If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, vibrant side dish that’ll jazz up your dinner table in no time, look no further! This Instant Pot Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds Recipe is a total game-changer, delivering crisp-tender green beans tossed in savory garlic and the delightful crunch of almonds. It’s an easy, flavorful way to upgrade your veggies with minimal fuss.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Speedy and effortless: Using the Instant Pot makes cooking these green beans practically hands-off and super quick.
Perfectly tender, never mushy: The steaming technique locks in bright color and fresh texture.
Rich garlic flavor: The sautéed garlic and onions infuse the beans with warm, savory depth.
Crispy crunch from almonds: Adding crushed almonds gives a satisfying contrast, making every bite interesting and tasty.

The image shows a white, oval plate with a lacy edge holding a pile of cooked green beans arranged loosely. The green beans are long and slender, topped with a layer of crushed nuts and some crushed red pepper flakes, adding a mix of light brown, orange, and beige colors on top. A wooden spoon rests on the left side of the plate over the beans. To the right of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with more crushed nuts. The whole setup sits on a white marbled surface with a fringed gray cloth partially under the plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds, healthy green bean side dish, quick vegetable recipes, easy garlic green beans, flavorful green bean side dish

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. A handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients come together to create a dish that’s wholesome, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Each element has its role—garlic and onions add aromatic richness, olive oil brings smoothness, and almonds introduce a toasty crunch that rounds it all out.

Flat lay of fresh green beans neatly trimmed and arranged alongside a small mound of minced yellow onion and a single peeled garlic clove, with a scattering of crushed almonds delicately placed nearby, and a small glass jug of golden olive oil and a clear cup of light vegetable broth, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds, healthy green bean side dish, quick vegetable recipes, easy garlic green beans, flavorful green bean side dish

Green beans: Fresh and crisp, trimming the ends preps them perfectly for steaming and ensures an appealing texture.
Garlic and yellow onion: These build a fragrant foundation that infuses the beans with savory goodness.
Olive oil: A drizzle for richness, helping the garlic and onions brown nicely without overpowering the beans.
Vegetable broth or water: Using broth amps up the flavor subtly; water works just fine if you want to keep it simple.
Crushed almonds: Toasted or raw, they add that irresistible crunch and nutty flavor that complements the veggies beautifully.
Salt: Essential for bringing out flavors and seasoning the garlic onion mixture just right.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Instant Pot Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming your olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic with a pinch of salt and let it cook gently for another couple of minutes until fragrant. This step unlocks the mellow, sweet-savory flavors that will infuse the green beans later on.

Step 2: Prep the Green Beans

While the aromatics are cooking, wash those green beans thoroughly and trim off the ends. This simple prep ensures your beans will have the best texture and look beautiful on the plate. Fresh, trimmed green beans steam up nicely, staying tender-crisp instead of soggy.

Step 3: Steam in the Instant Pot

Pour 1 cup of vegetable broth (or water if you prefer) into the Instant Pot’s inner pot if it’s a 6-quart model, or 1 ½ cups for an 8-quart pot. Place a steamer basket inside and add the green beans on top, then seal the lid and make sure the venting knob is set to “sealed.” Set the pressure cook time to 0 minutes for crisper beans, or 1 minute for softer ones—this precision steaming is what makes this Instant Pot Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds Recipe so foolproof and quick.

Step 4: Quick Release and Combine

Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by switching the venting knob to “venting,” and watch out for the steam. This immediate release keeps your beans from overcooking. Carefully remove the green beans from the basket, then toss them with the luscious garlic and onion mixture you prepared earlier. Finish by sprinkling crushed almonds on top for that signature crunch and nutty finish.

How to Serve Instant Pot Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds Recipe

The dish shows a white plate full of cooked green beans, arranged in a light pile with their long, slender shapes laying mostly flat but some overlapping. The green beans are a soft, olive green color with a slightly shiny texture. On top, there is a layer of small, crushed nuts and red chili flakes sprinkled unevenly, adding a crumbly and rough texture with light beige, brown, and dark red colors. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Instant Pot Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds, healthy green bean side dish, quick vegetable recipes, easy garlic green beans, flavorful green bean side dish

Garnishes

Beyond the toasted almonds, you can elevate this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of lemon zest to brighten the flavors. A light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a silky sheen that makes it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This green bean dish pairs wonderfully alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty quinoa salad. Its fresh and nutty notes balance rich main courses beautifully while adding a satisfying crunch to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the green beans in a neat pile on a platter, then scatter the almonds artistically on top for a rustic yet elegant look. Alternatively, serve in individual bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for an interactive touch, inviting guests to add a little zing if they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the almonds crunchy, it’s best to add them fresh when reheating rather than mixing them in ahead of time.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Place cooled green beans in a freezer-safe container or bag without the almonds, which don’t freeze as well. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for about 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add the crushed almonds fresh on top after reheating to maintain their crunch and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen green beans work well too. Adjust the pressure cooking time to 1-2 minutes to ensure they steam evenly without becoming mushy.
Why is quick release important in this recipe?

Quick release stops the cooking process immediately, preventing the green beans from overcooking and losing their bright color and firm texture.
Can I substitute almonds with other nuts?

Yes! Toasted pecans or walnuts can be delicious alternatives, adding their own unique flavor and crunch.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! The recipe as is uses vegetable broth, olive oil, and nuts, so it’s naturally vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a simple veggie dish done right, and this Instant Pot Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant—just the kind of recipe to keep in your weeknight arsenal or serve when you want to impress without the stress. Give it a shot and savor every crunchy, garlicky bite!

Instant Pot Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 51 reviews

Author: Susan
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Instant Pot Green Beans recipe delivers perfectly cooked green beans with a flavorful garlic and onion sauté, enhanced by a savory vegetable broth and finished with a crunchy crushed almond garnish. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish offers a crisp or tender texture depending on your preference, making it a versatile and healthy side dish suitable for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauté Base

1 clove garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt

Green Beans and Broth

1 pound green beans, washed and trimmed
1–1 ½ cups vegetable broth or water (1 cup for 6-quart Instant Pot, 1 ½ cups for 8-quart)

Garnish

Crushed almonds for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the sauté base: In a frying pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and salt, cooking for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the green beans: Wash and trim the ends of the green beans for best texture and presentation.
Add liquid to Instant Pot: Pour the vegetable broth or water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot — use 1 cup for the 6-quart model or 1 ½ cups for the 8-quart model.
Set up for steaming: Place a steamer basket inside the inner pot, then add the prepared green beans into the basket.
Pressure cook: Secure the lid, ensure the venting knob is sealed. For crisper beans, set the high-pressure cooking time to 0 minutes; for softer beans, set it to 1 minute. Start the cooking process.
Release pressure: When cooking completes, perform a quick release by carefully switching the venting knob to the venting position, watching out for steam. Quick release is critical to avoid overcooking.
Finish and serve: Remove the green beans from the Instant Pot, stir in the prepared onion and garlic mixture to evenly coat the beans. Garnish with crushed almonds before serving.

Notes

Quick release of pressure is essential to prevent overcooking the green beans.
Using a steamer basket helps maintain firmer beans that hold their shape well.
Start with the shortest cooking time (0 or 1 minute) and adjust in future attempts, as you can always add cooking time but cannot reduce it afterwards.
Vegetable broth adds depth of flavor without added fat or salt.
Trimming the ends of the green beans improves texture and presentation.