This Instant Pot Green Beans recipe is so simple that you can make fresh green beans that are steamed until they are crisp-tender in just minutes!
You can serve Instant Pot Green Beans with a little butter or fresh lemon zest and toasted almonds for a simple but tasty side dish that goes well with main dishes like Chicken Marsala, Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu, or New York Strip Roast.
The Instant Pot Green Beans recipe is my go-to for fresh green beans when I want an easy recipe. I also love Green Beans Almondine and Green Bean Casserole.
The easiest way to cook fresh green beans is in an electric pressure cooker by steaming them. The results are perfect!
As a versatile kitchen appliance, the Instant Pot has become a go-to for quickly and conveniently cooking up meals One of the handy functions of the Instant Pot is its ability to steam vegetables, including healthy green beans, to tender perfection But exactly how long does it take to steam green beans in an Instant Pot? Let’s take a look at timing and tips for getting perfect results.
Benefits of Steaming Green Beans
Steaming is one of the best cooking methods for preserving nutrients in vegetables It avoids nutrient loss that can occur when boiling, Steaming green beans until just tender crisps also retains their fresh flavor and vibrant green color
Using the Instant Pot to steam green beans provides added benefits
- Fast cooking thanks to pressurized steam
- Consistent results from precise timing
- No need to monitor a stovetop steamer
- Mess containment in a sealed pot
Overall, the Instant Pot offers a foolproof way to cook green beans quickly while maintaining maximum nutrition and flavor.
Factors that Influence Steaming Time
Several factors impact how long it takes to steam green beans to the right doneness in an Instant Pot:
- Size of beans – Whole long beans take longer than cut beans
- Fresh vs frozen – Frozen beans require a minute or two more
- Quantity – Steaming a large batch adds some minutes
- Desired texture – Crunchy beans cook less than soft, tender beans
Taking these factors into account will help you adjust timing as needed.
How Long to Steam Whole Fresh Green Beans
For fresh, whole green beans trimmed to about 4 inches long, here are general Instant Pot steaming times:
- 1 minute = leaves beans still crunchy
- 2 minutes = yields tender-crisp beans
- 3 minutes = results in soft, thoroughly cooked beans
Most people prefer their green beans to have a tender-crisp bite. For this texture, steam whole fresh green beans for just 2 minutes in an Instant Pot.
After cooking, quick release the pressure for best results.
Adjusting Cook Times for Other Variables
Based on the factors that affect steaming time, here’s how to modify the Instant Pot cook time:
- Cut beans – Reduce time by 1 minute
- Frozen beans – Increase time by 1-2 minutes
- Large batch – Add 1-2 minutes
- Well-done beans – Increase time by 1 minute
So for frozen cut green beans, steam for 2-3 minutes. For a large quantity of whole fresh beans, steam for 3 minutes. Get to know your appliance and personal taste preferences to fine-tune timing as needed.
Step-by-Step Guide for Steaming Green Beans
Follow these simple steps for foolproof Instant Pot steamed green beans:
- Prep beans – Rinse, trim ends, remove strings
- Add 1 cup water to pot
- Insert steamer basket or trivet
- Add green beans to basket/trivet
- Secure lid, seal pressure valve
- Select Steam function and set time
- Quick release pressure after cooking
- Season beans to taste and serve
In about 10-15 minutes, you can go from prepping to enjoying a perfect side of green beans!
Tips for Maximizing Flavor
After steaming green beans, add a dash of flavor:
- Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese
- Stir in lemon juice and chopped almonds
- Mix in sesame oil and sesame seeds
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar
Herbs, spices, lemon zest, bacon bits, and sauces like teriyaki also pair well with steamed green beans.
Satisfying Green Bean Recipes for the Instant Pot
Here are some tasty Instant Pot green bean recipes to try:
- Lemon Garlic Green Beans – Bright, fresh flavor
- Sesame Green Beans – Nutty Asian twist
- Green Beans with Mushrooms – Savory, earthy combination
- Bacon Ranch Green Beans – Smoky, creamy comfort food
- Teriyaki Green Beans – Sweet and salty
- Parmesan Green Beans – Cheesy and rich
The options are endless for jazzing up simple steamed green beans!
Get Perfectly Steamed Green Beans Every Time
Learning how long to steam green beans in an Instant Pot leads to tender, crisp beans full of nutrition. Follow the basic 2 minute cook time for whole fresh beans, adjusting the time based on their prep and quantity. soon, you’ll be an expert at steaming up the perfect green bean side to complement any meal.
For more Instant Pot cooking tips and recipes, check out our Pressure Cooker Guide and connect with others on our Discussion Forums.
How To Steam Green Beans using the Instant Pot
Even though this is a very easy recipe, if you have never cooked in an Instant Pot or know how it works, you should start with How to Use an Instant Pot to get the most out of this and other recipes. You will find the full recipe in detail in the recipe card below.
- Prepare Green Beans. There is a chance that the green beans you bought in a bag already washed and trimmed. If not, you will need to wash them and cut off the ends before pressure cooking them.
- Add Water to the Inner Pot. For accurate cooking time, it’s best to use cold tap water. If your electric pressure cooker has 3 or 6 quarts, use 1 cup. If it has 8 quarts, use 1 and ½ cups.
- Add Green Beans to the Inner Pot. A steamer basket is the best thing to use to steam green beans in the top pot. But if you don’t have one, put the green beans on a trivet carefully. If you put your beans in water, they will boil instead of steam.
- Pressure Cook. To steam green beans perfectly in the Instant Pot, all you have to do is set it to high pressure. In other words, you want to set the 0 minute timer. Set the timer for 1 minute if you want the green beans to be softer.
- Release Pressure. For this recipe, it’s very important to let the pressure out right away after the cooking time is up. For this green bean recipe, let go of the pressure as soon as it is reached. The green beans will be perfectly crisp-tender by the time the Instant Pot reaches pressure, so you want to stop cooking them right away.
∗ helpful tips to remember∗
- For green beans that are softer, cook on high pressure for one minute.
- Use caution when doing a quick pressure release. To open or close the venting knob, make sure you are away from it and use a wooden spoon or pot holder.
- After steaming the green beans, you can use the sauté function on the inner pot to cook them in olive oil or butter until the outside is crispy.
- To make any recipe that calls for parboiling green beans first, like Homemade Green Bean Casserole or Italian Potato Salad, you can use Instant Pot Steamed Green Beans instead.
Instant Pot Green Beans (Perfectly Steamed)
FAQ
How long to steam in an Instant Pot?
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Food
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Steam Time
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Chicken breast
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6-8 mins per 1lb
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Turkey breast
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7-9 mins per 1lb
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Fish filet
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2-4 mins
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Shrimp
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1-3 mins
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How do you steam vegetables in an Instant Pot?