How to Make Frozen Green Beans Taste Good: Flavorful Tips

Last Updated on September 16, 2024 by Shari Mason

Even **frozen green beans** might look boring, but they can be amazingly **tasty**. Skepticism hit me hard when I gave them a shot the first time.

However, with a little creativity in the kitchen, I discovered how to make frozen green beans taste good. 

As such, I’ll share simple techniques and tasty recipes that transform those plain green beans into a mouthwatering side dish. Keep reading.

5 Different Ways To Make Frozen Green Beans Taste Better

1. Try Steaming It

You can make frozen green beans taste good by steaming them. First, get a big pot and put some water in it. Then, add a steamer basket and make the water boil. 

After that, throw in your frozen green beans and cover the pot with a lid. 

Turn the heat to medium and cook until the food reaches a tender consistency while maintaining a slight crisp, which should take about 5-8 minutes.

“The diet, to be healthy, has to be mostly fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds.” 

– Joel Fuhrman, American Doctor

When finished, put them in a bowl and mix them with your favorite seasonings. Lastly, add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor [1].

2. Roast It

Another tasty way to make frozen green beans is by roasting them in the oven. Heat your oven to 425°F and use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 

Lay out the frozen green beans in a single layer on the sheet. Roast them for 5 minutes to get rid of extra moisture. 

Take them out, drizzle some oil, and sprinkle your chosen seasonings, then give them a good toss. Pop them back in the oven for 8-10 minutes. 

Enhance the taste by adding a dash of parmesan cheese [2] or nutritional yeast for that extra deliciousness.

But how to cook frozen green beans in the oven?

3. Sauteing

Sautéing frozen green beans can also make them delicious. Start by putting the beans in a big pan or skillet. Add ¼ cup of water for every ½ pound of beans and cover the pan. 

Wait until the ice on the beans melts, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Drain them in a colander to remove extra water. 

Next, clean the pan and add some butter or oil. Heat it on medium heat, then toss in finely chopped onions. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they get soft. 

Add minced garlic for 30 seconds, then the green beans. Sauté them for 3-5 minutes, or longer if you like them softer. 

Season with your favorite spices and squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top. But how will you freeze green beans without blanching?

4. Use A Microwave

If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is a quick way to heat frozen green beans. Take ½ pound of frozen beans and put them in a microwave-safe dish. 

Add a couple of tablespoons of water, then cover the dish tightly. 

Microwave on high for 2 minutes, but remember to stir every 30 seconds. This will get them heated through and ready to eat.

Check out these steps to dehydrate your green beans here.

5. Add The Green Beans To Different Recipes

Take advantage of the option of adding frozen green beans to your recipes. They work great in soups, casseroles, and dishes that call for soft beans. 

Just toss them in while you’re cooking, and they’ll soak up all the tasty flavors of your meal. This is an easy way to enjoy green beans as part of a larger dish.

Related Post: Best Dishes That Pair Well With Green Bean Casserole

How Long Does It Take To Cook Frozen Green Beans?

The cooking time for frozen green beans depends on your method, but generally, they can be ready to eat in 5-8 minutes. 

When steaming frozen green beans, a common way to cook them, it typically takes about 5-8 minutes to achieve a tender yet slightly crisp texture. 

This means you bring water to a boil, add the green beans, cover, and let them cook for this short period. 

Remember that other methods, such as roasting or sautéing, may take a bit longer, so it’s essential to follow specific instructions for each cooking technique to get the best results when preparing your delicious frozen green beans.

Which Seasoning Works Best With Green Beans?

When making frozen green beans taste good, some simple seasonings work wonders. The winning combination often includes onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 

These seasonings enhance the natural flavors of green beans without overpowering them. Onion powder adds a subtle sweetness, while garlic powder brings a savory kick. 

“Don’t underestimate the humble frozen green bean – they have the potential to surprise your taste buds with their delicious potential.”

– Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

Salt and pepper provide a balanced, savory taste with just enough seasoning. 

Adjust the quantities as per your taste, with a pinch of each serving as a wonderful starting point to boost the flavor and pleasure of your green beans.

Can Frozen Green Beans Be Substituted For Fresh Ones?

In many recipes, you can use frozen green beans as a substitute for fresh ones. However, there’s a small but crucial difference to keep in mind. 

Frozen green beans are usually blanched (briefly boiled) before freezing, so they’re partially cooked. 

When substituting frozen green beans for fresh ones, don’t cook them only some of the way through. Instead, adjust your cooking time accordingly. 

Related Post: Simple Steps To Can Green Beans Without A Pressure Cooker

FAQs

In A Nutshell

Making frozen green beans taste delicious is easier than you might think. And I’ve shared several methods to elevate their flavor. 

Steaming green beans for 5-8 minutes with a sprinkle of seasonings and a touch of lemon juice can bring out their natural goodness. 

Roasting them at 425°F for 15 minutes with the right seasonings can create a crispy and flavorful side dish. 

Sautéing them with onion, garlic, and your choice of spices can add depth and richness. 

Microwaving is a quick option, perfect when you’re short on time. And don’t forget, you can also use frozen green beans in recipes to enjoy their taste in soups, casseroles, and more.

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/lemons
2. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/parmesan-cheese-benefits/