veRunner beans are a delicious variety of green beans that grow rapidly on climbing vines. When harvested young and tender, they make for an excellent addition to any meal when properly prepared. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook runner beans in 5 different ways.

1. How To Cook Runner Beans on Stove

1.1. How To Boil Runner Beans

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh runner beans, washed and ends trimmed
  • 1 quart water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Butter or olive oil (optional)

Instructions

Fill a large pot with the quart of water and add the salt. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat.

Add the runner beans to the boiling water and cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Avoid overcooking.

Drain beans well in a colander and serve immediately with a small knob of butter or drizzle of olive oil if desired.

1.2. How To Steam Runner Beans

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh runner beans, washed, ends trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare a steamer basket and place in a large pot filled with a couple inches of water. Cover and bring water to a boil over high heat.

Add the runner beans to the steamer basket, along with 2 tablespoons of water or broth. Leave whole or cut beans in half if very large for more even cooking.

Steam the beans, covered, for 4-6 minutes until bright green and just tender but still crisp. Be careful not to overcook.  You can test doneness with a fork after 4 minutes of steaming.

Transfer beans immediately to serving dish and toss with olive oil/butter and salt + pepper as desired. Serve hot.

1.3. How To Sautee Runner Beans

Ingredients

  • 1 lb runner beans, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.

Next, add shallots and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then add runner beans and water. Reduce heat to medium.

Cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until beans are crisp-tender.

Stir in lemon juice and remove pan from heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer beans to serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

2. How To Cook Runner Beans in Microwave

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh runner beans, washed, ends trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Place runner beans in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tablespoons water.

Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap, leaving a small vent opening at one corner.

Microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes, until beans are bright green and fork-tender but still crisp.

Carefully remove dish from microwave using oven mitts. Drain any excess water.

Toss beans with butter or olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer to serving bowl or plates and serve immediately.

3. How To Cook Runner Beans in Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh runner beans, washed, ends trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan

Instructions

Toss runner beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until evenly coated. For extra flavor, sprinkle beans with grated Parmesan

Arrange beans in a single layer in air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if needed.

Air fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until tender crisp.

Transfer air fried beans to a serving bowl immediately. Toss with lemon juice.

Serve beans as a healthy side dish alongside fish, chicken breast or steak.

Now, you know how to cook runner beans properly at home. Just follow these simple guides in this article. Your runner bean dishes pop with fresh flavor, vibrant color, and satisfying crunch.

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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