beans	Straight from the freezer	7–9 min in boiling water	Boiling water	Drain quickly	More matte, soft green
Steam (fresh or frozen)	Stemmed or frozen	8–10 min	Steamer basket	No need for ice water	Concentrated taste, very healthy
Yellow beans	Tailed, rinsed	8–10 min in boiling water	Boiling water	Drain immediately after cooking.	Golden yellow, tender

How to Boil Green Beans: Step by Step

Prepare the beans : Rinse them thoroughly, remove the ends (tails), and remove the strings if necessary. The fresher they are, the better the result! 🥬
Bring a large pot of water to a boil , add a good pinch of salt (be careful not to oversalt).
Place the beans in boiling water. Stir to prevent them from sticking and to cook evenly.
Cook for 8 minutes flat for a perfect texture. Taste after 7 minutes to adjust to your taste: crunchy or softer.
Drain quickly and plunge them into a bowl of iced water or very cold water (preferably with ice cubes). This stops the cooking and sets the bright green color! 🧊
Serve hot or cold as desired: simply seasoned with olive oil, in a salad, or sautéed in a pan with garlic and parsley for a little homemade twist 🥄.

FAQ — Green Beans in Water

Should I cover the pan while cooking?

Not necessary! Let the water boil uncovered, this prevents the green beans from softening too quickly. ⏳

Why the ice water at the end?

Ice water fixes the green color, stops the cooking process, and helps prevent dull or grayish beans. It's the chef's secret to a great presentation 🧊!

What seasonings to enhance?

A drizzle of olive oil, a few slivers of garlic, lemon zest, toasted flaked almonds, fresh herbs... Dare to mix things up! And for an original touch, try a little mild curry or sesame vinaigrette 🥗.

Can you use frozen green beans?

Yes, it's very practical out of season! Plunge them directly into boiling water, cooking for a little longer if necessary (keep an eye on it).

How long do they keep once cooked?

Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Feel free to add them to a mixed salad or pan-fry them for a second, waste-free life!

Yellow beans: same method?

Yes, same technique and almost the same time. They are just a little milder in taste and their golden color is superb in salads. Try them! 🌞