Perfect French Cut Green Beans Every Single Time (Easy!)
Want to make restaurant-quality french cut green beans at home? This easy recipe shows you exactly how to cook tender, buttery beans that are perfectly seasoned. In just 12 minutes, you’ll have a side dish that looks fancy but couldn’t be simpler.
What Are French Cut Green Beans?
French cut green beans (also called haricots verts) are slim, tender beans that taste sweeter and more delicate than regular varieties. When shopping, look for:
- Thin, uniform beans about the width of a pencil
- Bright green color with no brown spots
- Firm texture with pointed tips
- Fresh, crisp snap when bent
Most grocery stores sell them in the produce section, either loose or pre-packaged.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This method for cooking french cut green beans gives you perfect results every time:
Quick blanching keeps the beans bright green and tender-crisp
Garlic butter coating makes them taste like they’re from a fancy restaurant
Simple ingredients – you probably have everything right now
Works for any occasion – serve on weeknights or holidays
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh french cut green beans, ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for blanching water)
- 4 cups ice water (optional)
For the butter sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds (optional)
How to Cook Perfect French Cut Green Beans
Step 1: Blanch the Beans (5 minutes)
The secret to perfect results starts with proper blanching.
Fill a large pot with 6 cups water and add 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Add the beans to the boiling water. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring once or twice.
They’re done when bright green and tender but still crisp. Test one – it should pierce easily with a fork but still have a little snap.
Drain immediately in a colander.
Pro tip: For the brightest color, plunge into ice water for 30 seconds after draining, then drain again and pat dry completely.
Step 2: Sauté in Garlic Butter (3 minutes)
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
Once melted, add minced garlic. Cook for 45-60 seconds until fragrant – don’t let it brown.
Add your blanched beans to the skillet. Toss in the garlic butter for 2-3 minutes until well coated and heated through.
Step 3: Season and Serve (1 minute)
Remove from heat.
Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine.
Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted almonds if desired.
Serve hot or warm.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
Choose fresh beans: The fresher they are, the better they’ll taste. Look for firm, vibrant beans at the store.
Don’t overcook: Overcooked beans turn mushy and olive-colored. Keep them bright green and crisp.
Salt the water generously: This is how you season from the inside out. The water should taste like the sea.
Dry them well: Wet beans won’t caramelize properly in the butter. Pat dry after blanching.
Use real butter: When making french cut green beans, butter quality matters. Use European-style for the richest flavor.
Time it right: Cook these last so they’re hot when served.
Common Questions
What’s the difference between french cut green beans and regular beans?
They’re thinner, more tender, and sweeter than regular varieties. They’re also younger, harvested earlier for that delicate texture.
Can I use frozen beans?
Fresh works best for this recipe, but frozen can work in a pinch. Skip the blanching step – just thaw and pat dry, then sauté directly in butter.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Blanch up to 2 days ahead. Keep blanched beans in the fridge, then just sauté in butter when ready to serve.
Why are my beans turning brown?
They turn brown if overcooked or if the pan is too hot. Cook over medium heat and watch the color carefully.
Do I have to trim them?
Yes, trim the stem end before cooking. Some people leave the pointed tips on for a prettier presentation.
Ways to Customize This Recipe
Once you master the basic technique, try these variations:
Bacon version: Add crispy bacon crumbles on top
Parmesan style: Toss with grated parmesan cheese
Asian-inspired: Use sesame oil and soy sauce instead of butter
Herbed: Add fresh thyme or tarragon to the butter
Spicy: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving
What to Serve With French Cut Green Beans
These pair perfectly with:
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Grilled steak or beef tenderloin
- Baked salmon or pan-seared fish
- Honey glazed ham
- Pork chops or pork tenderloin
- Lamb chops
They’re elegant enough for holiday dinners but easy enough for weeknight meals.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (recipe serves 4):
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin K: 25% daily value
- Vitamin C: 15% daily value
Why This Method Works
The blanching technique is what makes french cut green beans restaurant-quality:
Boiling first cooks them quickly and evenly without needing lots of oil
Ice bath (optional) stops the cooking process and locks in that vibrant green color
Quick sauté adds flavor without overcooking
Minimal seasoning lets the natural sweetness shine through
This two-step process is what French chefs use to get that perfect tender-crisp texture.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Planning a dinner party? Here’s how to prep ahead:
2 days before: Trim and blanch the beans. Store in the fridge in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
1 hour before serving: Bring beans to room temperature.
Just before serving: Sauté in garlic butter and season.
This way you’re not stressed right before dinner, and the beans still taste freshly made.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a touch of butter. The microwave works but may make them soggy.
Freezing: Not recommended – they’ll lose their crisp texture and bright color.
This recipe for french cut green beans is the easiest way to make a restaurant-quality side dish at home. The key is quick cooking and simple seasonings that let the natural flavor shine.
Whether you’re serving for a holiday dinner or a Tuesday night meal, this recipe delivers crispy, buttery beans that everyone will love. Master this technique and you’ll make them again and again!
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