How To Make Steamed Green Beans (Family Recipe)

These steamed green beans are the best thanks to a family trick! They’re super easy to prepare, and make the perfect light and healthy side dish in less than 15 minutes! So next time you're thinking about making frozen green beans, try these instead.

Jump to:

• This Dish Is A Family Classic!
• Ingredients
• How To Steam Green Beans
• FAQs About Green Beans
• How Long Should You Steam The Green Beans?
• Why You Will Love These Steamed Green Beans
• Equipment
• Storage
• How To Steam Fresh Green Beans: Conclusion
• Other side dish recipes!
• Love This Recipe? Let's Stay Connected!
• How To Make Steamed Green Beans (Family Recipe)
• See what other people think about this recipe!

This Dish Is A Family Classic!

I love green beans! In my family there is a big tradition of cooking green beans, and honestly, they are the best for a simple side dish. Whoever thinks steamed green beans are boring is because they haven’t tried them cooked this way. And for an Asian-inspired green bean recipe, try this Asian-Style low carb green bean recipe.

This fresh veggie is delicious, inexpensive, and packed with a bunch of nutrients and vitamins (A, C & K). When I feel like I need a nutritious, yummy and easy side dish, green beans are one of my go-to’s.

Ingredients

All you need to make this steamed green beans recipe are simple ingredients that you can find in any grocery store:

• Fresh green beans
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon
• Salt

Optional toppings: black pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, fresh herbs like parsley, or your favorite seasoning! 

See recipe card for quantities.

How To Steam Green Beans

Prep: Wash the green beans and drain the excess water. Trim the ends and half each green bean lengthwise through their line using a sharp knife.

Cook Green Beans: Add enough water to cover to bottom of a medium/large pot. Bring water to boil and add a steam basket accessory.

Once the water is boiling add the trimmed green beans and cover with a lid. Steam for 3-4 minutes until they’re al dente. 

Serve: Transfer to a plate and add a simple seasoning made with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and salt to taste. Serve immediately.

Optional to add black pepper or red pepper flakes as well! 

Tip! Avoid overcooked green beans by sticking to 3-4 cooking time.

FAQs About Green Beans

What Is The Secret To Make The Best Steamed Green Beans?

Okay… so you are about to discover my family’s trick to make the best steamed green beans. Are you ready? Let’s do it.

The secret is so simple, half the green beans lengthwise through their line. This super easy trick makes them ten times better!

I know it’s a big statement but it’s true. It can look like a lot of additional work but trust me, once you try it once, you’ll be hooked in. The additional labour pays back in flavour 😊

And the good news is that this trick works not only for steaming them, it works for any way of cooking them. Whether they’re steamed, stir-fried or added to a curry.

How Long Should You Steam The Green Beans?

If you like them al dente 3-4 minutes will be enough! I always recommend trying one before getting them out of the steamer. Leave them a minute or two more if you want them more cooked.  Please note that since this recipe calls for halved beans, they cook in less time than whole beans.

Is It Better To Steam Or Boil Green Beans?

Steaming green beans is often considered a better option as it helps retain their vibrant green color and nutrients while maintaining a tender-crisp texture. Boiling can lead to overcooking, make them mushy and less nutrients.

Should You Soak Green Beans In Water Before Cooking?

It's not necessary to soak fresh green beans in water before cooking. However, you should rinse them under cold water to clean them and remove any dirt.

Why Are My Steamed Green Beans Rubbery?

Steamed green beans can become rubbery if they are overcooked. To avoid this, make sure to steam them just until they are tender-crisp and still bright green (3-4 minutes).

Why Do Green Beans Turn Brown After Steaming?

Green beans can turn brown after steaming if they are overcooked or if they are left exposed to the air for too long. To prevent this, you can immediately transfer the steamed green beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color.

What Else Can You Do With These Green Beans?

Get creative and turn them into a main dish, like a green bean salad! I like cooking them ahead, to have them ready to go to make a cold salad.

They also pair great with boiled potatoes and boiled egg, for a lazy and easy-to-digest yummy meal.

Want to make them fancier? Add some sliced roasted almonds!

Why You Will Love These Steamed Green Beans

It's a simple recipe that is super easy and takes little time to make.

Perfect side dish that is low in carbs and high in nutrients.

Beautiful green tone that will bring a pop of colour to your dish!

Affordable and delicious side dish.

Equipment

All you need to make this easy recipe are...

• Large/medium pot with lid
• Steamer insert
• Sharp knife

Storage

This recipe is ideal to make a large batch and store leftovers for the week. It's a great side dish for busy weeknight dinners! Store in an airtight container or in a plate covered with compostable plastic wrap. It will last 3-5 days in the fridge.

How To Steam Fresh Green Beans: Conclusion

These steamed green beans are not just your ordinary side dish; they are a family classic that has been perfected over generations. The secret to making the best steamed green beans is surprisingly simple—just half the green beans lengthwise, and you'll unlock a world of flavor. While it might seem like extra work, the payoff in taste is truly worth it.

When it comes to steaming time, it's all about personal preference. If you prefer your green beans al dente, 4 minutes in the steamer should suffice. But don't be afraid to taste-test and adjust to your liking. Once they're perfectly steamed, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt is all you need to elevate their flavor.

Steaming green beans, as opposed to boiling, is the preferred method to preserve their vibrant green color and nutritional value while maintaining a tender-crisp texture. There's no need to soak fresh green beans before cooking; a quick rinse under cold water will do the trick.

If you ever find your steamed green beans turning rubbery or brown, it's likely due to overcooking or exposure to air. To prevent this, be vigilant about your cooking time, and consider transferring them to an ice bath immediately after steaming to maintain that beautiful, vibrant green hue.

In the end, you'll love these steamed green beans for their simplicity, low carb and high nutrient content, and the burst of color they bring to your plate.

Other side dish recipes!

Love This Recipe? Let's Stay Connected!

If you like this recipe please leave me a comment below, share it on Pinterest, tag me on Instagram, and follow me on socials! Instagram @bitesinthewild and Pinterest @bitesinthewild. This way you can stay up-to-date with my latest recipes and tips!

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