Whether you're aiming for an impeccably vibrant green color or the crisp-tender texture that renders string beans so addictive, strategic steaming can help you achieve both. Steaming string beans is an exciting and easy way to prepare this versatile vegetable. Unlike boiling, which can turn green beans drab and mushy, steaming preserves their gorgeous color and slightly crunchy texture while amplifying their subtly sweet flavor. In this guide, we’ll take you through the process step-by-step, revealing the secrets to perfectly steamed string beans, be it on the stovetop, in a steamer basket, or using a microwave oven.
Let's cook with our recipes!
SIMPLE STEAMED GREEN BEANS
A simple and tasty side dish when fresh green beans are plentiful. Prep time doesn't include time to prep the beans before steaming.
Provided by Freda2 Brown
Categories Beans
Time 25m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Prepare green beans by snapping them or cutting them to approx 1 inch in length and rinsing them.
- Over a pot of boiling water, steam beans for 15-20 minutes (until just tender with a little"bite" to them; Also, to steam I use a covered colander over a Dutch oven filled 1/4th full with water) Remove steamed beans and turn into a serving bowl.
- Add all of the rest of the ingredients, seasoning to taste.
- Enjoy!
STEAMED YET CRISPY STRING BEANS
Steaming the green beans keeps them tender, while sauteeing them with roasted red peppers and prosciutto builds tons of flavor.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto and saute until crispy, about 2 minutes. Remove to a paper towel. Steam beans over in 1/4 inch water until tender, 3-4 minutes. Drain beans.
- Swirl some olive oil in same skillet and add the peppers. Return beans to pan and toss with salt and red pepper flakes. Transfer beans to skillet and top with the crispy prosciutto.
STEAMED GREEN BEANS
Steps:
- Steam green beans in a steamer for 7 minutes. Place green beans and butter in saucepan and heat through. Season with salt, to taste.
ROASTED STRING BEANS
Here is a delicious side dish that goes great with steak. The shallots and garlic start to caramelize adding a depth to the dish. These green beans certainly are not your typical beans. If you really want to add something to dish roast some cherry tomatoes along with the beans, they add a great burst of flavor. I hope you enjoy!
Provided by OneYetTwo
Categories Low Protein
Time 35m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook bacon.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Wash and trim string beans.
- Slice shallot and garlic.
- Combine all ingredients, except bacon, in a baking dish and toss well. Make sure everything is evenly coated evenly.
- Place in oven and cook for about 20 minutes, if you like a more tender bean cook for 25 minutes.
- When beans are done place in serving dish and toss with crumbled bacon.
- Serve hot.
SAUTEED STRING BEANS
Tired of regular or canned string beans? Here's an easy way to flavor up those veggies! Even my string bean hating roommate loves these!
Provided by LISFALLS
Categories Side Dish
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Reduce heat to medium, and place beans in the wok. Cover, and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with garlic salt, garlic powder, pepper, and minced onion. When beans are almost tender, mix in cocktail onions with liquid. Continue cooking 5 minutes, until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 119 calories, Carbohydrate 13.3 g, Fat 7 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 510.6 mg, Sugar 4.3 g
SAVORY STRING BEANS
I love making this dish when I can pick the beans right out of the garden and put them into the pot. The fresh taste is unbeatable. I've also made it with beans purchased at the store. Either way, you'll find this recipe a winner. There's no need for any extra seasonings at the table. -Ina Reed, Kingman, Arizona
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 25m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon; crumble and set aside. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Add beans, water, onion and seasonings to drippings; bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until beans are tender, 15-20 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Stir in bacon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 179 calories, Fat 12g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 458mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
GARLICKY, SPICY AND SESAMEY GREEN BEANS
Always looking for a way to make green beans different, this one is such a winner. Green beans are sauteed with garlic, shallot and sesame seeds for a tasty side dish with Asian flair.
Provided by JULIEP
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Green Beans
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans, and cook for about 2 minutes. Drain, and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain again.
- Heat the sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans, and fry for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the garlic, shallot, salt and pepper to the beans. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Mix in the sesame seeds, cook for 1 more minute, then serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 115.5 calories, Carbohydrate 10.8 g, Fat 7.6 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 3.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 108.2 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
Tips:
- Fresh string beans are key to achieving the best flavor and texture. Look for beans that are a vibrant green color and snap easily when you bend them.
- Trim the string beans by removing the ends and any tough strings. This will help them cook evenly and ensure that they are tender when done.
- Blanching the string beans in boiling water for a few minutes before steaming helps to preserve their color and nutrients.
- To achieve crispy string beans, make sure to steam them for the correct amount of time. Overcooking will make them mushy, so it's important to keep an eye on them during the cooking process.
- Season the string beans with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to enhance their flavor.
Conclusion:
Steamed string beans are a healthy and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. By following the tips and instructions provided in this article, you can easily prepare steamed string beans that are both crispy and flavorful. Experiment with different seasonings and serving suggestions to find the perfect way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Whether you prefer them simply steamed or dressed up with a flavorful sauce, steamed string beans are sure to be a hit at your next meal.
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