Tired of boring, bland green beans? Say hello to your new favorite side dish! This Instant Pot recipe transforms simple frozen green beans into a buttery, garlicky delight in under 20 minutes. The pressure cooker infuses every bite with the savory flavors of onion and chicken broth, creating a perfectly tender side that tastes like it simmered for hours. It’s the ultimate ‘set it and forget it’ solution for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, and everything in between.
Ingredients
• 1 pound / 450g frozen green beans
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1-2 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon / 15g butter
• 1 cup / 240ml homemade or low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Sauté Aromatics: Select the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot. Once hot, melt the butter, then add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Deglaze and Combine: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Turn off the “Sauté” function. Add the frozen green beans, salt, and pepper, and stir everything to combine.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to the “Sealing” position. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and cook on “High Pressure” for 2 minutes for tender-crisp beans.
5. Release and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a “Quick Release” by moving the valve to the “Venting” position. Once the pin drops, remove the lid, stir, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving: Calories 78 | Total Fat 3.4g | Net Carbs 2.55g | Protein 3.5g | Fiber 4.3g
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Green Beans
• For a richer flavor, add a few slices of chopped bacon or pancetta and cook it with the onions until crisp before adding the other .
• If using fresh green beans, trim them and keep the cooking time the same (2 minutes) for a perfect tender-crisp texture.
• Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a delightful crunch.
• The 2-minute cook time is crucial for tender-crisp beans. For much softer beans, you can cook for 3 minutes, but avoid going longer to prevent them from becoming mushy.
FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh green beans for this recipe
A: Yes, you can use fresh green beans. Trim them first and keep the high-pressure cooking time the same at 2 minutes for a perfect tender-crisp texture.
Q: How do I make the green beans softer
A: For softer green beans, increase the pressure cooking time to 3 minutes. Avoid cooking longer than this to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Q: What can I add for more flavor
A: To enhance the flavor, try adding chopped bacon or pancetta with the onions. You can also finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds before serving.
Q: How long does it take to cook green beans in an Instant Pot
A: The actual pressure cooking time is only 2 minutes for tender-crisp beans. The entire recipe, including sautéing the aromatics, takes under 20 minutes from start to finish.
