HOW TO PERFECTLY STEAM GREEN BEANS IN THE MICROWAVE
Green beans are a versatile vegetable that can be used to add a burst of vibrant color and nutrients to a variety of recipes. When steamed, crunchy green beans become tender and earthy with a subtly sweet flavor, making them a delicious addition to salads, stir-fries and curries, or simply enjoyed as a flavorful side dish.
Use this guide to learn how to easily steam green beans in your microwave so you can start creating your next favorite side dish.
IS IT BETTER TO STEAM OR BOIL GREEN BEANS?
Whether you choose to steam or boil your green beans, the best cooking method for you is the one that matches your creative process. Steaming green beans is typically faster than boiling, allowing you more time to focus on the other elements of your recipe.
When you boil green beans, blanching is often recommended to help preserve the texture and rich green color of the vegetable. This process is more time-sensitive and requires a bit of focus, as you have to quickly move the beans from boiling water and into a bowl of ice water to create a temperature shock that stops the green beans from cooking further.
You may consider steaming your green beans if you’re in a hurry, have limited stovetop space, want to retain maximum nutritional value or hope to leverage microwave features like the Sensor Steam/Simmer Cook Cycle available on select KitchenAid® microwaves. If the aesthetics of your dish are at top of mind, consider blanching the beans to help preserve their vibrant green color.
HOW TO STEAM GREEN BEANS
Steaming green beans in the microwave is a quick and easy process. Simply place your cut green beans in a shallow, microwave-safe bowl and add water. Then, cover the bowl and cook for 6 minutes.
Discover the step-by-step instructions for steaming green beans in the microwave below.
YIELDS
- 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
Green beans
Water
Butter or olive oil
Salt
Herbs and other flavorings, like fresh garlic, onion, shallot or chopped bacon (optional)
PREP TIME
- 4 minutes
COOK TIME
- 6 minutes
TOOLS
Microwave, like the KitchenAid® 30" 1000-Watt Microwave Hood Combination
Microwave-safe bowl
Microwave-safe plastic wrap or lid
Oven mitts
Cutting board
Knife
TOTAL TIME
- 10 minutes
STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR INGREDIENTS
Give your fresh green beans a rinse in the sink, then place them on the cutting board to slice off the stems. Use this time to prepare other ingredients as well, like cutting up butter, garlic or shallots, or frying chopped bacon in a pan.
STEP 2: ADD GREEN BEANS AND WATER TO MICROWAVE-SAFE BOWL
Place your prepared green beans and optional garlic, shallots or onions in a shallow, microwave-safe bowl and add water. Sprinkle the beans with salt and cover the bowl with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
If you’re using a KitchenAid® microwave with the Sensor Steam/Simmer Cook Cycle and Steamer Container, you can precisely steam ingredients based on the type of food and your choice of doneness. Just add water to the steamer container for optimal results.
STEP 3: COOK YOUR GREEN BEANS
Place the bowl in your microwave and close the door, then select a 6 minute cook time. Once the green beans are done cooking, remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts. Carefully drain out any excess water from the bowl, then toss the green beans with butter or olive oil and add other elements like crisp bacon, seasonings or lemon juice.
HOW LONG TO STEAM GREEN BEANS IN THE MICROWAVE
The steam cook time for green beans can vary depending on the portion of green beans you’re cooking and the power levels of your microwave. Typically, it takes 5–6 minutes on high to steam tender green beans—4 minutes if you prefer a crunchier texture.
Times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. Check your user manual to be sure.
HOW TO COOK CANNED GREEN BEANS IN THE MICROWAVE
Canned green beans are pre-cooked, but you can reheat them quickly with the help of your microwave. Simply open the can and drain the excess liquid, then place the green beans in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1–2 minutes on high.
TIPS ON SEASONING FOR STEAMED GREEN BEANS
You can enhance the flavor of your steamed green beans by adding in a few tasty elements like fresh lemon zest and parmesan cheese, rich butter and herbs like thyme and tarragon, smashed roasted garlic cloves and caramelized shallots or crispy fried onions and bits of bacon. Consider grinding your own spices for added fresh flavor.
You can use the KitchenAid® Coffee and Spice Grinder to grind your own spices to give your steamed green beans an artisanal touch.
SHOP KITCHENAID® MICROWAVES FOR DELICIOUS STEAMED VEGETABLES
With KitchenAid® microwaves, you can prepare steamed vegetables, fish and rice with ease and customize your cooking experience with features on select models like Sensor Cooking, Air Fry Mode or the Sensor Steam Cycle. Browse the entire collection of countertop, built-in and over-the-range microwaves to find the best fit for your kitchen.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COOKING IN A MICROWAVE
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How to Cook and Steam Carrots in the Microwave Discover how to steam carrots in your microwave to create a perfect side dish. Learn the steps to cook flavorful carrots without a steamer or stovetop. -
How to Soften Butter in a Microwave If you forgot to take your butter out ahead of time, learn the method of softening butter quickly with a microwave and explore tips on how not to melt your butter. -
How to Clean a Microwave: 3 Easy Ways Household products like vinegar and baking soda can clean a dirty microwave. Learn how to clean the inside and outside of a microwave to keep it looking fresh.
