Steamed Green Beans in the Microwave

Learn how to make steamed green beans in the microwave in just under 10 minutes. Quick, simple, and energy efficient, just a few of the reasons why we love microwave cooking! 

Green beans or haricot verts you find in a plastic bag at the store are typically sold trimmed and washed. If you happen to be buying them fresh, and are lucky enough to find them fresh, trim or snap the root end off of the beans to clean them. This recipe is for when you need a quick Buddha Bowl add-in or a simple appetizer or side dish for dinner. It only takes some water and about 10 minutes in the microwave to get the perfect steamed green beans. 

Why These Microwave Steamed Green Beans Works

• They come out super tender and fresh. You’d never know they were even microwaved. 
• Steaming green beans in the microwave is the fastest, easiest and most energy efficient way to cook green beans. No need to turn on your stove! 
• Our recipe testers say,
  • “Green beans are such an underrated vegetable, but are so delicious! I love using the microwave method for quick and easy cooking.”
  • “So tender!! Seriously will never blanche my green beans again. I used them for a stir fry so I steamed them half way, like you said, and then finished them in the stir fry. Yum!.” 

Ingredients For Microwaved Steamed Broccoli  

• Green beans or haricot verts
• Water 
• Butter, salt, and black pepper (see below for more delicious ideas)

How to Steam Green Beans in the Microwave 

1. Trim or snap the root end off of the green beans.
2. Place green beans in a microwave safe bowl with water and cover with a microwave safe lid or a plate.
3. Microwave on high for 6-7 minutes, or until tender.
4. Drain green beans and toss together with butter, salt, and pepper. 

Green Beans or Haricot Verts?

Greens beans and haricot verts are interchangeable. Haricot verts, also known as french beans, are much thinner. Since they are thinner, they will cook much quicker. If you are using haricot verts, start checking them at the 5 minute mark. What you use will be based on your preference. Both will work great! 

Flavor Combinations

Fasolakia. No so much a flavor combination, but a full on delicious Greek dish. Steam your beans for just 3 minute sin the microwave, then finish them by braising them with tomatoes or tomato sauce, stock ,or wine, and herbs, like oregano. Finish the dish by grating fresh garlic, sprinkling with salt and pepper, and crumbling feta over top. 

Butter, Salt and Pepper. Sometimes simple is best. Toss your microwave steamed green beans in butter, salt and pepper for a fresh take on these beans.  

Cheesy. Once your green beans are steamed, drain the water and then grate fresh cheese of your choice over the steamed beans. Grate as much or as little cheese as you like and crack black pepper over it. Cover and let the cheese just melt over the cooked green beans. 

How can I Enjoy my Microwave Steamed Green Beans? 

Buddha Bowls! Use your quick steamed green beans in your favorite Buddha Bowl to pack in extra veggies. Try these steamed green beans in this Masala Turkey Buddha Bowl with Mango and Golden Raisin Chutney Sauce and this Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Tahini Lemon Dressing. 

Green Bean Casserole! Try this upgraded Green Bean Casserole using your microwave steamed green beans. It’s elevated with gruyere cheese, fresh mushrooms, and home made fried leeks and onions! 

Stir Fry. This is 100% the Steamy Kitchen all time favorite way to use green beans If your green beans are going into a stir fry, steam them half-way first, then add them into the pan or wok for the stir fry to finish cooking. Try our Shrimp Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe and add in those steamed green beans for an extra nutritious boost.