Green beans are a crowd-pleasing vegetable—and one of the quickest cooking side dishes you can make. Below, youll find some of our favorite ways to cook green beans for dinner.
As a busy home cook getting a jump start on dinner prep can be a lifesaver. When it comes to versatile veggies like green beans preparing them ahead of time streamlines cooking on hectic nights.
Blanching, washing or trimming green beans in advance allows you to have them party-ready when needed. Let’s explore the ins and outs of prepping green beans ahead of time.
Can You Prepare Green Beans in Advance?
Absolutely! Thanks to their sturdy structure green beans hold up well to advance prep. With proper storage prepped beans stay fresh for several days.
Both trimmed raw beans and briefly blanched beans can be prepped up to 2 days before needed. For maximum convenience, get your beans party-ready the night before.
Pre-prepped beans simply need a quick reheating or added seasoning before being served or tossed into recipes. Having them prepped reduces last-minute work.
Blanching Beans in Advance
Blanching is a popular prepping method that partially cooks green beans. To blanch:
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Clean and trim bean ends
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Drop in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes
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Drain beans and immerse in ice water
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Drain again and pat completely dry
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Store in an airtight container up to 2 days
Blanching preserves the crisp-tender texture of raw beans. It also brightens the beautiful green color. Beans can go straight from fridge to salad or skillet.
Trimming and Washing Raw Beans in Advance
For an even quicker option, simply wash and trim beans 1-2 days ahead:
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Rinse beans and trim ends
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Leave beans whole or cut into pieces
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Allow beans to air dry before storing
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Place beans in a container in the fridge
This preps raw beans for any cooking method like roasting, sautéing or steaming. Pre-washed beans also work for fresh appetizer platters and veggie trays.
Storing and Maintaining Freshness
To store prepped green beans:
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Use an airtight glass or plastic container
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Line container with a dry paper towel
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Make sure beans are completely dry before storing
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Press out air and seal container tightly
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Store in the crisper drawer of the fridge
Proper storage prevents moisture accumulation which causes soggy beans. With an airtight container and dry storage, they will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Seasoning Pre-Prepped Green Beans
For the fullest flavor, add any seasoning just before final cooking. Salt, oil and acidic marinades can degrade texture over time.
However, dry spice rubs or herb coatings can be added up to 4 hours before cooking with no issue. Wait until just before serving to add butter, garlic or finishing salts.
If reheating blanched beans, a pat of butter or splash of olive oil during reheating enhances flavor. Quickly sautéing with aromatics also brings out their sweetness.
Reheating and Refreshing Prepped Beans
Blanched beans just need a quick steam to reheat:
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Place in a steamer basket over a pan of water
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Steam for 2-3 minutes until heated through
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Toss with seasonings and serve immediately
For raw prepped beans, choose your intended cooking method for reheating:
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Roast in a hot oven with oil and seasonings
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Sauté in a pan with butter, garlic and herbs
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Microwave with a bit of water for 2-4 minutes
Proper reheating retains the tender-crisp texture of refreshed beans. Avoid overcooking which causes mushiness.
Preparing Beans for Salads
Blanched green beans are ideal for chilled salads. Their bright green color adds lovely contrast and crunch.
After blanching and shocking beans, simply drain, pat dry, and refrigerate in a container. They will be salad-ready for up to 2 days.
When making the salad, dress the blanched beans right before serving to avoid sogginess. A light vinaigrette coats nicely without making them limp.
Nutrition of Pre-Prepped Beans
As long as stored properly, prepped green beans retain the same nutrition as fresh. Short-term refrigeration for up to 2 days preserves all the valuable vitamins.
Blanching beans causes a minor loss of water-soluble vitamins, but the majority of nutrients remain intact. The fiber, antioxidants and minerals in beans will still shine in your final dish.
The Takeaway – Embrace the Convenience
Pre-prepping techniques allow you to check green beans off your list early. Keep washed, trimmed or blanched beans handy in the fridge for spontaneous meals and recipes.
Harness the convenience of beans ready when you need them. Your future self will thank you for the time saved on busy nights!
How to Blanch Green Beans
Blanching, or briefly boiling, green beans is one of the most versatile ways to cook them. Green beans that have been blanched can be put in a salad after being chilled, or they can be finished off by sautéing them in butter or oil. Heres how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of water up to a boil.
- Season with salt liberally. Like when you make pasta, you want the water to taste like the ocean.
- After you add the beans, let it boil for another 2 to 5 minutes. Remember, smaller beans will take less time to cook.
- To see if a bean is done, take it out with tongs and quickly rinse it under cool water. Take a bite. If you want to sauté the green beans after blanching them, you’ll want to take them out of the water when they’re still very crisp.
- Drain the beans in a colander. Serve right away or put them in a bowl with ice water to keep them from cooking too much.
Plan on having a dinner party? You can do this step up to two days ahead of time and store the blanched green beans in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, add them to a skillet with a classic Amandine sauce to warm them up.
How to Roast Green Beans
Roasting green beans is a great way to concentrate their flavor. These fries are more than just a great side dish when cooked this way. You can serve them as a healthier alternative to French fries or with a creamy dip on an appetizer platter. Heres how to do it:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Add oil, salt, and pepper to green beans that have already been cleaned. You can use any spice mix you like.
- Place the beans on a sheet pan and spread them out so that most of them touch the surface of the pan.
- Roast for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Want to make a meal out of it? Roast the beans with halibut and canned artichoke hearts for a gourmet one-pan dinner that will wow everyone.
How to Cook Green Beans Like a Pro
FAQ
Can you prep fresh green beans the day before?
Can you trim green beans the night before?
How do you store fresh cut green beans overnight?
Can green beans be cooked ahead and reheated?
Can green beans be prepared the day before?
Yes, blanched green beans can be prepared the day before and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. 2. How far ahead can I prepare green beans? You can prepare green beans up to 48 hours in advance by blanching them or simply trimming and washing them.
What is the best way to eat beans?
The best way to eat beans is to first cook them in a large pot of water, about 4 cups of water to every 1 cup of beans. Adding lemon grass or other herbs to the water can improve the flavor. Once beans are cooked the best thing to do is combine them with cooked rice, this is because beans are low in methionine and rice is low in lysine, so combining them makes a more complete protein.
Can you make green beans in advance?
These green beans are super delicious. Of course you can’t make them completely ahead of time, the almonds and bread crumbs must be done last minute. But by par-boiling the green beans (up to 2 days in advance!) you save yourself a lot of trouble on the day you are hosting.
Should you eat green beans in summer?
But in the summer, when they’re in their peak season, we tend to lean on green beans for lighter, fresher fare. Crisp and slender beans pair up with fresh herbs, lettuces, and other vibrant summer veg for a whole new look. They’re tender, sweet, and earthy with just the right amount of crunch.