This French green beans recipe is ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish. The end result is a bright green side dish that tastes great with butter. This is one of my favorite green bean recipes to serve with a holiday main dish. But it’s honestly so quick, you can make it to go along with any weeknight dinners.
This style of green beans is also known as haricot verts, which literally means “green beans” in French. They look a little fancier than regular green beans and would look right at home on the menus of high-end restaurants. For that reason, I use this recipe whenever I want a great side dish that I can make quickly and still impress my guests. Try my glazed carrots, creamed spinach, or air fryer Brussels sprouts for more show-stopping, quick side dish ideas.
French cut green beans, also known as julienned or sliced green beans are a fun twist on classic whole green beans. Their thin, elegant shape gives them a unique texture and appearance that makes them perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Cooking french cut green beans properly can seem tricky since their slender shape causes them to cook faster than regular beans. Follow this simple guide for tips to cook french cut green beans to crispy, tender perfection.
Select the Freshest Beans
Start with fresh crisp green beans. Look for beans that are uniformly green without brown spots. Avoid beans that are limp shrivelled or blemished. Thinner beans around 1/4-inch thick are ideal for french cutting. Thick beans don’t slice as evenly.
Wash the beans and snap off the stem ends. Pat dry thoroughly before slicing.
Prep with a Food Processor
A food processor fitted with a slicer blade makes quick work of cutting pounds of beans into perfect matchsticks in seconds.
Cut the beans into segments that fit your feed tube. Layer them horizontally and press the pulse button briefly until sliced. Be careful not to overcrowd the feed tube or the beans will jam.
If you don’t have a food processor, slice the beans lengthwise into very thin strips using a sharp knife. This takes more time but still yields good results.
Blanch Briefly
After slicing, boil the beans in salted water for 1 minute to partially cook. Immediately drain and plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well and pat very dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel.
Blanching firms up the slender slices so they hold their shape during final cooking. Make sure not to overcook during this first step or the beans will be mushy later.
Saute Quickly
The thin shape of french cut beans means they require less time to cook through. Saute over medium-high heat for 2 to 4 minutes to lightly brown while still retaining some snap.
Use butter, olive oil or bacon fat for flavor. You can also add aromatics like shallots, garlic or herbs. Stir constantly to cook evenly.
Season Generously
French cut green beans absorb flavors beautifully. Season more aggressively than you would whole beans.
Sea salt, freshly cracked pepper and a squeeze of lemon work nicely. You can also use spices like cumin, chili powder or garlic powder. Grated parmesan is delicious stirred in just before serving.
Other Cooking Methods
Besides sauteing, french cut beans shine prepared these ways:
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Roast at 400°F for 10-15 minutes with olive oil and herbs
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Grill over direct high heat for 3-4 minutes, turning frequently
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Stir fry in a hot wok with soy sauce and sesame oil
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Simmer gently in tomato sauce or soup for 2-3 minutes
Serving Suggestions
The dainty look of french cut green beans elevates any dish. Here are tasty ways to serve them:
- Warm green bean salad with creamy bacon dressing
- Casserole with crispy fried onions
- Succotash with corn, peppers and cream
- Green bean almondine with toasted almonds
- Pot pies or frittatas
- Sides for roasted chicken, pork chops or fish
- Plated with steak for colorful contrast
With their delicate texture and savory flavor, french cut green beans are a versatile vegetable to keep on hand. Follow these tips for enjoying their finest qualities in any recipe. Crisp, tender gourmet-quality beans are just a quick snip away.
Pro Tips for Making this Recipe
- Choose your haricot verts wisely. Look for firm, bright green beans. Avoid those that are soft or have brown spots.
- Blanch the beans. When you quickly boil the green beans, they get soft without getting soggy, and they keep their beautiful green color. Also, don’t forget to salt the water in this step. If you don’t, the beans won’t taste salty, but they will taste bland.
- Don’t skimp on the butter. Butter is important for making the sautéed green beans taste better. This recipe only needs a few ingredients, so I like to use good butter. The quality will really shine through.
While haricot verts and regular green beans are similar, there are a few key differences between them. Haricot verts tend to be longer and slimmer than regular green beans, with a more earthy flavor.
Yes, you can use regular green beans. Due to their thickness, regular green beans may need an extra minute or two of cooking time when they are boiled. If they have a firm string running down the side, be sure to remove that before cooking.
This is a versatile side that you can pair with pretty much any main dish. I like serving them with my air fryer turkey breast, baked chicken legs, and bacon-wrapped filet mignon. For a more special meal, they are also a lovely side dish to go with my honey baked ham recipe.
Once completely cooled, transfer the green beans to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll be good for up to 4 days.
What You Need to Make this Recipe
French green beans — these fresh green beans may also be labeled “haricot verts” at the grocery store. They are usually untrimmed and have pointed tips on the ends, giving them a more elevated appearance.
Butter — butter adds flavor and richness to this side dish. Any kind of butter will work, but for a stronger taste, use a higher-fat butter like a European style if you have one.
Shallot—minced shallot gives these green beans a flavor that is both onion and garlic, making them a great side dish.
Lemon juice—fresh lemon juice gives the earthy green beans a subtle tang and a lot of brightness.
Delicious French-Cut Green Beans
FAQ
What is the difference between cut green beans and French cut green beans?
Why do French cut green beans taste better?
How long does it take to cook French beans?
How to cook French cut green beans?
Sautéing is another popular method for cooking French-cut green beans. Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then add the green beans and sauté for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can add garlic, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor. Once they are tender, remove the green beans from the heat and they are ready to be served.
How do you cook French green beans?
These simple and elegant French green beans are the perfect side dish for just about any meal. The recipe only requires one pan, so it’s quick and easy to make. Just cook the shallots with olive oil or butter in a large skillet, then simmer the beans in a bit of water until tender in the same pan.
Can You season French cut green beans?
You can season French-cut green beans with a variety of flavors, such as garlic, lemon zest, balsamic vinegar, or sesame seeds. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite combination. Can you add other ingredients to French-cut green beans? Yes, you can add other ingredients to French-cut green beans to enhance their flavor.
Can you cook frozen french cut green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen French-cut green beans as a convenient alternative to fresh ones. Simply follow the cooking instructions on the package, whether it’s boiling, sautéing, or steaming, and then season them to your liking. What are the benefits of cooking French-cut green beans?