How to Cook Frozen Green Beans

Say goodbye to dull, bland side dishes and hello to flavor and deliciousness when you learn How to Cook Frozen Green Beans!

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Frozen vegetables are sometimes overlooked because people think they lack flavor and texture. Modern conveniences like steam-in-bag frozen veggies are a go-to for quick meals. However, that does not mean you have to suffer with bland, boring sides. You can turn those ice-cold vegetables into delicious dishes by learning how to cook frozen green beans and other veggies like a pro.

In less than 10 minutes from freezer to table, these savory green beans will wow your taste buds and those of anyone else dining with you. You do not have to defrost or steam your vegetables in the microwave. Even if frozen green beans are in steamer bags, cut them open and empty the vegetables into the hot pan.

Why You Should Buy Frozen Green Beans

We often think fresh vegetables are better than frozen, but that is not always the case. Unless you buy your veggies directly from the farm, there is no way to know how long it’s been since they’ve been harvested. Frozen vegetables are harvested when ripe and quickly blanched and frozen to preserve their nutrients. The longer fresh vegetables are off the vine, the less nutritious they become.

You do not have to worry about your vegetables going bad in the refrigerator. I can’t count how many times I’ve pulled a bag of fresh green beans from the vegetable bin only to find them limp, mushy, and slimy. Yuk! You won’t have that problem with frozen ones.

Are Frozen Green Beans Healthy?

Green beans are a healthy vegetable with beneficial antioxidants, flavanols, vitamins A and C, fiber, and folate. These legumes are nutritional powerhouses that can help with digestion, heart health, circulation, mood, and bone health. Green beans are low in calories and carbohydrates and have no fat (except what is added during cooking). This recipe provides one tablespoon of heart-healthy olive oil.

To Thaw or Not to Thaw – That Is the Question

Should you thaw frozen green beans before sautéing them in a pan with oil? There is a saying that if you ask two people a question, you’ll get three answers (or more). That is the case when inquiring about how to sauté frozen vegetables. There are pros and cons on both sides.

Sautéing green beans from a frozen state will produce excellent results, as you can see in the photos shown here. The only concern is when your veggies have a lot of ice on them, as can sometimes occur with frozen vegetables. You do not want that ice in the pan with the oil due to the risk of splattering and potential burns. Remove any topical ice by shaking the beans in a colander and rubbing them with a paper towel. Cooking the green beans straight from the freezer is the best way to produce the delightful, lightly browned appearance.

Thawing the green beans lets you remove any ice, but be sure to pat them dry or you could wind up with soggy green beans. Sautéed green beans that are thawed first are less likely to develop the crispy brown color you get from cooking them frozen. They will have a bright green color with a tender texture.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb frozen green beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat

Warm oil in skillet.

Add
Place frozen green beans in skillet; stir.

Season & Sauté

Season and cook until browned.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How do I prep and store these green beans?

You can prepare your green beans ahead of time by following the steps in the recipe, letting the vegetables cool, and then storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. If making the green beans ahead of serving, I like to cook them from frozen rather than thawed to prevent them from becoming soggy when reheating.

Which Other Seasonings Can I Use When Sautéing Frozen Green Beans?

There is no limit to the flavor combinations you can apply when cooking frozen green beans. A splash of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or red wine vinegar in the final stages adds some freshness to the veggies. Other tasty seasonings include oregano, thyme, rosemary, paprika, chili powder, mixed herbs, lemon pepper, dill, and basil. I like to use Italian herbs with some Parmesan cheese.

Can I Use This Recipe to Make Other Frozen Vegetables?

This recipe can be used to make any frozen veggies you have in the house, including broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, carrots, and peas. Each vegetable cooks differently, so you will have to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Cooking frozen green beans in a pan results in a healthy side dish you can serve alongside any meal. Some of my favorite green bean and main course pairings are Air Fryer Fish, Peanut Chicken, and Air Fryer Hamburgers. These dishes can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Making Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders lets you prepare a healthy and tasty dinner in less than 25 minutes with ingredients straight from your freezer. Toast yourself with a glass of Frozen Sangria because you deserve it for being so clever and resourceful.