Learn how to blanch green beans for a healthy addition to any meal! Whether you're preparing a quick side dish, incorporating them into a recipe, or freezing them for later, you need to know this fundamental kitchen technique!
Prep: Before cooking, prepare your green beans by washing them under cold water. Trim the ends off of each bean to remove any tough parts.
Boil: Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the green beans and bring it to a rolling boil. I recommend adding salt to the water, which helps enhance the beans' flavor.Add the prepared green beans to the boiling water. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Keep in mind that cooking times can be slightly longer at higher elevations due to the lower boiling point of water.
Ice Bath: Once the green beans have reached the desired level of doneness, quickly remove them from the boiling water and transfer them to an ice bath for the same amount of time that you blanched them. This step stops the cooking process immediately, preserving the beans' vibrant color and crisp texture.
Dry: After cooling them in the ice bath for a few minutes, remove the green beans and pat them dry with a clean towel. Removing excess moisture is important, especially if you plan to sauté or further cook the beans in any way.