Rinse the string beans under cold water
Trim off the stem ends
Remove any tough strings if needed
Cut the beans into desired lengths
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil
Add the string beans to the boiling water
Cook until tender-crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes
Drain the beans immediately
Rinse with cold water if you want to stop the cooking
Heat oil or butter in a pan if desired
Add garlic, onion, or seasonings if desired
Add the cooked string beans to the pan
Toss and cook for 1 to 2 minutes
Season with salt and pepper
Serve warm