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 Method Time Heat How
Boil 4–6 min in boiling salted water –
Steam 5–7 min over simmering water –
Microwave 4–5 min on full power, covered With 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.
Plan the rest of your meal
Get your main and sides ready together. FeastFlow works backwards from serving time, checks your oven space and temperatures, builds the shopping list, and guides you through the cooking.
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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.