Canned green beans can be a quick and easy side dish, but their flavor often leaves something to be desired. While fresh green beans have a sweet, grassy flavor, canned beans can taste waterlogged and metallic. However, with a few simple tricks, you can elevate the flavor of canned green beans and make them taste fresher. Here are some tips for enhancing the flavor of canned green beans.
Drain and rinse the beans
The first step to improving the taste of canned green beans is to drain and rinse them. Pour the beans into a colander and rinse under cool running water. This will wash away some of the salty, metallic tasting canning liquid. Give them a good shake to remove as much excess moisture as possible.
Sauté the beans
One of the best ways to improve the flavor of canned beans is to sauté them. The high heat helps drive off some of the metallic taste from the canning process. To sauté, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the drained green beans. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beans are heated through and start to brown slightly. They will develop a fresh, nutty flavor from the sautéing.
Roast the beans
Roasting is another great way to enhance the flavor of canned green beans. The dry heat concentrates their flavor and caramelizes their natural sugars. To roast, preheat oven to 425°F. Spread rinsed and dried green beans on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Roast for 10-15 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until browned and crispy on the edges.
Add fresh herbs and spices
Fresh herbs and spices can give canned beans a flavor boost. Try adding any of these 5 minutes before the beans are done cooking:
- Minced garlic
- Chopped fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon zest
- Crushed fennel or cumin seeds
The fresh herbs will give brightness, while the spices add warmth and dimension.
Toss with lemon juice
Bright, acidic lemon juice can help freshen up the flavor of canned beans. After draining and rinsing the beans, toss them with 1-2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. The acidity helps balance the metallic taste.
Make a quick compound butter
Compound butter is a flavored butter that can be tossed with cooked green beans. Make compound butter by mixing softened butter with any of these ingredients:
- Minced garlic
- Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, thyme
- Lemon zest
- Parmesan cheese
- Spices like paprika, cumin, curry powder
Just melt a tablespoon or two over hot drained green beans right before serving.
Toss with olive oil and vinegar
A quick olive oil and vinegar dressing can liven up canned green beans. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar, minced shallot or garlic, and fresh herbs. Toss with hot drained green beans for an easy vinaigrette-dressed side.
Make a green bean salad
For a fresh take on canned beans, turn them into a room temperature salad. Drain and rinse the beans, then toss with any of these ingredients:
- Diced red onion or shallot
- Diced bell pepper
- Halved cherry tomatoes
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Chopped fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley
- Olives
- Citrus zest
Whisk together a dressing of olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and seasonings and drizzle over the top.
Smear with pesto
Pesto is a great way to add bold flavor to canned beans. Stir a few tablespoons of store-bought or homemade pesto into hot drained green beans. The basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan give them a flavor punch.
Top with crunchy breadcrumbs
Buttery, toasted breadcrumbs can provide a nice textural contrast to soft canned beans. Melt 1-2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crunchy, 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle over beans before serving.
Bake into a gratin
For a hearty side dish, turn canned green beans into a cheesy gratin. Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a baking dish and spread drained green beans in an even layer. Top with a sprinkling of shredded cheese like cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan. Combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon minced thyme. Pour the cream mixture over the beans and top with panko breadcrumbs and extra cheese. Bake until golden on top, 25-30 minutes.
Add to a soup or stew
Stir canned green beans into soups or stews for an easy addition of vegetables. They work well in tomato-based soups, vegetable beef stew, or minestrone. Add them in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking so they retain some texture.
Make green bean casserole
For a comforting classic, try green bean casserole. Simply combine drained canned beans, cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, and seasonings. Top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs and bake until hot and bubbly.
Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
Bacon makes everything better! Wrap drained canned green beans in bacon and bake or broil until the bacon is crisp. The saltiness of the bacon balances the metallic taste.
Add to fried rice
Stirring canned green beans into fried rice is an easy way to get a vegetable serving. Simply add the drained and rinsed beans in the last few minutes of cooking so they heat through.
Turn into green bean fritters
For an appetizer or side dish, turn canned beans into fritters. Pulse drained beans in a food processor until broken down but not totally smooth. Combine with egg, flour, and herbs, then shape into patties and pan fry until golden brown.
Make green bean pickle salad
A vinegar-based dressing can make a flavorful pickle-inspired green bean salad. Combine drained and rinsed beans, thinly sliced onion, and chopped fresh dill. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a bit of sugar. Pour over beans and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving for maximum flavor.
Summary
With a few easy tricks, canned green beans can be transformed from dull to delicious. Draining and rinsing is the first step to remove excess sodium and metallic flavors. Then herbs, spices, oils, dressings, breadcrumbs, or high heat techniques like sautéing, roasting or grilling can all boost flavor. Canned beans work well in composed salads, pastas, soups and stews. Even just a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan can help perk up the taste. Don’t let uninspired canned beans deter you – they can make a quick, budget-friendly side dish with a little flavor boost.