How To Freeze Green Beans Fast

How Long Do Fresh Green Beans Last?

Unwashed, fresh green beans should keep well in the fridge for up to 7 days, but that will vary depending on how long they were sitting on the shelf at the grocery store before you bought them. I’ve had green beans look pretty slimy after sitting in my fridge after only 3 days, so I’ve gotten in the habit of either cooking them right away, or freezing them, so I know they’ll stay good.

How Do You Prepare Them for Freezing?

Before you freeze green beans, rinse and dry them well. Then, be sure to trim off the ends and cut them into the size you’d like them to be for cooking later. I cut them into 1- to 2-inch pieces, so they’ll cook quickly and will be easy to eat later.

Can You Freeze Green Beans Without Blanching Them First?

Good news! There’s no need to blanch green beans before freezing them. I tested it both ways, out of curiosity, and I actually prefer the beans that were frozen without any sort of cooking first. To freeze green beans, all you have to do is cut them, then arrange them in a single layer on a pan lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from clumping together as they freeze.

Place the pan on a flat surface in your freezer for 1-2 hours, until they feel frozen to the touch. Then, transfer the beans to an airtight container, to help maintain their flavor.

I store my frozen fruits and vegetables in reusable silicone bags (like Stasher bags) so they don’t take up too much space the in freezer.

How to Cook Frozen Green Beans

To make perfectly sauteed green beans, you’ll cook frozen green beans similar to fresh ones, only you’ll need to use less water during the “steaming process.” Just like the fresh version, I recommend starting by sauteeing a bit of garlic in olive oil, just until it’s fragrant.

Add in 1 tablespoon of water and the frozen green beans– no need to thaw them first! Toss with salt, then cover the pan and cook until the beans are tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the lid, and test the beans for tenderness. Frozen beans might need slightly more cooking time compared to fresh beans, so continue to cook them until the water has evaporated from the pan, and they are as tender as you’d like them to be. You can also use frozen green beans in your favorite recipes, like my Vegan Green Bean Casserole or Green Bean Salad.