HOW TO STEAM FRESH GREEN BEANS
Steamed green beans are one of my favourite side dishes. Why? They’re so quick, easy to make, delicious, and can be paired with many different main dishes. These are a great side dish that’s a no-brainer. I beg you if you have only ever tried steaming green beans. They are completely different animals. They are a deliciously fresh beast. Let me show you how to steam green beans for a delicious side dish.
THE ONE SECRET TO GOOD GREEN BEANS
The only thing you should know about green beans is that they shouldn’t be overlooked. People who claim they don’t like beans are only those who have had too-soft, dull, olive-green, overcooked green beans. Cook them until they’re bright green and tender but still have a bite. They will still taste vibrant and fresh. Delicious.
What equipment do I need?
It is easy to steam green beans. A steam basket, a pot, or a large skillet with a lid is all you need. The steam basket keeps the green beans at the right temperature for cooking. It also makes it easy to remove the beans from the pot after cooking.
Do I need the steam basket?
Although the steam basket is a great way to steam green beans, it’s unnecessary. Before buying a steamer basket, I steam my green beans in one inch of water before I had the money. It took a little longer for the bottom layer to cook than the rest of the green beans, but it was still delicious! It was barely noticeable. You can do it if you have less cash. Follow the instructions below, but without the steam basket.
WHY SHOULD YOU USE STEAM OVER BOIL GREEN BEANS
Because it is faster, it takes less time to boil one inch of water than a full pot. When the green beans are boiled in water, they lose fewer nutrients than when they are steamed. That are two good reasons if you ask me!
HOW TO FLAVOR GREEN BEANS
I love the simple combination of salt, butter, and freshly cracked pepper on my steamed green beans. But there are many other things you could add. These are some of my favourite flavors
- Sauteed garlic
- Lemon juice and zest
- Sesame oil, sesame seeds
- Red peppers crushed
- Crumbled Feta
- Bacon
- Grated Parmesan
- Or any combination thereof!
DO FROZEN GREEN BEANS SUITABLE?
Frozen green beans can be blanched or partially cooked before being frozen. While you can steam them this way, cooking may take longer. For the recommended cooking times, refer to the package.
HOW TO STEAM GREEN BEANS
Steaming green beans is an easy and delicious side dish that can be used with almost any meal.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. fresh green beans ($1.69)
- 1 Tbsp butter ($0.13)
- 1/4 tsp salt ($0.02)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Use a colander to rinse the green beans. Any beans with a stem attached (see photos below) should be cut off. You can either cut each bean in half for a dramatic presentation or leave them whole.
- Put one inch of water into a large pot or skillet. Place the steam basket in the pot. The steam basket should not be filled with water so that the steam basket is flooded. The steam basket should be filled with the rinsed green beans. Cover the skillet or pot with a lid and let the water boil for 3 minutes.
- Allow the green beans to steam for 5 minutes after the water boils. This will allow them to reach the desired tenderness. You want green beans that are bright in colour, tender but not mushy. A fork can be used to test the tenderness.
- After the beans are cooked to your satisfaction, turn off the heat. The steam basket with the green beans should be removed and the water in the bottom of your pot thrown away. Add some butter to the beans. Allow the butter to melt in the green beans by stirring it into them. Salt and pepper to season the beans, and then serve.
NUTRITION
Serving: 0.25 lb. Serving: 0.25 lb