Boiled string beans are the perfect accompaniment to rice, chicken, fish, and steak. However, most people end up with mushy and bland beans. The reason? Either the beans aren’t boiled enough, or they are over-boiled.
Cooking a plate of crispy, tender beans isn’t rocket science. String beans need to be boiled for not more than 10 minutes. It ensures that they are not overcooked and so, don’t turn out too tender. Boiled green beans are one of the healthiest side dishes. Keep reading to learn all about boiling string beans so you get those perfectly cooked greens.
How Long Should You Boil Beans for?
Boiling beans for too long makes you end up with overly soft beans. But you also do not want to undercook them, although that rarely happens. Even a few minutes more of boiling can ruin their crispy-tender texture.
The best way to go about it is to boil a pot of salted water, add the beans, and boil them for precisely 4 minutes. Here is a stepwise breakdown of the process of cooking string beans.
- Grab some beans and remove about half an inch from the ends with a knife or your hands.
- Now, boil a pot of water over medium to high heat. Ensure that the utensil can accommodate all beans.
- Transfer the beans to the water through a slotted spoon. Now, boil for around 5 minutes. The beans should turn tender yet retain their crispiness. You will see their color turn bright green. This is indicative of the fact that they have started to cook.
- If you want the beans to be crispier, boil them for no more than 3 minutes. If, however, you want them to be softer, boil for 5 minutes.
- Now, put the beans and pour the water into a colander in your kitchen sink. Remove extra water from the beans by patting them dry.
- Serve them with salt and butter.
How to Serve String Beans?
Green beans have a refreshing, mild flavor. They are best served with other main dishes. Here are different ways to enhance their natural flavor.
- Add some freshly chopped thyme, parsley, chives, or basil and butter.
- Dress the beans with toasted almonds or pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes.
- Top the beans with butter and sea salt.
- Toss them with salted butter and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Mince garlic and top the beans with it to level up the flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes, black olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese to give the beans a Mediterranean twist.
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How Long to Boil Frozen String Beans?
Frozen green beans are not much different from regular ones. Follow these stepwise instructions to boil and cook a batch of frozen greens.
- Transfer frozen string beans into a large skillet.
- Steam them with 1/4 cups of water. They will turn slightly tender. Steam for not more than 5 minutes.
- Now, increase the heat to high. Add butter to the beans and season with salt and pepper.
- Sautee the beans for about 5 minutes. It is recommended to use a skillet that can accommodate all beans. However, if you don’t have one, work in batches.
- Serve the beans hot.
How to Store Leftover Boiled String Beans?
Boiled string beans taste best when they are freshly cooked. However, if you have leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and put the container in the fridge. They will last for about four days there.
When you are ready to eat them again, reheat them in the microwave. Heat at 50% of the power. Another alternative is to chop the beans and add them cold to a salad. They are a great substitute for asparagus.
If you want the reheated beans to be of vibrant green color, put them into ice water after cooking. This halts the cooking process. Then, drain the beans and store them.
However, if you want to store beans that you’ll be making ahead, clean them a week ahead. Then, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
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How to Make Boiled String Beans With Butter Glaze?
Boiled string beans with butter glaze are nothing but fresh green beans coated and cooked in butter glaze. It is then seasoned with pepper and salt. The recipe is delicious and incredibly easy to make.
Here are the stepwise instructions:
- Prepare green beans by boiling them. Follow the method described above to boil beans so they turn out crispy and tender.
- Now, make the butter glaze. Add a few pads of unsalted butter to a large pan. Keep the heat low so the butter glazes.
- Move the handle of the pan in a circular motion to swirl the butter around. Keep moving it till it’s fully melted. At this point, it will look creamy. Now, it is ready to coat all of your green beans.
- When the green beans are boiled, take them out of the pot. Strain them through a colander.
- Pour them into the pan with melted butter.
- Season the beans with salt and pepper.
- Using tongs, fold the beans in the butter mixture. Ensure that they are coated with butter glaze on both sides.
- You are all ready to serve this delicious bean dish. Their crunchiness will delight you!
Storage Instructions
Cooked beans with butter glaze can be kept in the refrigerator for three days. However, you must cover them in plastic. Don’t expect them to freeze well. After cooking, beans lose a considerable amount of moisture.
If you want to freeze them, thaw them first and use them in a soup. When you are ready to eat them again, add them to a pan with a small amount of chicken stock and a tablespoon of butter. Cook over medium heat till they are warm.
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Summing Up
String beans are tender, earthy, sweet, and crunchy. You can enjoy them in both summer and winter with a variety of main dishes. Use the instructions above to boil them perfectly. Then create a meal out of them or pair them with your main course. Either way, they are sure to delight your taste buds.
