It’s always helpful to tuck frozen veggies in your freezer for busy weeknights. They make it easy to put healthy servings of produce in your meals. While frozen green beans are a common purchase, you may pass them by every time you open the freezer door. That’s because you need to know how to make frozen green beans taste good.
Because, well, if you’re not careful, they will taste like they were frozen. And thus, everyone will push them around the plate until they claim they’re full. You know the drill.
Ah, but with these tips, you can master flavors to make them the side dish everyone devours. Here’s how!
How to Make Frozen Green Beans Taste Good
Tackle the Texture
One of the biggest complaints about frozen green beans is that they get soggy. If you’re cooking them from frozen, it’s easy to see why. The melted ice from the packaging adds too much liquid to the skillet. You need to thaw them first, then strain out the excess water. It’s a dramatic difference.
Also, if you’re sauteing them, you need to let the oil in your skillet get hot first. Even if you thaw the green beans, adding them to a cold pan will do them no favors. You should cook them at medium to high temperatures first, then drop them to low for a crispier texture.
Put Your Flavors in Early On
Another important tip is that you season things once you start sauteing. This way, your green beans will get all those flavors. This is how to make frozen green beans taste good, so good in fact that no one will realize you pulled them out of the freezer.
What can you use? Take a look at your spice rack for inspiration. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and more all await your selection. You can season them to complement your meal and make them different every time.
Add Fat
Green beans simply need fat of some kind. What you choose is up to you though olive oil and coconut oil are great options. Butter is also a great option because it gives it a hint of richness.
Cook your frozen green beans in bacon grease for amazing flavors. Cook your bacon first, set it aside, and use that lovely fat for those green beans. You can throw bacon pieces into them before serving; everyone will eat it all up. Don’t forget to add a little seasoning too, to fully round out the flavors.
Change Your Cooking Method
Now let’s say everyone loves these new ways that you are cooking frozen green beans, but you can’t always make them the same way. Some ways to shake things up are thawing those green beans, patting them dry, and coating them with olive oil or butter, seasonings, and parmesan cheese. Cook them at 400F for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll love them all the more. No one complains when you add cheese either; another pro-tip for you!
If you have an air fryer, you can cook your green beans in there. They get crispy on the outside and have a tender texture inside. Honestly, you can set it and almost forget it while you prepare the rest of the meal, making this a winning way to prepare your frozen green beans.
Make Soups or Stews
Frozen green beans are perfect for use in a soup or stew recipe. They absorb all the other flavors and add bright pops of color. But remember, they must be thawed and patted dry first. Otherwise, you’ll water down your soups and stews, and they won’t pack quite a punch.
Simmer with Broth and Season
Don’t want to sauté or make soup or stew? Try simmering your frozen green beans in a little bit of broth and seasonings. Let it all boil, then set it to low for about 5 or 10 minutes. The broth should cook off, leaving you with fully flavorful green beans for your meal.
Add Those Aromatics
Garlic, ginger, onions, and turmeric all have aromatic qualities. If you cook your frozen green beans with them, they’re going to taste amazing. Create layers of flavor by roasting the garlic first. Or try caramelizing some onions. Add more layers with bacon and cheese, and you’ll be making magic in your kitchen!
Throw Down with Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs are always great with veggies, especially frozen ones because they release their oils and make things taste good. After sauteing, simmering, baking, or whatever method you choose, add those fresh herbs to really enhance the taste. Rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, or basil are great ones to work with.
Another option is to infuse your olive oil with these lovely fresh herbs and then sauté your frozen green beans. Garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs for a pretty presentation fitting for a holiday side dish.
Frozen green beans aren’t a favorite with most people. Since they tend to taste frozen and have a soggy texture, it’s easy to see why. But they also are trimmed and ready to cook. Remembering to thaw and drain them will definitely help. Then choosing ways to add more flavors while properly cooking them will have everyone wondering what your secret is for the best frozen green beans.
With frozen green bean hacks to make them taste good, you will want to ensure your freezer is stocked with this healthy veggie!