Steaming Green Beans: The Oven Method

Cooking green beans in a steam oven is a great way to retain their flavour and texture. This method is also faster and preserves more nutrients than boiling. To cook green beans in a steam oven, first set your oven to 212°F/100°C on a steam-only setting. Then, put the beans into a large stainless steel tray and steam them for 10-12 minutes, or until they are soft but still have a little bite. You can also add flavour by tossing the beans in a dressing, such as olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper.

How to steam green beans in a microwave

Steaming green beans in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook this versatile vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get perfectly steamed green beans every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by rinsing your fresh green beans in the sink. Then, use a knife to slice off the stems. You can also use this time to prepare any other ingredients you might want to add to your green beans, such as butter, garlic, shallots, or bacon.

Step 2: Add Green Beans and Water to a Microwave-Safe Bowl

Place your prepared green beans in a shallow, microwave-safe bowl. If you want to add extra flavour, you can also add ingredients like garlic, shallots, or onions to the bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Next, add just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl. This is an important step, as the water will create steam, helping to cook the green beans evenly. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.

Step 3: Cook Your Green Beans

Place the bowl in the microwave and select a cook time of 4 to 6 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For crisp-tender beans, cook for 4 minutes. For tender beans, cook for 5 to 6 minutes.

Once the cooking time is up, remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts, as it will be very hot. Carefully remove the plastic wrap or lid, as the steam will be very hot. Drain any excess water from the bowl.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Now it's time to season your green beans! You can add a tab of butter or a drizzle of olive oil to the bowl and toss to coat the green beans. Then, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

You can also get creative with your seasonings. Here are some ideas to jazz up your steamed green beans:

• Lemon zest and juice
• Toasted slivered almonds
• Sesame oil and sesame seeds
• Rice wine vinegar
• Toasted panko breadcrumbs
• Balsamic vinaigrette, fresh basil, and grated Parmesan
• Halved grape tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese
• Chili flakes and garlic
• Pesto
• Sun-dried tomatoes and chopped toasted walnuts

And there you have it! Quick, easy, and delicious steamed green beans cooked right in your microwave. Enjoy!

How to steam frozen green beans

Steaming frozen green beans is a quick and easy way to cook them, and it helps preserve their nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

Wash the green beans and trim any stems or tough ends. You can also snap the beans in half if you prefer smaller pieces. If using frozen green beans, there is no need to thaw them first.

Step 2: Set Up the Steamer

Fill a pot or deep skillet with about an inch of water. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring that the water does not come up through the holes in the basket. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can steam the green beans directly in the water, but they may cook unevenly.

Step 3: Steam the Green Beans

Place the prepared green beans in the steamer basket and cover the pot. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, let the green beans steam for about 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Aim for a vibrant green color and tender texture, but avoid overcooking them as they can become mushy.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, remove them from the steamer and place them in a serving dish. You can season them with melted butter, salt, and pepper, or try other seasonings like lemon zest, sesame oil, or Parmesan cheese. Serve the green beans while they are still warm, or at room temperature.

Tips for Steaming Frozen Green Beans:

• Check the package of frozen green beans for recommended cooking times, as they may vary.
• Avoid overcrowding the steamer basket to ensure even cooking.
• You can also steam frozen green beans in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water, cooking on high for 2-3 minutes at a time until tender.

How to season green beans

Seasoning green beans is a great way to elevate this simple side dish. Here are some tips and tricks to help you season green beans to perfection:

• Wash and trim your green beans to remove any dirt or grit. You can snap off the ends or use a sharp knife to cut off any stringy bits.
• Choose your cooking method: steaming or sautéing. For steaming, use a steamer basket in a pot with about an inch of water. For sautéing, heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• If steaming, add the green beans to the steamer basket and cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired tenderness. If sautéing, add the beans to the skillet with a small amount of water and cook for 10-14 minutes until the water evaporates.
• Now it's time to season! You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with other seasonings. Here are some flavour combinations to try:
• Lemon zest and juice with butter
• Sesame oil and sesame seeds
• Garlic powder and onion powder
• Red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese
• Balsamic vinegar and sliced almonds
• Butter, garlic, and lemon-pepper seasoning
• Toss the green beans with your chosen seasonings and serve immediately. Enjoy!

How to steam green beans without a steamer basket

Steaming green beans is a great way to cook them while maintaining their beautiful green colour and keeping their nutritional value. Here is how to steam green beans without a steamer basket:

Method 1: The Double Boiler Method

For this method, you will need a saucepan and a heatproof bowl that fits snugly on top. This creates a makeshift steamer using the double boiler method. Here are the steps:

• Fill the saucepan with water, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl when placed on top.
• Place the green 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 to a boil and let the steam cook the green beans for about 5-7 minutes or until they reach your desired tenderness.
• Remove the bowl from the saucepan using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be hot. Carefully remove the lid and enjoy your steamed green beans!

Method 2: The Microwave Method

The microwave is a quick and easy way to steam green beans without a steamer basket. Here's what you need to do:

• Place the green beans in a microwave-safe dish and add a small amount of water (about 2 tablespoons).
• Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, ensuring there is a small vent for steam to escape.
• Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, depending on your microwave's wattage and your desired level of tenderness.
• Using oven mitts or a towel, carefully remove the dish from the microwave, as it will be hot. Take off the cover and let the steam escape.
• Your perfectly steamed green beans are now ready to be served.

Method 3: The Stove-top Pan Method

This method involves using a frying pan or sauté pan to steam green beans. Here's what you need to do:

• Bring a scant 1/2 inch of salted water to a boil in a large frying pan or sauté pan.
• Add trimmed and cleaned green beans to the pan.
• Cover the pan and cook until the beans are tender to the bite and the water has evaporated (about 3-5 minutes, depending on how crisp you like your green beans).

Method 4: The Stir-Fry Method

If you don't mind a slightly different texture, you can also steam green beans using the stir-fry method:

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the green beans and sauté them for a minute or two, until they start to soften.
• Add a splash of water, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Let the green beans steam for about 5 minutes or until they reach your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from the heat and season with your favourite spices or sauces.

Remember, steaming green beans without a steamer basket is all about improvisation. So, don't be afraid to try out different methods and find the one that works best for you!

How to serve roasted green beans

Roasted green beans are a delicious and healthy side dish or snack. Here is a guide on how to serve them:

• Preparation: Start with fresh, vibrant green beans that have firm, even skin and snap easily. Wash and trim the rough ends off the beans, then pat them dry with a clean tea towel.
• Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil over the beans and sprinkle with salt. Toss the beans until they are lightly coated in oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Roasting: Preheat the oven to 400-425°F and roast the beans for 14-16 minutes, undisturbed, until they are crisp-tender with some golden, caramelized spots.
• Serving: Transfer the roasted beans to a serving dish and enjoy them as they are, or with any desired accompaniments. For a simple side dish, try roasted green beans with lemon zest, wedges, grated Parmesan, fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, butter, balsamic reduction, or vinegar. For a more indulgent option, serve them with creamy aioli on the side for dipping.
• Storage: Roasted green beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
• Don't overcrowd the beans. If you're serving a larger crowd, split the beans across two pans to ensure even cooking.
• Stop roasting when the beans are crisp-tender with some caramelization. There's no need to overcook them.
• For a sesame variation, serve the beans on a platter swirled with tahini sauce and a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil, along with freshly toasted sesame seeds and torn fresh basil or cilantro.
• Get creative with your toppings: Try lemon zest and/or wedges, finely grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, butter, balsamic reduction, thick balsamic vinegar, or toasted sliced almonds.
• Pairings: Roasted green beans go well with rich, tomato-based Italian dishes like spaghetti with lentils and marinara sauce, eggplant Parmesan, or vegetable lasagna. They can also be a healthy alternative to French fries, served as a side with sandwiches or burgers.

Frequently asked questions