How to Cook Frozen Cut Green Beans Perfectly Every Time

Did you ever wonder if you could cook frozen green beans without them getting soggy? The good news is that you can!

This post will talk about the two best ways to cook frozen green beans: on the stove in a skillet or on a sheet pan for roasting.

For both of these methods, the result is bright green and tender (but not mushy) green beans. They won’t be as crisp and tender as fresh green beans, but they’re great for when you need to eat vegetables quickly.

They get tossed with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest for a bright and delicious flavor.

Frozen cut green beans offer a quick and easy side dish option any night of the week. Their convenience makes them a pantry staple in many households. But often frozen cut beans result in disappointingly soggy, bland or mushy results. Follow these simple tricks to cook frozen cut green beans so they come out crisp-tender and full of flavor. With the right techniques, you can enjoy restaurant-quality green beans using just your freezer stash.

Select the Best Frozen Cut Green Beans

Not all frozen cut green beans are created equal. To start off right:

Choose bags labeled “cut green beans” not “French-style” or “French cut.” French cut are sliced lengthwise and tend to overcook
Seek out smaller, thinner beans vs. larger fatter ones which can be fibrous.
Check the ingredient list. Beans and water should be the only ingredients. Avoid beans with added salt, sauce or seasoning.
Inspect the beans through the bag. Avoid bags with clumped icy crystals or excess water indicating improper freezing.
Shop high turnover stores for freshest inventory. Or freeze what you buy sooner rather than later.

High quality cut beans will lead to the best finished results.

Prep Beans Before Cooking

Always prep your frozen cut beans properly:

Microwave on defrost 2-3 minutes until thawed but still very cold.
Pour into a colander and rinse under cool water to remove any ice crystals.
Spread beans out on a towel and pat thoroughly dry. Removing excess moisture prevents steaming.
For quicker cooking, slice longer beans into 2-3 smaller pieces.

This quick prep ensures your beans cook up tender and flavorful, not soggy and waterlogged.

Choose the Best Cooking Method

The cooking method you use can make all the difference with frozen cut green beans. Avoid boiling or steaming which often overcooks them. Here are better options:

Sauteing

Sauteing caramelizes and crisps the exterior while heating through:

In a skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat.
Add prepped beans and sauté 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.

Roasting

Roasting deeply concentrates flavor for tasty beans:

Toss beans with 1 Tbsp oil on a baking sheet.
Roast at 425°F 15-20 minutes, shaking pan occasionally.
Season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, Parmesan, etc.

Stir-frying

Stir-frying yields a lightly charred texture and crunch:

Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
Add beans and stir-fry 4-5 minutes.
Toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, etc.

Any of these fast, high-heat methods lock in moisture while browning and crisping the exterior of the beans.

Season Frozen Cut Green Beans

Complement the beans with fresh, vibrant flavors:

Toasted nuts – almonds, pecans, walnuts, pine nuts
Grated citrus zest – lemon, lime, orange
Minced garlic, shallot, onion, chives
Fresh herbs – parsley, basil, cilantro, dill
Spices – crushed red pepper, black pepper, smoked paprika, curry powder
Acidic ingredients – lemon juice, vinegar, wine
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
Toasted sesame seeds, chili oil, soy sauce, fish sauce

Mix and match seasonings to add pops of flavor and contrasting textures.

Recipe Ideas for Frozen Cut Green Beans

Jazz up boring frozen cut beans with creative recipes like:

Green bean salad – Toss with dressing, tomatoes, feta, nuts
Green beans amandine – Toasted almonds, lemon juice
Green bean casserole – Mushroom soup, fried onions
Garlic green beans – Sauté beans and garlic in generous olive oil
Green bean fries – Toss in cornstarch, fry until crispy
Green bean stir fry – With ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame seeds
Pesto green beans – Top with homemade or store-bought pesto

With the right handling, frozen cut green beans can be so much more than a dull side.

Storing and Freezing Cooked Green Beans

Properly stored, cooked frozen cut green beans will last:

Refrigerator – 3 to 5 days
Freezer – 6 to 8 months

To store:

Let beans cool completely after cooking.
Transfer to airtight containers or zip-top freezer bags.
Press out excess air before sealing and freezing.
Use frozen beans straight from the freezer or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

With good storage habits, you can prepare big batches for easy side dishes anytime.

Satisfying Frozen Cut Green Beans Are In Your Reach

Don’t settle for lackluster frozen cut green beans. With smart selection, thorough drying, quick cooking methods and bold seasonings, you can enjoy restaurant-caliber beans using just your freezer stash. Crisp, vibrant and full of flavor, these easy tips will help you get the most out of your frozen cut green beans.

how to cook frozen cut green beans

How to Cook Frozen Green Beans in the Oven

Before putting frozen green beans in the oven to roast, thaw them in the microwave to get rid of any extra water or ice. Half-fill the bowl with water and add the green beans. Microwave for 30 seconds to a minute, or until the ice is just starting to melt.

Then, drain the water from the bowl and pat dry with a paper towel. Place the drained and dried green beans on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Next, toss them with a light drizzle of olive oil, chopped or minced garlic, and salt & pepper. Make sure to spread them into a single layer.

After that, bake them at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re hot all the way through and just beginning to blister. (Don’t overcook, or they may start to get mushy).

Sprinkle with fresh lemon zest, and enjoy!

Can you roast frozen green beans?

In short: absolutely! You can also saute them in a skillet (I’ll go over both methods!).

To cook frozen green beans without making them watery and tough, let them thaw and drain off the water first. Then, cook them quickly and hot (but don’t cook them too long!).

You can get rid of most of the water that will come out during cooking by letting the food thaw and drain before cooking.

If you put frozen green beans into a pan right away, the ice around them will melt, making a pool of water in the bottom of the pan. This water needs to be cooked off before the green beans can start to cook. This results in overcooked, soft, soggy, and rubbery green beans.

When you thaw the green beans first, you can drain off all the ice. This makes them as dry as possible, which makes them taste as much like fresh green beans as possible. It helps them cook up quickly in a hot pan and get a little crispy, too.

This page has more information on how to roast vegetables from frozen, including broccoli, asparagus, and more!

The same idea goes for roasting. You want green beans to go into the oven as dry as possible, without ice around them. So, they don’t get stuck in a pan of water and can get crispy in a hot oven.

It’s important to take the green beans out of both methods almost as soon as they’re hot so they don’t get too cooked.

If you try to heavily char frozen green beans, they will turn into mush on the inside. Fresh green beans will get blisters and char marks that are much more even. Just let them get heated through and call it a day.

Save the expectation of heavily charred green beans for when you have access to fresh ones!

How To Cook: Frozen Green Beans – Easy, Tasty Recipe

FAQ

Should frozen green beans be thawed before cooking?

Cook Straight from Frozen: There’s no need to thaw your green beans before cooking. They can go directly from the freezer to the pan, which helps retain their crunch and color. Avoid Overcooking: Green beans should be cooked until they’re just tender.

How to make frozen green beans not soggy?

Add the frozen green beans to the baking sheet in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Place in the oven and roast for 5 minutes. This extra step assists in removing excess water, which will help your green beans get nicely crisp. Remove from the oven and add oil and seasonings of choice.

How do you cook beans that have been frozen?

Cooking frozen beans Just thaw in warm water, drain, and use them in dishes. They’re not great in salads or bean dips as they do benefit from a bit of cooking. They’re a perfect addition to sautéed dishes or stir fries as you can simply throw in a handful and they cook up quickly.

How long should I boil frozen green beans?

3. Boil: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add your frozen green beans. Cook the veggies for six minutes, then drain them into a colander. You can add butter or olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor.