Simple Steamed Green Beans
A wonderfully simple and healthy side dish. Fresh green beans are steamed until perfectly tender-crisp, then tossed with a bright squeeze of lemon, salt, and pepper. Ready in minutes!
For 4 servings
3 steps. 7 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the green beans
- b.Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold running water.
- c.Snap or cut off the tough stem ends from each bean.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Steam the green beans
- b.Place a steamer basket in a large pot. Add about 1 inch of water, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom of the basket.
- c.Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- d.Add the trimmed green beans to the steamer basket, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium.
- e.Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the beans are bright green and tender-crisp. They should still have a slight bite.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Season and serve
- b.Carefully remove the steamer basket and transfer the hot green beans to a serving bowl.
- c.Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- d.Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfect tender-crisp beans, start checking for doneness at the 5-minute mark. Over-steaming can make them mushy.
- 2Don't have a steamer basket? Place the beans in a large skillet with 1/4 cup of water, cover, and cook over medium heat until the water evaporates and beans are tender.
- 3For extra flavor, toss with a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper.
- 4Leftover steamed green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are great cold in salads.
Adapt it for your goals.
Kid friendly
Omit the black pepper and toss with a tiny pinch of garlic powder for a milder flavor kids will enjoy.
healthyHealthy
To boost flavor without adding calories, toss with fresh herbs like dill or parsley after steaming.
quickQuick
Use pre-trimmed green beans from the grocery store to cut down on prep time.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Calories
An excellent choice for weight management, providing volume and nutrients with very few calories.
Rich in Vitamin K
Green beans are a great source of Vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Good Source of Fiber
The dietary fiber in green beans supports digestive health and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, they are very healthy. Steaming is a great cooking method that helps retain nutrients. Green beans are low in calories and a good source of fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K.