Indulge in Flavor: 5 BEST Substitutes for Green Beans

Green beans missing in action from your pantry? No sweat! We got you.

Swapping ingredients can actually kick your meals up a notch. Who’d have thunk, right?

See, sometimes the thing you thought was irreplaceable… isn’t.

And that’s pretty awesome news because it opens up a world of new flavors and textures just waiting to jazz up your dishes.

From snapping fresh asparagus to crunchy snow peas, we’re here to guide you through some top-notch alternatives that’ll save dinner – and maybe even make it better.

Ready to roll with us on this food swap adventure?

Trust us, your plate is about to get a whole lot more exciting.

What are Green Beans?

Green beans are a part of the legume family.

They grow in long, green pods and can be harvested when still very small and tender.

Once harvested, they must be cooked quickly or preserved if not used immediately.

Green beans can be eaten raw or cooked and seasoned with salt and pepper or other spices like cumin and paprika.

In some areas, green beans are known as French beans.

Cooking methods include steaming, baking, boiling, and frying.

Green beans are a staple in many cuisines, including French, Italian, and Chinese cooking.

Green beans can be bought fresh or frozen at most grocery stores.

They are also available canned but keep in mind these may contain added salt or other preservatives.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Green Beans

Here’s a detailed comparison of the 5 best substitutes for green beans, along with their key characteristics and proper ratios:

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Wax Beans	Wax beans are similar in shape, texture, and color to green beans. They have a mild flavor and a tender-crisp bite.	Use an equal amount of wax beans as you would with green beans.
Lentils	Lentils are a versatile legume that can be used as a substitute for green beans in certain dishes.	Cook lentils separately and add them to the recipe in place of green beans.
Frozen Green Beans	Frozen green beans are a convenient substitute when fresh green beans are unavailable. They retain their texture.	Use an equal amount of frozen green beans as you would with fresh green beans.
Split Peas	Split peas can be used as an alternative to green beans in soups and stews. They provide a soft texture and have an earthy flavor.	Cook split peas separately and add them to the recipe in place of green beans.
Baby Lima Beans	Baby lima beans have a similar taste and texture to green beans. They offer a slightly buttery flavor.	Use an equal amount of baby lima beans as you would with green beans.

Now let’s delve into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Wax Beans

Wax beans may be another option for your green bean cravings.

The wax bean or ‘Bundled Pole Bean’ isn’t a type of string bean; it’s much more delicate and fragile.

It has thin, waxy skin and is much smaller than traditional green beans.

They are available fresh year-round but peak from June to September.

Unfortunately, wax beans are not very popular in the United States and may be hard to find even at a local grocery store.

However, they can be purchased online or from specialty food stores.

Wax beans have a mild flavor similar to green beans and a crisp texture when cooked properly.

They’re delicious and can be enjoyed raw as a healthy snack.

2 – Lentils

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, lentils may be the option for you.

Lentils are also an excellent source of protein for those who eat meat.

In some areas, lentil soup is considered a delicacy, and some areas even celebrate it with harvest festivals.

Lentils can be combined with couscous, rice, barley, and bulgur wheat to make a delicious dish.

In terms of flavor, lentils have a mild earthy flavor with a nutty taste.

Depending on the variety you purchase, they may also come in different colors, such as yellow or red.

In addition, some people prefer lentils over green beans because they can be prepared in various ways.

3 – Frozen Green Beans

The next substitute for green beans is frozen green beans.

Frozen green beans are an excellent option if you want to save time, and if you’re in a hurry, these are perfect for you.

Frozen green beans are another convenient way to enjoy green beans any time of the year.

They also taste great with almost no added salt or preservatives.

They can be cooked in many different ways and make a great side dish.

Frozen green beans may be cheaper than fresh green beans, but they contain more sodium.

This is an important factor to consider for those with high blood pressure.

4 – Split Peas

Split peas are another option for you if you cannot afford fresh green beans or if you cannot find wax beans.

Split peas are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron.

Split peas can be used in green beans, but they should be cooked properly before eating them.

They also have a strong, sharp, and earthy flavor, which may not appeal to everyone’s taste buds.

In addition, split peas are very soft when cooked properly.

However, some people may prefer the texture of split peas over green beans because they are less crunchy and have a smoother mouthfeel.

5 – Baby Lima Beans

Baby lima beans are also known as baby butter beans.

They are often served steamed, boiled, or fried and seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices.

Baby lima beans can be used in place of green beans if you cannot find wax beans or split peas.

These beans are commonly found fresh or frozen but can also be found canned.

Baby lima beans have a sweet and nutty taste, similar to green beans.

They’re delicious and can be cooked in the same ways as traditional green beans.

Unfortunately, these beans may not be as easily available as wax or green beans, so you may need to search a little harder to find them.

Conclusion

Green beans are a very healthy and nutritious food, but they aren’t the only option for someone looking to enjoy beans.

Wax beans, lentils, frozen green beans, split peas, and baby lima beans are five great substitutes you should consider if you cannot find fresh green beans at your local grocery store.

Depending on your taste preferences, you may prefer one of these substitutes over green beans.