Vegetable, Legume | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Green Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris Allergen-Free
green beans

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Fabaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Summer-Early Fall
  • Source Green Bean Plant

The Forktionary Angle

"Despite their common name, some green bean varieties are "stringless," a result of modern breeding that enhanced their palatability and ease of preparation."

Definition

Long, slender pods containing small seeds, harvested unripe and eaten whole as a popular crisp and flavorful vegetable.

Sensory Profile

TasteFresh, Grassy, Mildly Sweet
TextureTender-Crisp, Crunchy
AromaEarthy, Green, Vegetal
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Consumption

Widespread in most cuisines

Key Micronutrient

Rich in Vitamin K and Folate

Storage Life (Refrigerated)

5-7 days

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g (1 cup chopped)
Calories35 kcal
Total Fat0.3 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.9 g
Total Carbohydrate7.9 g
Dietary Fiber3.4 g
Total Sugars3.3 g
Calcium54 mg
Iron1.0 mg
Potassium210 mg

Chef’s Secret

For vibrant green beans, cook them quickly (blanching or steaming) until just tender-crisp, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking and set the color.

Substitutions

Best Match

Wax Beans

1:1

Visually different but identical in texture and flavor profile, cooks the same.

Haricots Verts

1:1

French green beans, thinner and more tender, but otherwise a perfect match.

Asparagus

1:1

Different flavor but similar elegant, tender-crisp texture and presentation as a side.

Sugar Snap Peas

1:1

Sweeter and slightly crunchier, excellent fresh or lightly cooked.

Buying Guide

Choose firm, bright green pods that snap easily. Avoid limp or discolored beans. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Flavor Pairings

Garlic Bacon Lemon Almonds Butter Mushrooms Tomatoes Soy Sauce

Recipes Using Green Beans

Stove Top Taste Mood Preparation Vegetarian

Some Like It Hot

Ignite your taste buds with this fiery Indonesian-inspired tempeh stir-fry! Packed with vibrant vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and aromatic spices, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. Skip the chili peppers and sambal for a milder version, but be warned – even without them, it's still a flavor explosion! Serve with fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Side Dishes Time To Make Lactose Main Ingredient

From The Field Green Beans Fresh Herbs And Walnuts

A vibrant and flavorful green bean recipe inspired by a cooking class in Morton, Illinois! This dish features perfectly caramelized onions, tender green beans, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic fresh herbs. A simple yet elegant side dish or light vegetarian meal, ready in under an hour.

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60 Minutes Or Less Dietary Low Sodium Vegetables

1 2 3 Chicken Supper

Quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful! This 1 2 3 Chicken Supper recipe is ready in under 35 minutes and features juicy chicken perfectly complemented by crisp-tender vegetables. Serve over crunchy chow mein noodles for an irresistible crunch!

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Course Beans Technique 15 Minutes Or Less

4 Bean Salad

Whip up this incredibly fast and flavorful 4 Bean Salad in just 5-10 minutes! A deli favorite, this easy recipe boasts a vibrant mix of beans, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing. Perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or potluck contribution – it's guaranteed to disappear quickly!

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Stews 3 Steps Or Less Easy Stews

5 Hour Beef Stew

Indulge in this hearty and flavorful 5-Hour Nebraska Beef Stew, a treasured recipe from KFOR 1240 AM's "Problems & Solutions" cookbook! This slow-cooked masterpiece, perfect for chilly evenings, boasts tender beef simmered to perfection with an array of vegetables. Originally shared through a cookbook swap, this recipe is a true testament to heartwarming home cooking. Get ready for a rich and satisfying meal that will become a family favorite.

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Main Dish Stews Course Beans

African Peanut Stew

This hearty and flavorful African Peanut Stew recipe is a labor of love, inspired by a Rochester, NY restaurant! Years in the making, this recipe delivers a rich, nutty stew perfect for a cozy night in. Serve with crusty bread for dipping or add brown rice directly to the stew for extra heartiness. Get ready for a taste of Rochester!

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Beef Cuisine Main Dish Healthy 2

Arabic Green Beans With Beef

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this aromatic Arabic Green Beans with Beef recipe! Tender beef slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with crisp green beans, fragrant allspice, and a hint of spice. Easily customizable to your preferred spice level – add garlic or red pepper flakes for extra heat! This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains

Arroz Con Calabacin Rice With Zucchini

A vibrant and flavorful Spanish rice dish, Arroz con Calabacín, featuring tender zucchini and fragrant rice. Perfect as a light main course for 4 or a satisfying side dish for 6. This recipe, inspired by the foods and wines of Spain, is easy to follow and delivers a delicious taste of the Mediterranean. Updated with improved instructions for optimal results!

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Lettuces Savory Greens Vegetables

Asian Pork Patties

Spice up your dinner party with Rodney Dunn's sensational Asian Pork Patties, originally featured in the March 2001 issue of Australian Good Taste magazine! These flavorful patties are perfect as a delicious appetizer or light meal. Customize the heat – add chilies for a fiery kick or omit them for a milder dish. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Time To Make Easy Healthy 2 Vegetables

Aunt Gin's Vegetable Soup Crock Pot

A heartwarming family recipe passed down through generations! This slow-cooked beef vegetable soup, originally made in a pressure cooker, has been adapted for the crock-pot for ultimate convenience. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a hint of sweetness create a rich and flavorful broth that even the pickiest eaters will love. Perfect for a chilly evening, served with a side of homemade whole-wheat bread (recipe #94990). This recipe uses readily available ingredients and is easily customizable to your taste preferences.

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Low Carb Dietary Southern United States Main Ingredient

Aunt Martha's Green Beans

A taste of the Deep South! This recipe, passed down from Aunt Martha in Huntsville, Alabama, features tender green beans simmered in a rich and savory broth. Sweet, salty, and perfectly seasoned, these green beans are a delicious side dish for any occasion. Get ready for a burst of flavor that will transport you straight to a Southern kitchen!

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Meat Preparation Holiday Event Course

Bacon Smothered Green Beans

Crispy bacon and a rich, savory sauce elevate simple green beans to a gourmet side dish. This 30-minute recipe is surprisingly easy and perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavor explosion!

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Occasion Main Dish Preparation Fish

Baked Cod With Vegetables Prosciutto And Pine Nuts

This stunningly simple yet elegant baked cod recipe, inspired by Jamie Oliver, is ready in under 30 minutes! Crispy prosciutto, fragrant pine nuts, and perfectly roasted vegetables create a flavor explosion that will impress your family and friends. A healthy and delicious weeknight meal!

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Asparagus Technique

Balsamic Tofu Vegetable Medley

Celebrate spring with this vibrant and healthy Balsamic Tofu Vegetable Medley! Inspired by a 2008 Clean Eating Magazine recipe, this dish is bursting with fresh flavors. Enjoy tender tofu, crisp-tender asparagus, and sweet mango, all tossed in a tangy balsamic-teriyaki glaze. A quick and easy weeknight meal, perfect for vegetarians and healthy eaters alike.

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Occasion Equipment Preparation Meat

Beef Garlic Scapes Stir Fry

Experience the vibrant taste of authentic Chinese cuisine with this Beef Garlic Scapes Stir-Fry! Garlic scapes, also known as garlic greens, add a unique garlicky and slightly sweet flavor. If you can't find garlic scapes, easily substitute with green onions or green beans for a delicious twist. This quick and easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds!

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Eggs Dairy Kid Friendly Vegetables Cuisine

Beef N Green Bean Pie

This family-favorite one-dish wonder is quick, easy, and kid-approved! A savory beef and green bean filling is nestled in a flaky crescent roll crust and topped with melted cheese. This recipe, adapted from a Taste of Home classic, uses everyday ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will crave. Even better than the original – trust us!

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Comfort Food Meat Main Dish Main Ingredient

Beef And Barley Vegetable Soup

This comforting Beef and Barley Vegetable Soup recipe is a family favorite, passed down and perfected! We've tweaked it to be lower in sodium without sacrificing flavor – perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal. Enjoy the rich broth, tender beef, and wholesome vegetables in this satisfying and healthy soup. Easily adaptable for slow cookers!

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Kid Friendly Main Ingredient Preparation Heirloom Historical

Beef Barley Veggy Soup Crock Pot

Warm up with this hearty and delicious Beef Barley Veggie Soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot! Bursting with tender beef, barley, and colorful vegetables, this comforting soup is a complete meal in itself. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying experience. Freezes beautifully for easy weeknight meals.

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