How to Cook Fresh Italian Green Beans for a Perfect Side Dish

These Italian Green Beans take frozen green beans and season them with just a few simple herbs and spices to make a great side dish.

Italian green beans are also known as Romano beans. These bean pods are broader and flatter than the standard green bean. While the flavor is very similar, some people think that Romano beans have a more bean-like taste.

I have made this recipe with Italian green beans and with regular green beans. As pictured, it is with Romano beans. Of course, I just grab whichever bag I have on hand most of the time; the taste is great either way.

Italian green beans, known as fagiolini, make for a flavorful and healthy accompaniment to many Italian dishes. Their tender crunch and versatility lend well to a variety of cooking methods. If you’ve recently acquired fresh Italian green beans and need some guidance on the best ways to cook them, you’ve come to the right place! Below you’ll find tips for selecting, prepping, and cooking green beans the Italian way.

Selecting Fresh Italian Green Beans

When choosing Italian green beans look for ones that are

  • Vibrant green – Avoid beans that look dull or yellowish
  • Slender and uniform in size – Thinner beans cook more evenly
  • Firm and crisp – Pass on limp, bendy beans past their prime
  • Free of blemishes – Small brown spots are ok but avoid major bruises

The best beans will snap crisply when bent. Size can range from 3-8 inches long. You may see flat Italian romano beans or round string beans. Both work beautifully! Farmers markets and specialty grocers offer the freshest picks.

Prepping the Beans

Before cooking you’ll need to trim and clean the beans

  • Trim both stem and tip ends with a knife or kitchen shears
  • Rinse under cool water to remove any dirt or debris
  • Pat dry with paper towels or a clean dish cloth
  • Leave smaller beans whole. Cut larger beans in half lengthwise for even cooking.

Leave thin beans intact to preserve their sleek shape. Trimming them ahead of time prevents the ends from burning while cooking.

Cooking Methods for Fresh Italian Green Beans

You’ll want to cook the beans just until tender-crisp, around 3-5 minutes. This preserves their bright color and delicate crunch. Here are some classic Italian techniques:

Sauteing

Sauteing caramelizes the beans lightly while infusing flavor. You’ll need

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb green beans, prepped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beans and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes. Add garlic and pepper flakes; cook 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper.

Blanching

Blanching rapidly boils the beans before shocking them in ice water to stop cooking. To blanch:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add beans and boil for 2-3 minutes.
  • Drain and transfer beans to a bowl of ice water. Let sit 1 minute to cool. Drain again.

Blanched beans will be brightly colored and maintain their crunch. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice or zest, and fresh herbs.

Roasting

Roasting concentrates the beans’ sweet, earthy flavor. To roast:

  • Toss beans in 1 Tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
  • Roast at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned, turning halfway.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or chopped walnuts when done.

Steaming

Steaming is a fast, low-fat cooking method. It preserves nutrients best.

  • Place a steamer basket or colander over 1 inch of boiling water.
  • Add prepped beans, cover, and steam for 4-5 minutes.
  • Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Stir-frying

Stir-frying yields tender yet crisp beans. You’ll need:

  • 1 Tbsp olive or vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb green beans, cut diagonally
  • 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry 30 seconds. Add beans and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and toss with soy sauce and sesame oil. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Seasoning Your Green Beans

Once cooked, there are endless ways to add Italian flair:

  • Toss in minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
  • Top with grated lemon zest and/or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, or parsley
  • Toast pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts and sprinkle over the beans
  • Grate Parmesan cheese over the beans for savory richness
  • Season with balsamic glaze or good-quality balsamic vinegar

Aim for 1-2 teaspoons of seasoning or garnishes per serving. Taste as you go and adjust to your preferences.

Pairing Your Italian Green Beans

Cooked green beans pair wonderfully with:

  • Italian sausage, chicken, or shrimp
  • Pasta dishes, risottos, and Italian baked fish
  • Parmesan-crusted chicken or pork
  • Caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil
  • Grilled meats like steak, pork chops, or lamb
  • Salads with balsamic vinaigrette
  • Focaccia, bruschetta, or garlic bread

Their mild, vegetal flavor allows other ingredients to shine. Offer them as a side, toss them into pasta, or add them to salads.

Storing and Freezing Italian Green Beans

To store cooked beans:

  • Let cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
  • To freeze, spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container up to 6 months.

To store uncooked beans:

  • Place dry, unwashed beans in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer up to 1 week.
  • Do not wash until ready to use.
  • For longer storage, blanch 2-3 minutes, shock in ice water, pat dry, and freeze up to 8 months.

Simple Yet Satisfying

Italian green beans offer a crisp, nutritious accompaniment to all types of Italian cuisine. Treat them right by selecting fresh, trim-ming carefully, and avoiding overcooking. Then customize them with herbs, oils, cheeses, nuts or other touches of Italian flavor. Served alongside pasta, protein or salads, beautiful Italian green beans will grace your table in style.

how to cook fresh italian green beans

Italian Green Beans Recipe

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

  • frozen Italian green beans
  • olive oil and butter
  • garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • crushed red pepper flakes
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • fresh Italian parsley

how to cook fresh italian green beans

Start by steaming the green beans in the microwave according to package instructions. Then, in a skillet over medium-low heat, mix the garlic, olive oil, Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds, swirling the pan a couple of times as the spices warm. Then, add the green beans. Stir to coat them with the oil and spices.

how to cook fresh italian green beans

Continue cooking for about 2 more minutes. Then, add a tablespoon of butter and stir to melt.

Sprinkle with parsley, or even parmesan cheese or toasted bread crumbs, and serve warm.

how to cook fresh italian green beans

Want more recipes like this frozen green bean side dish? These crispy Parmesan Green Beans are made with fresh green beans, a drizzle of oil, a dash of spices, and a lot of cheese. They’re wonderfully crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Tender, slightly crisp Green Beans with Herbs are sauteed in butter. This is a side dish that everyone enjoys.

Sauteed ginger and garlic are an aromatic start to this crave-worthy Green Bean Stir Fry. And, homemade Green Bean Casserole is about to change your holiday side dish game.

how to cook fresh italian green beans

These Green Bean Bacon Bundles are a treat for dinner. They look nice and taste great. The glaze is buttery, sweet, and spicy.

This Green Bean Artichoke Casserole is sure to be a hit on your holiday table. It has earthy artichoke hearts and crisp, tender green beans. It’s covered in a garlicky cream sauce.

If you want, you can make these Thai green beans with peanut sauce as mild or spicy as you like. They only take 15 minutes to make.

how to cook fresh italian green beans

GARLIC GREEN BEANS RECIPE | Easy Italian Side Dish

FAQ

What is the difference between green beans and Italian green beans?

Romano Beans (aka Italian Green Beans or Flat Beans) Large ones will have more developed beans inside. Romanos require a bit more cooking than other pole beans, but they also have more flavor. Try braising them to bring out their nutty-sweet essence.

How do you prepare fresh green beans before cooking?

Rinse them in a colander under cool running water, and snap off the stems. While you work, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Set a large bowl of ice water nearby. Next, blanch the beans.

Is it better to steam or boil fresh green beans?

Steaming green beans is an easy way to make a delicious side dish for weeknight dinners. So why would you steam vegetables instead of boiling them? Steaming is slightly healthier because it keeps some of the nutrients intact, but is also a more risk-free cooking method since they’re less likely to overcook.

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