The recommended time to blanch green beans is typically between 2 to 5 minutes in boiling salted water, depending on the size of the beans and the desired tenderness. More specifically:
- For small to medium green beans, blanch for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are crisp-tender and bright green.
- For larger green beans, blanch for around 4 minutes.
- Some sources suggest a range of 3 to 5 minutes to achieve a tender-crisp texture.
- Immediately after blanching, transfer the beans to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their color.
In summary, blanch green beans for about 2 to 5 minutes in boiling water, then cool them in ice water.