How to Cook The Best Green Beans Ever

The best green beans ever are totally simple and totally delicious! It’s one of those classic side dishes that we all grew up with. We have fond memories of eating them at home with the whole family, at big holiday meals like Thanksgiving, and even at summertime barbecues and potlucks. Preparing and cooking green beans could be considered an art form: when you do it right, you’ll get perfectly crispy-tender results, and you’ll never end up with overcooked green beans again! Best of all, this dish is prepped and ready in about 20 minutes. If you’re short on time and still want to make a balanced meal, it’s the perfect side dish option. Whether you serve them up for a large gathering or for a simple weeknight meal, this is by far the best way to cook green beans!

Is It Better To Steam Or Boil Green Beans?

We’ve tested several different cooking methods and the consensus is clear: the best way to cook green beans is to steam them. There are several different ways you can do so, which we’ve outlined in detail on the recipe card!

Green Bean Options:

Did you know that there are over 100 different varieties of green beans out there? You can prepare the best green beans ever with any of them! Here are some of the most common:

• String beans
• Snap beans
• French green beans
• Romano beans
• Long beans

This recipe works best with fresh green beans, but you can also use frozen in a pinch. 

How Do I Snap And Trim Fresh Green Beans?

Fresh green beans need to be rinsed and then the ends need to be trimmed. You can use your hands to snap off the very end of each side or use a knife to trim. Long green beans may need to be snapped in half for easier eating. The best way to cook green beans starts with properly prepared vegetables!

Equipment Options:

You can find 4 different ways to prepare the best green beans ever on the recipe card below. They all involve steaming the vegetable, which is in our opinion the only way to make them! You will need some special equipment in order to make them:

• Steamer: There is a specialized kitchen appliance you can buy called a steamer. It has a base, a steaming basket, and a lid.
• Makeshift steamer: A makeshift steamer can be made using a pot, a colander, and a lid that at least somewhat fits.
• Pan: The pan method isn’t perfect, but it does work. Pick a saucepan that is big enough to fit all your veggies in it.
• Microwave: Make sure you use a microwave-safe bowl.

Head to your kitchen to see what equipment you have on hand, and follow the instructions accordingly! 

What Can I Add To Green Beans For Flavor?

We believe that the best way to cook green beans is to add a bit of butter, salt, and pepper to them after you’ve steamed them. If you want even more flavor consider adding:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Crushed red pepper flakes 
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Parmesan cheese

Serving Suggestions:

The best green beans ever are the ultimate side dish. We like to pair ours with:

• Seafood: Healthy air fryer salmon, simple grilled swordfish, or easy lemon baked cod fish
• Poultry: Oven roasted jerk chicken, perfectly crispy coconut chicken, or classic chicken kiev
• Meat: Steak, crispy breaded pork chops, or Momma’s meatloaf
• Other veggies: Garlic bread roasted potatoes, honey roasted carrots, or easy stuffed bell peppers

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

You can store any leftover green beans in an airtight container in the fridge where they will keep for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave and heat in increments of 30 seconds until warmed through. You can also reheat on the stovetop if you’d like. Place a bit of butter or olive oil in a saucepan or skillet (so that the veggies don’t stick) over medium heat and cook until they are warmed through.

If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious side dish recipes:

• Classic Baked Beans
• Low Calorie Air Fryer French Fries
• Easy Sautéed Mushrooms
• Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower