Frozen baby lima beans, the Instant Pot, and five pantry ingredients. That's the whole recipe. You get tender, buttery beans with simple flavor and hardly any effort. No soaking. No stovetop simmer. You might also know them as butter beans.
The stovetop version of frozen baby lima beans takes close to 45 minutes. This one takes about 25, including 7 minutes at pressure and a short rest on warm so the salt can season the beans through.
Why This Recipe Works
- Fast. 7 minutes at pressure versus a 45-minute stovetop simmer. No soaking, no thawing.
- Consistent. Pressure cooking gets the same tender, buttery texture every time.
- Pantry-simple. Six ingredients, most of them already in your kitchen.
Are Butter Beans and Baby Lima Beans the Same Thing?
Yes. Butter beans and lima beans are the same bean. "Butter beans" is the Southern and UK name; "lima beans" is used most other places. The one thing worth knowing for this recipe: you want fresh frozen baby limas, the small green ones you'll find in the freezer aisle, not dried.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Frozen Baby Lima Beans
- 28-30 oz. fresh frozen baby lima beans (about 2 lbs). Look for bags labeled "fresh frozen" or "baby limas." The small green ones, not dried.
- 3 cups water: Just enough to cover the beans for even cooking.
- ½ tsp. black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth.
- 2 Tbsp. butter (or vegan butter): Provides richness and a silky texture.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle earthy flavor.
- 1 tsp. salt: Added after cooking to prevent tough skins.
How to Make Instant Pot Frozen Baby Lima Beans
Add the frozen baby lima beans, water, black pepper, butter, and bay leaf to the Instant Pot. Lock the lid, close the vent, and set to cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
When the timer's up, do a quick release by carefully turning the venting knob. Open the lid and stir in the salt. Switch to the warm setting and let the beans rest for at least 10 minutes. This is what seasons them through.
How Long Does It Take and How Do You Know They're Done?
Total time is about 25 minutes from frozen to bowl: 2 minutes of prep, 6 to 8 minutes to come to pressure, 7 minutes of cook time, a quick release, and 10 minutes on warm.
The beans are done when they’re tender but the skins are still intact. If they’re still firm, cook them for 1 to 2 more minutes at high pressure. If they turn mushy, reduce the cook time by 30 seconds to 1 minute next time.
Expert Tips
- Salt after cooking, not before. Salting early can toughen the skins. Stir it in once the pressure is released.
- Use fresh frozen, not dried. This recipe is built for the small green frozen baby limas. Dried beans need a different method.
- Cover the beans with water. Different brands come in different bag sizes. You want the water just above the beans, not measured to the ounce.
- Let them rest. 10 minutes on warm after salting is when the seasoning actually sets in. Don't skip it.
- Finish with what you like. A pinch of smoked paprika, a splash of hot sauce, or a spoonful of bacon grease (very Southern) all work.
What to Serve With Instant Pot Frozen Baby Lima Beans
These are a classic Southern side. They pair with:
- Cornbread, skillet or muffin style
- Rice, plain white or yellow
- Fried chicken, pork chops, or a smoked ham
- Collard greens and stewed tomatoes
They also hold up well as a main. Spoon them over rice, add a shake of hot sauce, and you've got a meal.
FAQs
Yes. Same bean, different regional names. For this recipe, you want fresh frozen baby limas (the small green ones), not dried.
No, not with this recipe. Dried limas need soaking and a longer cook time. I'll cover that in a separate post.
No. Add them straight from the freezer. The 7-minute cook time is calibrated for frozen.
7 minutes at high pressure, followed by a quick release and a 10-minute rest on the warm setting. Total time is about 25 minutes.
In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water.
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Baby Lima Beans
Ingredients
- 28-30 oz. fresh frozen baby lima beans *
- 3 cups water really just enough to cover beans
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. butter can sub vegan butter
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Add the baby lima beans, water, black pepper, butter, and bay leaf to the Instant Pot. Lock the lid in place, close the vent, and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the venting knob. Open the lid and stir in the salt. Mix well to distribute the seasoning.
- Set the Instant Pot to the warm setting and let the beans sit for at least 10 minutes to season the beans.
Video
Notes
Expert Tips
- Don’t Salt Before Cooking: Adding salt too early can make the bean skins tough. Always salt after cooking.
- Use Fresh Frozen Beans: Opt for fresh frozen or fresh baby lima beans, not dried for the best texture.
- Customize the Butter: Regular butter adds a creamy richness, while vegan butter keeps it plant-based.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the beans sit on the warm setting for at least 10 minutes to allow the salt to season the beans.
- Adjust Water as Needed: The beans should be fully covered in water for even cooking.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for extra depth.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with cornbread or rice for a complete meal.
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