Whether you are looking for a tasty and easy side for Thanksgiving or Christmas or something for a weeknight meal, you are going to love these Instant Pot Fresh Green Beans. Thanks to the magic of butter and garlic, it only takes a few ingredients and your trusty Instant Pot to turn an ordinary veggie into something special.
Today, we're diving into the vibrant world of veggies with a staple side dish that should be in every home cook's repertoire - green beans.
But we're not just talking about any green beans; we're talking about perfectly tender-crisp, nutrient-packed Instant Pot Green Beans.
This marvel of modern kitchen technology is about to make your green bean game stronger than ever.
Imagine serving up a side of green beans so full of flavor and just the right texture that even the pickiest eaters at your table will be asking for seconds. With the Instant Pot, this isn't just a dream but a quick and easy reality.
The pressure cooking function locks in nutrients and allows for precise control over cooking time, ensuring your green beans come out beautifully every time.
So, grab your apron, and let's get started on this journey toward learning to cook green beans in the Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- Green Beans: You will want to use fresh green beans in the instant pot. Frozen ones will be too moist, and canned beans are already too soft to cook under pressure.
- Oil: I used olive oil, but any cooking oil will work.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright pop of flavor and acidity to this Instant Pot green beans recipe.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust the seasonings to taste.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic to brown slightly when cooking. Oil or margarine can be substituted for a vegan option.
- Garlic: Adds depth of flavor to the green beans.
- Lemon Pepper: This is a blend of black pepper and lemon zest found in the grocery store with the other seasonings; it adds a citrus kick to the Instant Pot string beans. You can substitute regular black pepper if necessary.
Tips, Tricks & Variations
- Look for fresh-looking green beans that are brightly colored. Thinner green beans are usually more tender than larger ones - look for ones that are no more than medium thickness for perfect Instant Pot steamed green beans every time!
- The best way to store uncooked green beans is in a loosely sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator.
- Add sliced almonds, walnuts, or toasted hazelnuts on top for a crunchy finish to your Instant Pot fresh green beans. Or consider topping with cooked and crumbled bacon or parmesan cheese.
- Finely mince a small onion and add it to your instapot fresh green beans with the garlic.
Serving Suggestions
- Picanha Roast
- Ninja Foodi Grill Turkey or Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Oven Roasted Tri Tip
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a Steamer Basket? Or can I steam directly in the Instant Pot steel insert?
You can steam the green beans directly in the steel insert, but using a steamer basket will allow for better heat circulation and prevent the green beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
For this reason, I recommend using the steamer basket to steam green beans in the instant pot.
However, if you don't have a steamer basket, it's not necessary to go out and buy one specifically for this recipe.
You could use a trivet or skip it altogether and simply cook the pressure cooker green beans in the insert.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Frozen green beans will be too moist and may turn out mushy when cooked under pressure. Fresh work best for this recipe.
How long do you pressure cook green beans?
For this recipe, we pressure cook the green beans for 0 minutes.
This means that they will cook as the Instant Pot comes up to pressure and then immediately release the pressure (known as a "zero minute" or "quick release").
This ensures that the green beans are cooked just enough to be tender, but still retain their bright color and crisp texture.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop or in the oven?
Yes, you can also cook green beans on the stovetop or in the oven. To cook them on the stovetop, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the prepared green beans.
Cook for 3-5 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness, then drain and toss with the butter and garlic mixture.
To cook in the oven, spread the prepared green beans on a baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, until tender.
Toss with the butter and garlic mixture before serving.
Tools Needed to Make
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Storage
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
How to Cook Fresh Green Beans in the Instant Pot
The first step to making fresh green beans in the Instant Pot is to rinse and trim the green beans.
To do this, fill a large bowl with cold water and swish the green beans to remove any dirt or debris. Trim off the stem end of each bean and discard.
Next, drain the water, rinse the bowl, and place the trimmed green beans back into it. Toss them with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the inner pot. You could use vegetable or chicken broth if you prefer.
Place the green beans in a steamer basket, and place it inside your Instant Pot. Close the lid and make sure it's set to sealing mode.
Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 0 minutes. When it reaches pressure, hit cancel and vent for a natural pressure release.
Carefully remove the steamer basket and discard the water from the pot.
Return the inner pot to the Instant Pot, and set it to high saute mode. Add in your butter and minced garlic, cooking until lightly browned.
Add the green beans back into the pot, tossing them with the garlic butter.
Sprinkle with lemon pepper and cook for another minute. Enjoy!
More Instant Pot Recipes to Try
- For a delicious weeknight meal that will have the family thinking you spent hours in the kitchen, give this Instant Pot French Onion Chicken a try!
- Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks are loved by kids and adults alike!
- Delicious sides don’t get any better than this Instant Pot Potato Salad.
- Your family will ask for Instant Pot Chili Mac again and again.
20-Minute Instant Pot Fresh Green Beans
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
For Cooking
- 1 pound fresh green beans ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
For Finishing
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
Instructions
- Rinse and trim your green beans. Place them in a large bowl and toss them with the olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- Place in the steamer basket for your Instant Pot.
- Place 1 cup of water in the bottom of your Instant Pot and place the basket on top of the water.
- Close the lid and set it to sealing. Select manual high pressure, and set the timer to 0 minutes.
- When the Instant Pot reaches pressure, hit cancel and naturally release the pressure.
- Carefully remove the steamer basket and the inner basket.
- Discard the water and return the inner pot to the Instant Pot.
- Select high saute, and add the butter to the pot.
- When the butter is melted, add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Return the green beans and toss well. Sprinkle with the lemon pepper and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Kathy
This side dish looks tasty. Always looking for veggies that have flavor. Trying tonight!