Cooking Beans: Steamer-Free Methods For Delicious Results

Steaming is a great way to cook beans, helping them retain their colour, texture, and nutritional value. But what if you don't have a steamer? Well, there are several ways to steam beans without a steamer basket. You can use a colander, a metal sieve, or a heatproof plate. You can also try the double boiler method, the microwave method, or the stir-fry method. For the double boiler method, you'll need a saucepan and a heatproof bowl that fits snugly on top. Fill the saucepan with water and place the beans in the bowl, covering it with a lid or foil to trap the steam. For the microwave method, simply place the beans in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water and cover. And for the stir-fry method, heat some oil in a skillet or wok and add the beans, sautéing until tender. So, there you have it! You can still enjoy perfectly steamed beans without a steamer basket.

Use a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water

If you don't have a steamer, you can still cook beans using a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water. This method is quick, convenient, and simple. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you'll need to prepare your beans. Give them a rinse and trim any stems. You can also snap each bean in half if you prefer, or leave them whole.

Next, take a microwave-safe dish and add your prepared beans. Pour in a small amount of water—approximately 2 tablespoons—or enough to just cover the bottom of the dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, ensuring you leave a small vent for the steam to escape.

Now, place the dish in the microwave and cook on high power. The cooking time will depend on the wattage of your microwave and your desired level of tenderness. As a guide, cook the beans for 3-5 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overcooking.

Once the beans have reached your desired tenderness, remove the dish from the microwave with oven mitts or a towel, as it will be hot. Take off the cover, allowing the steam to escape, and your beans are ready to be served.

This method is a convenient way to cook beans without a steamer, but it's important to note that beans cooked in the microwave may require some draining or drying, depending on the amount of water used and the power of your microwave.

Try the double boiler method with a saucepan and heatproof bowl

If you don't have a steamer, you can still cook beans using the double boiler method with a saucepan and a heatproof bowl. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, fill the saucepan with water, ensuring that when the heatproof bowl is placed on top, the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl. Next, place the beans in the heatproof bowl and set it on top of the saucepan. Cover the bowl with a lid or aluminium foil to trap the steam. Bring the water in the saucepan to a boil and let the steam cook the beans for around 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.

Using oven mitts or a towel, carefully remove the bowl from the saucepan, as it will be hot. Remove the lid and serve your freshly steamed beans. This method ensures your beans are cooked evenly, retaining their colour, texture, and nutritional value.

You can also season your beans in a variety of ways. For a classic approach, simply toss them with melted butter, salt, and pepper. For an Asian-inspired twist, try drizzling sesame oil and soy sauce, then sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top. Alternatively, you can add minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.

So, if you don't have a steamer, the double boiler method is an effective way to cook beans, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious and tasty dish.

Use a colander over a pot of boiling water

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a colander placed over a pot of boiling water to cook your beans. Here's a step-by-step guide:

First, fill a pot with about an inch or two of water and bring it to a boil. Make sure you have a lid that fits the pot. While the water is heating up, prepare your beans by rinsing them and snapping off any ends that still have stems attached. You can also snap the beans in half if you prefer shorter pieces.

Once the water is boiling, place the colander over the pot, ensuring that it doesn't touch the water. Add the beans to the colander and cover the pot with the lid. This will trap the steam inside and cook the beans.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the beans steam until they reach your desired level of tenderness. This usually takes around 5 minutes, but you can test them with a fork to check if they're done to your liking. Aim for beans that are vibrant green in colour and tender but still have a bit of bite.

When the beans are cooked to your liking, remove the pot from the heat and take off the lid. Be careful when handling the colander as it will be hot. You can now season your beans as desired. A simple combination of melted butter, salt, and freshly cracked pepper is always a good choice, but you can also experiment with different seasonings.

Using a colander over a pot of boiling water is a simple and effective way to cook beans without a steamer. Just make sure to keep an eye on the water level and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady steam.

Steam in the oven with a roasting pan and rack

If you want to steam your beans in the oven, you'll need a roasting pan with a rack, or a big pot and a baking rack. Here's what to do:

• Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200°F.
• Bring a teapot of water to a boil.
• Pour about half an inch of water into a large pot.
• Place your beans in a single layer on the baking rack.
• Put the rack of beans over the pot.
• Cover the whole thing with aluminium foil to prevent steam from escaping.
• Put the pot in the oven until the beans are steamed to your liking.

Use a stir-fry method in a skillet or wok

If you don't have a steamer, you can still cook beans using a stir-fry method in a skillet or wok. This method is a great option if you don't mind your beans having a slightly different texture. Here's a step-by-step guide:

First, heat a tablespoon of oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You can use any type of oil that you prefer, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil. Once the oil is hot, add your beans to the skillet. You can use fresh or frozen beans, but if you're using frozen beans, make sure to thaw them first.

Next, sauté the beans for a minute or two. Keep stirring and tossing them around in the skillet so that they cook evenly. You'll know they're ready for the next step when they start to soften. At this point, you can also add any spices or seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavour of your beans.

Once the beans have softened, it's time to add a splash of water. You can also use broth or stock instead of water to add extra flavour to your beans. After adding the liquid, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. This will create a steaming effect, helping to cook the beans more thoroughly.

Let the beans steam for about 5 minutes or until they reach your desired level of tenderness. Don't forget to stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking. When the beans are done to your liking, remove them from the heat.

Finally, season your beans with your favourite spices or sauces. You can try using soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, hot sauce, or a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to add some extra flavour. Give the beans a good toss to coat them evenly with the seasoning. And that's it! Your beans are now ready to be served and enjoyed.

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