Are you looking for a simple yet delicious side dish that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This Green Bean Instant Pot recipe is your answer. Forget about boiling green beans for what feels like forever; this method delivers perfectly tender-crisp green beans every single time, with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic addition to any weeknight dinner or holiday feast, and a great example of how homemade cooking can be both healthy and quick. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will quickly become a staple in your quick dinner ideas repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Green Beans: Rinse your fresh green beans thoroughly and trim off the ends. No need for fancy cuts; simply snap off the ends.
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Instant Pot Magic: Add the olive oil to the bottom of your Instant Pot. Select the “Sauté” function and let the oil heat up for a minute.
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Season and Steam: Add the trimmed green beans, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) to the Instant Pot. Stir gently to coat the beans with the olive oil and seasoning. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 0 minutes. Yes, you read that right! Zero minutes. This might seem counterintuitive, but the steam generated will perfectly cook the beans. After the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before carefully performing a quick release of any remaining pressure.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid and give the green beans a gentle stir. They should be bright green and perfectly tender-crisp. Serve immediately as a delicious and healthy side dish.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Green Beans:
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Don't Overcook: The beauty of this method lies in its precision. Sticking to the zero-minute cook time is key to achieving tender-crisp green beans. Overcooking will result in mushy beans.
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Fresh is Best: While frozen green beans can be substituted, fresh green beans offer the best flavor and texture.
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Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavor.
Variations:
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Garlic Lovers: Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the Instant Pot along with the olive oil for a more intense garlic flavor.
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Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the cooking process.
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Bacon-Wrapped Delight: For a richer, more decadent side, wrap cooked bacon around the green beans before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories
- Fat: 2-3 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 8-10 grams
- Fiber: 2-3 grams
This Green Bean Instant Pot recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Its speed and simplicity make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, while the delicious flavor makes it suitable for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious and healthy side dish!