Microwave Green Beans

Learn how to steam green beans perfectly at all times in simple steps. Microwave green beans is simple and easy to whip up. It's a healthy and delicious side dish without the fuss. The vegetable comes out so tender-crisp at all times

Microwaving green beans is so easy and quick to make. You can use fresh or frozen green beans but today you will be learning how to microwave fresh green beans. That said, microwaving a frozen version is quite easy too, you just have to cook it for a lesser time than you would with frozen.

Why microwave green beans works

• Green beans are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is fast and simple to prepare. It also has several significant health advantages.

• You won't have to spend too much time over the stove. The vegetable comes out just right, not soggy but also not undercooked. More importantly, it works well if you are only cooking a small quantity at a time.

• Microwaving green beans is also easy because you don't have to use any oil or salt. If you enjoy your vegetables, microwaved green beans is a great option to get more veggies in your diet.

• It is a blank canvass and the vegetable can be seasoned how you like after steaming it in the microwave

Tools you will need

microwavable bowl

cling film (plastic wrap)

kitchen towel

kitchen tong (optional)

Ingredients

Green beans or haricot verts (this is the thin version of green beans)

Salt

Black pepper

Water

Parmesan cheese to serve: omit completely to keep this vegetarian and vegan

How to cook fresh green beans in the microwave

Prep the veg: wash and pat the green beans dry, then line them on a chopping board (work in batches) use a sharp chef knife to trim off the ends (the stalky part)

Place the green beans in a microwavable safe bowl, season with salt and add water to the bottom of the bowl (about 2 tablespoons)

Cover the bowl with a cling film, using a sharp knife, poke the cling film about 3 to 4 times, this will allow the steam to escape from the bowl while cooking

Place the green beans in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high and 2 minutes if using Haricot verts.

Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, check for doneness, and if it needs more time, return to the microwave and cook at 30-second intervals until tender-crisp.

Drain any excess water in a colander, sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper and parmesan cheese (if using) on the green beans. Serve and enjoy.

How to store

Fridge: make sure the green beans are cooled completely then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days or longer at your discretion.

Green beans are one of the most popular vegetables for freezing. However, I wouldn't recommend freezing cooked ones because they can become too soft when reheated. However, if you must freeze green beans, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months.

How long to microwave green beans

Depending on the quantity you are steaming, microwave green beans for 3 minutes on high. If additional time is required, then microwave at 30 seconds interval until the desired doneness is achieved

What goes with green beans (how to serve)

Steamed green beans can be served as a healthy side dish with other vegetables or bacon, onions, fried garlic, and many more. You can also serve them main dishes such as pasta, rice dishes,

Simple baked salmon

Potato side dishes

Pan-fried chicken thighs

More microwave recipes

Microwaved pasta

Crispy microwaved bacon

How to steam carrots in the microwave