Steaming Runner Beans: A Healthy, Quick Cooking Method

Runner beans are a type of green bean with a long, thin, and cylindrical shape. They are also known as French beans, string beans, or haricots verts. They have been cultivated in Central and South America for thousands of years and have a sweet flavour with a hint of spice. They can be eaten raw or cooked and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, stir-frying, and blanching. So, can you steam cook runner beans? The answer is yes!

Steaming is a simple and healthy way to cook runner beans, preserving their flavour and nutrients. To steam runner beans, you can use a steamer basket, a colander, a pie pan, or even a microwave. The cooking time may vary depending on your preferred texture, but generally, runner beans are steamed for around 5-20 minutes. So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and nutritious way to prepare runner beans, steaming is a great option!

Runner beans can be steamed for 4-6 minutes

To steam runner beans, fill a pan with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place the prepared beans into a steamer basket, and then place the basket into the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and steam the beans on low-medium heat for 4-6 minutes, depending on how tender or crisp you like them.

After steaming, season the runner beans with salt and pepper to taste, and serve as a side dish or add to a salad. Steamed runner beans go well with a variety of main courses, including steak, fish, chicken, tofu, and salmon.

Use a steamer basket, colander, pie pan, or microwave to steam

Steaming is a great way to cook runner beans, and there are several tools you can use to achieve this. Here are some options for steaming runner beans:

Steamer Basket

A steamer basket is a handy kitchen tool that can be used on the stove. Simply fill a medium to a large saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and place the steamer basket inside. Put the prepared runner beans into the basket, ensuring they are laid out in a single layer. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or 15-20 minutes if you prefer them very tender.

Colander

If you don't have a steamer basket, a metal or heat-proof colander or strainer can be used instead. Add an inch of water to a large pan and place the colander inside, ensuring it fits with the lid on. Treat it as a steamer and follow the same cooking instructions as above.

Pie Pan

Another creative option is to use a disposable metal pie pan. Poke holes in the pan and add an inch of water to a larger pan that can fit the pie pan. Flip the pan upside down and place it on top of the water. Place the runner beans on the pan and secure the lid. Follow the same cooking instructions as above.

Microwave

Steaming runner beans in the microwave is also an option. Place the prepared runner beans in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water. Cover the dish and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the beans are as tender as you like them.

Remember to wash and prepare the runner beans before steaming, and always follow food safety guidelines when cooking. Enjoy your perfectly steamed runner beans!

Wash and remove the stem before steaming

To prepare runner beans for steaming, start by washing them in cold running water. Then, cut off the tough stalk or stem. To save time, you can line up a few beans on a chopping board and cut through the tops of them in one motion.

Next, remove the tough strings on the sides of the beans, as they are fibrous and unpleasant to eat. You can use a vegetable peeler or a knife to do this. Simply run the peeler or knife down the sides of the beans and discard the long string.

After washing and removing the stems, you can then cut the beans into halves or quarters, depending on your preference. If you want to keep the beans whole, you can snap off each individual stem before steaming.

Finally, you can add your prepared runner beans to a steamer basket and follow the steaming instructions outlined in the previous paragraphs.

Cut into halves or quarters before steaming

To prepare runner beans for steaming, you should first wash them and remove the stem. Then, cut the beans into halves or quarters. You can use a knife or a vegetable peeler to remove the stringy material from each bean, but be careful not to cut into the bean itself. Cutting the beans into halves or quarters helps ensure even cooking and improves the texture of the beans.

After preparing the beans, you can steam them for about 6 minutes. To steam the beans, fill a pan with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place the prepared beans in a steamer basket and put the basket into the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low-medium. Steam the beans for 5 to 7 minutes if you prefer them to be tender-crisp, and for a longer time if you want them softer.

Cutting the runner beans into halves or quarters is an important step in the preparation process. This helps the beans cook evenly and prevents them from becoming mushy. By following these steps, you can enjoy perfectly steamed runner beans that are tender and delicious.

Season with butter, salt, and pepper

Seasoning is a key step in elevating the flavour of steamed runner beans. Here are some detailed tips on seasoning with butter, salt, and pepper:

Butter

The addition of butter to steamed runner beans provides a rich and creamy flavour. For the best results, use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the dish. After steaming the beans, add a tablespoon of butter to the pot and stir it through until melted. This simple step adds a delicious gloss to the beans and enhances their natural flavour.

Salt

Salt is an essential seasoning that enhances the natural taste of runner beans. When cooking runner beans, be sure to add a pinch of salt to the water, especially if you are boiling or blanching them. This helps to season the beans from the inside out. After cooking and draining the beans, sprinkle a little kosher or sea salt over them to taste.

Pepper

Pepper adds a spicy kick to steamed runner beans. Freshly grinding black peppercorns releases a more intense flavour and aroma than pre-ground pepper. Sprinkle the pepper over the beans to taste, or be more generous and add a good amount of cracked pepper for an extra bite.

Timing

The timing of adding the seasoning is also important. For the butter to coat the beans evenly, add it to the pot immediately after removing the beans from the steamer. This allows the residual heat to melt the butter, creating a smooth and even coating. Adding the salt and pepper at this stage ensures they stick to the beans and enhances their flavour.

Experimenting

While butter, salt, and pepper are classic seasonings, you can also experiment with different flavours. Try using flavoured butters such as garlic butter, lemon-y butter, or basil butter. Alternatively, add a sprinkle of dried dill weed, or a squeeze of lemon juice and some sesame oil and sesame seeds.

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