Steaming Green Beans: A Quick, Healthy Cooking Method

Steaming is a great way to cook green beans, preserving their vibrant colour, crisp texture, and nutritional value. It's also a simple and quick process that delivers delicious results. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook steamed green beans, along with some tips and tricks for perfect results every time.

Trimming the green beans

Firstly, wash the green beans thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure your beans are clean and safe to eat.

Now it's time to remove the stem ends of the beans. There are two methods you can use for this:

• Snap off the tip ends of the beans one by one. Hold each bean in one hand and break off the tip with the other hand. This method ensures you only remove the very end, but it can be time-consuming if you have a large number of beans.
• Alternatively, you can trim multiple beans at once by lining them up on a cutting board so that the stem ends are even. Hold the beans firmly with one hand and, with a slicing motion, use a knife to trim off the tips evenly. This method is quicker but may remove a little more of the bean than the first method.

You may also choose to remove the tail end of the beans, but this is not necessary. Once trimmed, your green beans are ready to be steamed!

It's important to note that you should aim to trim your green beans just before cooking, as they will stay fresher this way. If you need to prepare them in advance, store the trimmed beans in the refrigerator until you're ready to steam them.

How to steam without a steamer basket

How to Steam Green Beans Without a Steamer Basket

Steaming is a great way to cook green beans, helping them retain their colour, flavour, and nutritional value. While a steamer basket is the classic tool for the job, there are a few other ways to steam green beans without one. Here are some simple methods to try:

Use a Colander or Strainer

Add an inch of water to a large pan and place a metal colander or strainer inside, ensuring it fits with the lid on. Place the green beans in the colander and treat it as a steamer.

Use a Pie Pan

Poke holes in a disposable metal pie pan and add an inch of water to a large pan. Flip the pan upside down, place it in the water, and put the green beans on top. Secure the lid and steam away.

Use a Heat-Proof Plate and Aluminium Foil

This method is similar to the pie pan method and is another easy hack. Take three sheets of aluminium foil and roll them into balls about the size of a baseball. Place them in the bottom of a large pot and add an inch of water. Rest a heat-proof plate on the foil balls and add your green beans. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam until the beans are tender.

Use a Wire Cooling Rack

If you have an elevated wire cooling rack, you can use it in place of a steamer basket. Add an inch of water to a pot with a tight-fitting lid, place the rack inside, and put the green beans on top. Close the lid and steam until the beans are done to your liking.

Use the Microwave

Place your green beans in a bowl with a few tablespoons of water and cover the bowl tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap doesn't touch the beans. Microwave for 4-6 minutes until tender. You can also use a microwave-safe plate instead of plastic wrap.

Seasoning ideas

Lemon and Olive Oil

A simple combination of lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil can be used to season steamed green beans. This bright and zesty flavour profile is a great complement to the beans' crisp texture.

Butter and Salt

For a classic flavour, toss steamed green beans in melted butter and sprinkle with salt to taste. This simple combination allows the flavour of the beans to shine through while adding a touch of richness and seasoning.

Garlic and Herb

For a more savoury option, try tossing steamed green beans with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or thyme, and olive oil. This combination adds depth of flavour and a punch of garlicky goodness to the beans.

Asian-Inspired

An Asian-inspired take on steamed green beans involves drizzling sesame oil and soy sauce over the beans, followed by a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. This combination adds a savoury, nutty, and slightly sweet flavour to the beans.

Parmesan Cheese

For a touch of indulgence, steamed green beans can be seasoned with grated Parmesan cheese. The salty, umami flavour of Parmesan complements the beans' freshness, and the cheese adds a nice textural contrast as well.

Nuts and Seeds

Toasted almonds or sesame seeds can be added to steamed green beans for a crunchy and nutty flavour. Slivered almonds, in particular, provide a nice textural contrast to the beans and can be toasted under a broiler for a couple of minutes until golden brown.

Spices and Condiments

A variety of spices and condiments can be used to season steamed green beans. Black pepper is a classic choice, adding a bit of heat and flavour. Additionally, rice vinegar, white wine vinegar, or coarse salt can be used to enhance the flavour of the beans and provide a tangy or savoury note.

How to serve steamed green beans

Steamed green beans are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Simple Seasonings:

You can keep it simple by tossing the steamed green beans in butter or olive oil, and adding a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also enhance their flavour with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Herbs and Nuts:

For a more complex flavour, try tossing the beans in chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, or chopped and toasted nuts, like almonds or walnuts.

Garlic:

For a garlicky twist, heat some olive oil in a skillet and add sliced garlic cloves until fragrant. Then, swirl your steamed green beans around in the garlic-infused oil for a few minutes.

Cheese:

For a cheesy twist, try tossing the beans with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese.

Vinegar:

A splash of vinegar can also add a unique tang to your beans. Try using white wine vinegar or rice vinegar, and combine with sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired dish.

Main Course Ideas:

Steamed green beans go well with a variety of main courses, including meatloaf, salmon, shrimp, chicken, and pasta. They are also a great addition to vegetarian and vegan meals, such as meatless meatloaf, stuffed peppers, or eggplant Parmesan.

So, feel free to get creative and experiment with different seasonings and combinations to find your favourite way to serve steamed green beans!

How to steam green beans in a microwave

Steaming green beans in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It also helps to preserve vitamins and minerals, as shorter cooking times mean fewer nutrients are lost.

Preparation

First, rinse the fresh green beans under running water. You can snap off any rough ends with your fingers, or use a knife to trim them. You can also buy trimmed fresh green beans in a bag from the produce section of your supermarket.

Cooking

Place the beans into a microwave-safe bowl or dish. Ceramic casserole dishes and glass Pyrex bowls are good options. Add a small amount of water to the bowl, just enough to cover the bottom. You can also add a tablespoon of butter, a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Cover the bowl with a plate, lid, or plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, be sure to vent it.

Microwave on high power for 4-6 minutes, depending on how tender you like your beans. For crisp-tender beans, perfect for a salad, microwave for 4-5 minutes. For tender beans, preferred by kids, try 5-6 minutes. Remember, food continues to cook after microwaving, so you can always add more time if needed.

Serving

Once cooked, carefully remove the plate or lid, as the steam will be hot. Drain any excess liquid and add a knob of butter to the bowl. Toss to coat and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add cooked crumbled bacon, or a squeeze of lemon.

Frequently asked questions