Steamed Green Beans
Crisp, tender green beans steamed to perfection and lightly seasoned. A simple, healthy, and versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any main course and is ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Green Beans
Rinse 1 lb of fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Snap or trim off the tough, fibrous ends (stems) from each bean. You can do this by hand or with a knife on a cutting board. Ensure all beans are clean and ready for steaming.
TIPFor a cleaner presentation, line up several beans and trim the ends simultaneously with a sharp knife.Boil Water for Steaming
Pour 2 cups of water into a medium-sized pot or saucepan. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring the water level is below the bottom of the basket. Cover the pot and bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Steam the Green Beans
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the trimmed green beans to the steamer basket in an even layer. Cover the pot tightly and reduce the heat to medium-high. Steam the beans for 5-7 minutes, or until they are vibrant green and tender-crisp.
TIPAvoid overcooking to retain the beans' bright color and nutritional value. Test for doneness by piercing with a fork; it should offer slight resistance.Season and Serve
Transfer the hot green beans from the steamer basket to a serving bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with 1 pinch of salt, and grind 0.25 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns over them. Toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly crisp-tender beans, do not overcook. They can go from perfect to mushy in just a minute.
- 2To preserve the vibrant green color, plunge the steamed beans into a bowl of ice water for 30 seconds immediately after cooking. Drain well before seasoning.
- 3Infuse flavor by adding a crushed garlic clove, a few lemon slices, or a sprig of fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) to the steaming water.
- 4Ensure the water doesn't boil away completely. If you're steaming for a longer period, you may need to add more boiling water to the pot.
Adapt it for your goals.
Garlic Lemon
Toss the steamed beans with 1 minced garlic clove and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice along with the olive oil.
Asian InspiredAsian-Inspired
Instead of olive oil, toss with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
HerbedHerbed
Add 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or chives before serving.
SpicySpicy
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper for a little heat.
NuttyNutty
Top the finished green beans with toasted slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Green beans are an excellent source of Vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health, and Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system.
High in Dietary Fiber
The fiber in green beans aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can assist with weight management.
Supports Heart Health
Being free of cholesterol and low in sodium, green beans contribute to cardiovascular health. The fiber content can also help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Low in Calories
As a nutrient-dense, low-calorie food, steamed green beans are a perfect addition to any meal, especially for those managing their calorie intake.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of these steamed green beans contains approximately 65-75 calories, making it a very light and healthy side dish. The majority of the calories come from the olive oil.
