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 pressure-cooking stage is 7 minutes. The pot also needs time to build and release pressure, followed by at least 10 minutes on Keep Warm after salting.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple. 7 minutes at pressure. No soaking, no thawing.
- Tender and buttery. Pressure cooking makes this a simple side dish.
- Pantry-simple. Six ingredients, most of them already in your kitchen.
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: Stir in after pressure cooking.
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?
The 7 minutes is the pressure-cooking time. Allow time for prep, the pot to build pressure, and the quick release, followed by at least 10 minutes on Keep Warm after salting.
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
- I add the salt after cooking. Stir it in once the pressure is released, then let the beans sit on Keep Warm for at least 10 minutes.
- 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, this recipe is for green baby lima beans. Dried limas need a different cooking method.
No. Add them straight from the freezer. The 7-minute cook time is calibrated for frozen.
Cook for 7 minutes at high pressure, then quick-release and stir in the salt. Allow at least 10 minutes on Keep Warm before serving. The pot also needs time to build and release pressure.
Refrigerate promptly in a shallow covered container, within 2 hours or 1 hour above 90°F. Keep at 40°F or below and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water until leftovers reach 165°F throughout.
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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
- I add the salt after cooking: Stir it in once the pressure is released, then let the beans sit on Keep Warm for at least 10 minutes.
- 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.
Renee
This recipe is a game changer and I loved the seasoning too instead of using ham.
Treva Kirkley
Best instant pot recipe out there hands downs! Every single time it turns out exactly perfect! Amazing flavor and perfectly done!!!
Bun
Just EXCELLENT!
Stacie
Used frozen lima beans, added water and other ingredients just as described. Perfectly cooked and yummy.
Thanks!!!
Karen Deloach
I love the Lima bean recipe and I love thispot thank you for sharing.