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Cooking times

Runner beans cooking times

How long to cook runner beans: 4–6 min boiled, 5–7 min steamed and 4–5 min in the microwave. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

How long to cook runner beans

Times are for 400 g, for 4.

Runner beans: cooking times by method
MethodTimeHeatHow
Boil4–6 minin boiling salted water–
Steam5–7 minover simmering water–
Microwave4–5 minon full power, coveredWith 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.

Before you start

Pull or peel off the stringy edges, then slice thinly on the diagonal.

How to tell it’s done

Tender and still bright green.

Questions

How long to boil runner beans?

4–6 min in boiling salted water.

How long to steam runner beans?

5–7 min over simmering water.

How long to microwave runner beans?

4–5 min on full power, covered. With 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.

Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.