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closeup view of white platter containing cooked green beans with pats of butter with salt container and instant pot in background
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Best Instant Pot Green Beans

Need a simple veggie side dish with tender-crisp results? These Instant Pot green beans deliver every time, and steam in under a minute for the perfect texture. Toss them with butter, garlic, and lemon juice for a bright, flavorful finish.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 79kcal
Author Jennifer Draper

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh green beans trimmed
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced or grated
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: lemon zest for serving

Instructions

  • Place steamer basket in Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water
  • Add green beans to steamer basket
  • Lock lid and set Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 0 minutes (or for 1 minute if your Instant Pot does not allow zero)
  • Once cooking cycle ends, carefully perform a quick release of steam pressure
  • Remove steamer basket and drain excess water
  • Transfer green beans to a serving bowl
  • While beans are hot, add butter and garlic, and toss until butter is melted and coats the beans evenly
  • Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice, then toss again
  • Finish with lemon zest if desired and serve immediately

Notes

  • Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For the best texture, serve immediately after cooking.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a bit of butter or oil, or in short bursts in the microwave.
  • This recipe uses a zero-minute cook time, meaning the beans will steam as the Instant Pot comes to pressure (some models may require 1 minute).
  • Use a quick-release to release pressure and prevent the beans from overcooking.
  • This recipe is not intended for pressure canning.

Nutrition

Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 344mg | Potassium: 189mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 763IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg