Copy Cat Recipe - TGI Friday's Green Bean Fries (2024)

FAQs

How do you make frozen green beans not soggy? ›

Add the frozen green beans to the baking sheet in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Place in the oven and roast for 5 minutes. This extra step assists in removing excess water, which will help your green beans get nicely crisp.

To freeze green beans, all you have to do is cut them, then arrange them in a single layer on a pan lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from clumping together as they freeze. Place the pan on a flat surface in your freezer for 1-2 hours, until they feel frozen to the touch.

Technically, you could freeze raw green beans but we don't recommend it. After freezing, the raw beans will be mushy in texture and flavorless. For the best results, don't skip the blanching process when freezing green beans. Dry the beans thoroughly before freezing.

Nearly all of my fresh green bean recipes begin with blanching the beans. If you ask me, everyone should learn this method for how to cook green beans. It's quick and easy, and it yields beans that are vibrant, crisp-tender, and not at all mushy.

It also cleans the vegetables of dirt and helps retain vitamins and minerals, too. If you skip the blanching step and just place your green beans straight into the freezer, you run the risk of your veggies becoming mushy, flavorless and far from their original bright green shade over time.

Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the frozen green beans: Once the water is boiling, add the frozen green beans to the pot. Stir gently to separate any clumps. Cook the green beans: Cook the green beans for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.

Blanching. Your green beans will come out bright and crisp on the other side of freezing. It's just a quick boil then dunk in ice water to prevent overcooking. Science time: The ice bath stops enzyme actions that can cause a loss in flavor, color and texture.

Freeze the green beans: Place the beans in quart-size freezer bags. Fill the bag about 3/4 full so that you can flatten them slightly to stack in the freezer. Squeeze out any excess air as you secure the seal. Label and date each bag, then place them in the freezer for up to 12 months.

While the beans are cooking, fill a large bowl with cold water and ice. As soon as the beans are done cooking, transfer them immediately to the ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright green color. Leave the beans in the bowl of ice water for a few minutes before removing them with tongs.

Green beans can be frozen in their raw state, but consider blanching and shocking them for the best results. Not only does cooking them this way lock in their vibrant green color, but Registered Dietitian and Chef Abbie Gellman says it also eliminates surface microorganisms and dirt, preventing deterioration.

What happens if you freeze green beans without blanching? ›

Blanching green beans before freezing helps them to retain that beautiful green color and crisp texture when you go to enjoy them. Skipping this step might result in your beans having a mushy texture once defrosted.

If the vegetables are not properly blanched, the enzymes will continue their activity even after cooling. This can lead to off taste and texture of the vegetables.

How long do you blanch green beans? Blanch green beans until they are tender-crisp and the bright green color is set. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes as long as your pot of water is at a rapid boil when they go in.

You'll blanch an amount small enough that the water can quickly return to a boil. Once it does, set a timer. Cook the beans for two minutes if small, three if medium and four if large. Remove the beans immediately with the mesh skimmer or slotted spoon and submerge them in the bowl of water and ice.

Then cover your green beans with water, and place a microwave-safe lid on the dish. (No lid? Plastic wrap will work instead.) Set your microwave to high and cook for about 5-6 minutes, until the green beans are bright green and crisp-tender.

How to Store Green Beans. Green beans should be stored unwashed in the crisper drawer of your fridge. If they came in a bag, keep them in the bag when storing. If they came in a small berry box from the market, transfer them to a reusable storage or plastic bag before storing them in the fridge.

Place soaked beans in a large pot; cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently until beans are tender but firm. Most beans will cook in 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the variety.