Steamed Green Beans Recipe
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Steamed green beans are the perfect side dish—fresh, vibrant, and packed with nutrients! This quick and easy method ensures the beans stay tender yet crisp, avoiding the dreaded mushy texture. With just a few simple ingredients and five minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love Steamed Green Beans
- Perfect Texture Every Time – These green beans are steamed for just five minutes, keeping them tender yet crisp. No mushy or overcooked vegetables here!
- Quick and Easy – With only three ingredients and minimal prep, this is one of the easiest side dishes you can make. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy and Nutritious – Green beans are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a wholesome addition to any meal.
- Versatile Side Dish – Serve them warm or cold, with just salt and butter, or dressed up with garlic, lemon juice, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Great for Meal Prep – These green beans store well in the fridge, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
A classic way to make steamed green beans is to use a steamer basket. The way you steam the green beans is this: put a pot of water fitted with a steamer basket to a boil, put the green beans in the steamer, and the steam from the boiling water will cook the green beans.
The trick to good tasting green beans is not to overcook them. The correct steaming time for green beans is 5 minutes. Many recipes for steamed green beans call for as long as 15 minutes, and when you cook them for that long, they’ll develop disgusting mushy texture!
When you steam green beans for just 5 minutes, they might seem undercooked to you, but it’s not the case. Remember, steamed vegetables continue cooking for several minutes after you remove them from the steamer – if they are hot, they are still cooking, so they will end up softer than you thought they’d be.
This steamed green beans recipe makes green beans with a perfect texture – tender, yet still crisp! Season them with salt and a little bit of oil or butter and enjoy!
Steamed Green Beans Recipe
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans – The star of the dish! Choose bright green, firm beans for the best texture and flavor.
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil or butter – Adds a touch of richness and enhances the natural taste of the green beans.
- 1/2 tsp salt – A simple seasoning that brings out the natural sweetness of the beans.
For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Steamed Green Beans
- Steamer Basket – Helps cook the green beans evenly while keeping them crisp and tender.
- Pot with Lid – Holds the water and steamer basket for steaming.
- Measuring Spoons – Ensures accurate amounts of salt and oil or butter.
- Mixing Bowl – Used to toss the steamed green beans with seasoning.
Instructions How To Make Steamed Green Beans
- Put water in a pot fitted with a steamer basket. Bring water to a boil.
- While the water is heating up, wash and trim the green beans. To trim green beans, cut off the stringy ends on both sides. Or you can save yourself time by buying packaged green beans that are already trimmed :)
- Once the water boils, put the green beans in a steamer basket. Let it steam for 5 minutes.
- Remove the green beans from the steamer and put in a bowl. Sprinkle the green beans with salt.
- Add olive oil or butter to the steamed green beans and toss with your hands.
These steamed green beans can be served either warm or cold. Believe it or not, they are extremely tasty even cold from the refrigerator!
Green beans are very healthy, so make them often as a healthy vegetable side dish. You can also add some minced garlic to them and Italian dressing to make delicious garlic green beans.
Also, check out the ultimate shortcut to steamed green beans – using the microwave! See my detailed instructions how to make steamed green beans in a microwave.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these steamed green beans alongside Juicy Roast Split Chicken Breast with Skin, Crispy Skillet-Seared Salmon Fillets, or a Juicy New York Strip Steak in the Air Fryer for a balanced meal.
- Toss them into a Fresh Lettuce and Cherry Tomato Salad, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing twist.
- Sprinkle with Costco Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Crunchy Roasted Walnuts for extra flavor and crunch.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bright and zesty side dish.
- Use them as a healthy side for Cheesy Mexican Fajita Pasta with Onions and Peppers, Healthy Stir-Fried Brown Rice, or Protein-Packed Quinoa Avocado Bean Bowl.
Tips For Success
- Don’t Overcook – Green beans should be steamed for exactly five minutes. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the steamer, so they’ll soften up without becoming mushy.
- Use Fresh Green Beans – Look for firm, bright green beans without wrinkles or brown spots. Fresh green beans will have the best flavor and texture.
- Trim the Ends Quickly – Line up a bunch of green beans on a cutting board and trim the ends all at once with a sharp knife to save time. If you’re short on time, buy pre-trimmed green beans.
- Season Immediately – Toss the green beans with salt, olive oil, or butter right after steaming while they’re still warm. This helps them absorb the flavor better.
- Experiment with Flavors – While salt and butter are classic choices, try adding garlic, lemon zest, balsamic glaze, soy sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes for a different twist.
- Test for Doneness – If you like your green beans softer, steam them for an extra minute, but don’t go beyond 7 minutes or they’ll lose their crisp texture.
- Make Ahead for Meal Prep – Steamed green beans store well in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can prep them ahead of time for quick and healthy meals.
Variations and Substitutions
- Garlic Butter Green Beans – After steaming, toss the green beans with melted butter and minced garlic for a rich, savory flavor.
- Lemon Herb Green Beans – Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley or dill for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Spicy Green Beans – Toss with a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a bit of heat.
- Asian-Inspired Green Beans – Mix in a splash of soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds for a delicious umami flavor.
- Cheesy Green Beans – Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese or feta for a cheesy, salty finish.
- Nutty Crunch – Add slivered almonds, toasted pine nuts, or chopped walnuts for extra crunch and texture.
- Vegan Option – Stick to olive oil instead of butter for a completely plant-based version.
- Frozen Green Beans – You can use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones, but add an extra minute or two to the steaming time.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover steamed green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the steamed green beans in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent them from becoming mushy, let them cool completely before freezing.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: Warm the green beans in a pan over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave Reheating: Place green beans in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30-45 seconds until heated through.
- Reheating from Frozen: If frozen, let the green beans thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Alternatively, steam them for 2-3 minutes to reheat while maintaining their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I steam green beans without a steamer basket?
Yes! If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can place a colander over a pot of boiling water and cover it with a lid. You can also steam green beans directly in a small amount of boiling water by covering the pot and cooking for about 3-5 minutes, but they may lose some nutrients this way.
How do I keep steamed green beans from getting mushy?
The key is to steam them for only five minutes and remove them from the steamer immediately. Green beans will continue to cook from residual heat, so taking them out at the right time helps maintain their crisp texture.
Can I add seasoning while steaming?
It’s best to steam the green beans first and then add seasonings. Salt, butter, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices absorb better when tossed with the warm beans after steaming.
Are steamed green beans good cold?
Yes! Steamed green beans taste great chilled and can be added to salads, grain bowls, or served as a cold side dish with a light dressing.
What’s the difference between steaming and boiling green beans?
Steaming cooks the green beans using hot steam, which helps them retain more nutrients and a firmer texture. Boiling submerges the beans in water, which can cause some nutrients to leach out and make them softer.
Other Easy Green Beans Recipes
Oven-Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes – This easy side dish features crispy, golden-brown potatoes and tender green beans, roasted to perfection with simple seasonings.
Crispy Breaded Green Beans in the Air Fryer (From Frozen) – These crunchy, golden-brown breaded green beans cook straight from frozen in the air fryer for a quick and delicious appetizer or snack.
Low-Carb Homemade Green Bean Casserole (Keto-Friendly) – A rich and creamy green bean casserole made from scratch with a savory, cheesy sauce and a crunchy low-carb topping.
Rotini Pasta with Sausage, Ricotta Cheese, and Green Beans – Hearty rotini pasta tossed with savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and tender green beans for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Cheesy Sweet Potatoes with Green Beans (Easy Side Dish) – Soft and caramelized sweet potatoes combined with green beans and melted cheese make for a deliciously satisfying side dish.
Fresh Tomato and Feta Green Bean Salad – Crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese come together in a refreshing and vibrant salad perfect for any meal.
Best Way to Cook Canned Green Beans (Easy & Tasty) – Learn how to transform canned green beans into a flavorful and tender side dish with simple seasonings and cooking techniques.
Steamed Green Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Steamer basket
- Pot with lid
Instructions
- Fill a pot with water and fit it with a steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil.
- While waiting for the water to boil, wash and trim the green beans. Cut off the stringy ends, or use pre-trimmed green beans to save time.
- Once the water is boiling, place the green beans in the steamer basket. Cover and let them steam for exactly five minutes.
- Remove the green beans from the steamer and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately while warm, or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge!
Notes
- Do not overcook! Green beans will continue cooking even after removing them from the steamer.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or a splash of Italian dressing.
- These green beans pair well with any main dish and can also be added to salads.
Nutrition
More Side Dish Recipes
- Healthy Carrot Rice Recipe – Quick & Simple Side Dish
- Zucchini and Radish Salad with Light Dressing
- Air Fryer Sonic Tater Tots (Crispy & Delicious!)
