Learn how to cook the best green beans ever! They are totally simple, but totally delicious. They may be your family’s new favorite vegetable.
How do I steam vegetables?
Steaming vegetables is a healthy way to cook vegetables. It requires no additional fats and the steaming process helps the vegetable itself to retain more nutrients and flavor. There are a few different methods you can use.
1. Steamer
There is an actual specialized kitchen appliance you can buy called a steamer. It has a base, a steaming basket, and a lid. You just fill the base with a couple inches of water, put the veggies in the basket that fits over the base, put the lid on, heat the water to simmering, and steam away.
2. Makeshift Steamer
A makeshift steamer can be made using a pot, a colander, and a lid that at least somewhat fits. You put an inch or two of water in the pot and then put the colander over it. The colander should be able to fit over the pot without touching the water in the base. Then cover it with a lid. It doesn’t have to be a perfect fit. Just as long as it traps most of the steam inside.
3. Pan
The pan method isn’t perfect, but it does work. Pick a saucepan that is big enough to fit all your veggies in it. Put a half inch of water in the bottom and bring it to a boil. Add in your veggies, put the lid on, and reduce the heat to low so it just simmers. The water will create enough steam to cook the vegetables, but the veggies that actually touch the water might get a little soggy or overcooked.
4. Microwave
Use a microwave safe bowl and just put a little bit of water in to cover the bottom of it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke a couple holes in it to allow some steam to escape. Microwave until desired done-ness is reached.
How do I snap and trim fresh green beans?
Fresh green beans need to be rinsed and then the ends need to be trimmed. You can use your hands to snap off the very end of each side, or use a knife to trim. Long green beans may need to be snapped in half for easier eating.
If you like this recipe, you may also be interested in these other side dish recipes:
- The Best Roasted Broccoli Ever
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Carrots
- Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole
- Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
For more flavor, I use bacon grease. I also add diced sweet onion.
Been making my beans like this for over 27 years.
I use sesame oil. finger lickin’ good
I have to admit, after many, many years of cooking green beans, I tried this simple method and my family could not get enough! Simple and delicious! Thank you!
This is how I make my string beans and my family loves them, but I do add some garlic powder and a little bit of Salad Supreme spice…
Lorna, great idea about the Salad Supreme. I have some and don’t use it for salads so this is a great use. Thanks!
Salad supreme tastes great in a pasta salad with lots of vegetables and pasta.
What is Salad Supreme? Would it be with the salad dressings in the grocery? Thank you😊
On the spice aisle, as it’s a seasoning.
Wow!! I use the salad supreme seasoning in mine too and hubby loves them. He says nobody can beat my beans..lol But I buy the “whole” beans in cans (not the cut) so they appear more like fresh beans, the salad seas. and garlic salt, either butter or bacon grease and fry them til all the cans juices evaporate. Awesome.
We love Salad Supreme Seasoning, here.
Wonderful! Love fresh green beans we often cook them with bacon and some diced onion. Garlic salt and pepper. So yummy.
I also add a can of drained stewed tomatoes. Soooo good!
The best I Added fresh chopped garlic also wonderful
This is a great recipe for those mom’s who make their own baby food. Just ace the salt and pepper if need be ? Also when I make these for the adults I sometimes add dehydrated onionsseadon salt one packet of spender and garlic powder and lemon juice. I have for a holiday meal even added almond slivers.
I love these green beans. When I make them I also add some red pepper sometimes green pepper and some garlic minced garlic and they’re fabulous.
I have made these for years but add half a teaspoon of garlic powder to enhance the flavor
Right before the last stir in the pan I add rosemary and grated parmesan to this delicious recipe.
Love this recipe. I finely chop one garlic clove and saute in olive oil or butter and then add beans. Have used frozen French cut blanched a few minutes before frying. Canned beans work great also. You don’t get that canned taste. My husband was not a green bean person until I started using this method.
Used frozen cut beans steamed in microwave per directions, then sautéed in butter, salt, pepper and my ‘go to herb’ ground thyme. Delicious
Just needs a touch of garlic!
Brilliant
I slightly undercook my green beans and add fresh chopped garlic cloves when using this butter stir-fry enhancement method. Green beans are also good boiled in water and better-than-bouillon ham flavored base.
My son loves my string beans too. I use olive oil instead of butter though and I add scallions and sliced mushrooms, sprinkled with sliced almonds bn st the end.