The best solution how to cook green beans in microwave? is existing here. Cooking green beans in the microwave is one of the easiest ways to prepare this healthy vegetable. In just 8 minutes or even less with a shortcut, you can make delicious green beans. This popular method allows you to dress them up any way you like, or keep it simple.
It’s a great way to add something healthy and green to your plate. Once you try this recipe on how to cook green beans in the microwave, you’ll find it so straightforward that you won’t need to refer to the instructions again.
Microwaving green beans is like a magic trick for busy days – quick, effortless, and always delicious
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2 Best Methods to cook green beans
The following are the 2 best methods to cook green beans in the microwave:
4 Best Steps To Cook Green Beans In The Microwave – 1st Method
Following are the 4 Best Steps To Cook Green Beans In The Microwave:
- Place washed and trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to cover the bottom of the bowl.
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- Cover the bowl with a plate and microwave for 4 to 6 minutes until the green beans are tender.
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- Carefully remove the plate (watch out for hot steam), drain the liquid, and add a small piece of butter to the bowl. Toss to coat the beans and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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- Serve with a simple side and enjoy!
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How to cook green beans on stove? – 2nd Method
Cooking green beans on the stove is a simple process. Start by washing and trimming the green beans. Then, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the green beans.
Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Drain the beans and season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or toppings. Serve them hot as a delicious side dish with your meal.
How long does it take to cook green beans in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Water | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (90g) green beans | 1 teaspoon water | 2-3 mins |
| 3 cups (270g) green beans | 1 tablespoon water | 4-5 mins |
| 5 cups (450g) green beans | 1½ tablespoons water | 7-8 mins |
| 8 cups (720g) green beans | 2 tablespoons water | 8-9 mins |
| 10 cups (900g) green beans | 2½ tablespoons water | 10-11 mins |
To cook green beans in the microwave, you’ll need 3 cups of green beans and just 4-6 minutes. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a bit of water, cover, and cook.
When they are done, you should see deep green and steaming pods. You can test if they’re ready by piercing a pod with a fork; it should be tender but not mushy. This method is quick and easy, perfect for a healthy side dish.
What is Green Beans?
Green beans, also known as string beans or snap beans, are the unripe, tender fruit of various cultivars of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris).
They are harvested and eaten before the seeds inside have fully matured. Green beans are typically long, slender, and either green or yellow, depending on the variety.
They are a popular vegetable in many cuisines worldwide and are valued for their crisp texture, mild flavor, and nutritional content. Green beans are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
They can be prepared in various ways, including steaming, boiling, sautéing, stir-frying, or even microwaving, as mentioned earlier.
Deluxe Garlic Green Beans
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Ingredients
- ½ pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
Directions
- Place green beans and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until they’re soft, about 5 minutes. Then, drain the water.
- Mix butter, garlic, and chicken bouillon with the beans until they’re all mixed together well.
Microwave green beans with olive oil vs Microwave green beans with garlic – Difference
Here below are the differences:
| Aspect | Green Beans with Olive Oil | Microwave Green Beans with Garlic |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredient | Olive Oil | Garlic |
| Method | After microwaving, toss the cooked beans with olive oil | After microwaving, mix the cooked beans with minced garlic |
| Seasoning | Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste | Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste |
| Cooking Time | Microwave for about 5 minutes | Microwave for about 5 minutes |
| Flavor Profile | Adds a subtle richness and a hint of olive flavor | Infuses a savory garlic aroma and taste |
| Additional Options | Optional: sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese | Optional: garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes |
| Texture | Coats the beans, providing a slight glossiness | Enhances the beans with a savory garlic coating |
Forget the stove, the microwave is the secret weapon for perfectly cooked green beans every time
Food blogger David Lebovitz
For additional tips on microwave safety and cooking guide in microwave, check out our guide on How to Microwave Liquid Egg Whites?
Tips
- How to trim green beans: When preparing green beans for the microwave, the first step is trimming. Line up a bunch of beans and align their ends with the blade of your knife.
With a swift motion, chop off the ends all at once. Then, repeat the process on the other side. This technique ensures uniformity in cooking and saves time in the kitchen. - Amount of water to add: When microwaving green beans, it’s essential to ensure they have enough water for proper cooking. If your beans are dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the microwave-safe dish before cooking.
Alternatively, rinsing the beans before microwaving can also add enough water to aid in the cooking process. This step ensures that your green beans are properly cooked and retain their freshness. - How to keep your beans vibrant green: Serve your green beans immediately after they are finished cooking to ensure they remain bright green and appetizing.
Avoid letting them sit around covered, as this may cause them to turn a less appealing pea green. Following this tip, you can maintain the freshness and vibrancy of your microwave-cooked green beans. - How to make beans ahead for company?: To prepare green beans ahead of time for the company, blanch them first by briefly cooking them in boiling salted water or the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
After blanching, plunge the beans into ice water to cool them down quickly and retain their color. Once cooled, set aside to dry or pat with paper towels.
When ready to serve, heat butter and oil in a skillet, then drop in the blanched beans to heat through. Add your favorite seasoning before serving for a delicious side dish.
This method allows you to prep in advance, ensuring a stress-free meal when entertaining guests.
- Decide how you like your beans: Determine how you like your beans or how you want your green beans cooked—soft, crisp-tender, or al dente.
This choice will impact how long you need to cook them. If you prefer them softer, it will take 1-2 minutes longer in the microwave.
Adjust the cooking time according to your preference to achieve the perfect texture for your microwave-cooked green beans.
Microwaving green beans isn’t just about convenience; it’s about preserving nutrients and flavor in the blink of an eye
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For additional tips on microwave safety and cooking guide in microwave, check out our guide on how to cook acorn squash in microwave?
FAQ’s:
Following are the Faqs:
Is it better to steam or boil fresh green beans?
For best-tasting and nutrient-rich green beans, we recommend steaming them in the microwave. This method ensures that flavor and nutrients stay packed into the beans, without leaching out into the cooking water.
Boiling, on the other hand, dilutes the flavor and takes up more space on the stovetop. So, for optimal results, choose steaming over boiling when cooking fresh green beans in the microwave.
Can you cook frozen green beans in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook frozen green beans in the microwave. Simply follow the same cooking direction as you would for fresh beans.
Although frozen green beans are already cooked, they still need to defrost and heat up completely in the microwave.
This method provides a quick and convenient way to enjoy green beans without sacrificing flavor or nutritional value.
How to microwave canned green beans?
Microwaving canned green beans is straightforward. After draining them, transfer the beans to a microwave-safe container without extra water.
Cover the container with a lid and microwave for half the indicated amount or until heated through. This method ensures a quick and convenient way to enjoy canned green beans with minimal effort.
For additional tips on microwave safety and cooking guide in microwave, check out our guide on How to Cook Oatmeal in the Microwave?
How to freeze microwaved green beans?
- Freezing microwaved green beans is simple.
- After cooking as indicated, cut the beans and allow them to cool completely.
- Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for later use.
- For convenient portioning, you can also cut them in half and use 1/2 cup Anytime Freezer Trays to save them for up to 1 month.
- This method ensures you have green beans ready to enjoy whenever you need them.
Are green beans healthy?
Green Beans
Green beans are certainly healthy! According to Healthline, they are heart-healthy and perfect for those watching their weight, boasting only 31 calories per cup with almost no fat and very low sugar.
They are also beneficial for individuals with digestive conditions, such as those on a FODMAP diet, as they are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
What is the best way to store fresh green beans?
Storing fresh green beans properly is key to keeping them crisp and flavorful. Simply place them in a plastic bag or sealed container and store them in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
They’ll stay fresh for about a week this way. Alternatively, if you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for several months. The best part? No need to blanch them beforehand!
For additional tips on microwave safety and cooking guide in microwave, check out our guide on How to reheat pizza in a microwave with water?
How much green beans are needed per serving?
To determine how much green beans are needed per serving, aim for approximately 1 pound for every 4 people or 1/4 pound per person. This equates to roughly 3 cups of fresh beans once they’re trimmed with the tips cut off.
In the rush of modern life, microwave cooking offers a lifeline to health with speedy green bean recipes
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How can I tell if my green beans are overcooked?
When checking if your green beans are overcooked, watch for signs like collapse, loss of shape, and moisture loss.
Why did my green beans spark in the microwave?
When cooking certain dense vegetables like green beans, carrots, or green peppers in the microwave, you might notice an unexpected phenomenon: sparking.
This occurs due to the presence of minerals such as iron, magnesium, and selenium in these vegetables, which act like tiny pieces of metal. When exposed to the microwave’s energy, these minerals can create arcing effects, leading to sparks.
how to cook green beans without microwave?
To cook green beans without a microwave, you can opt for traditional stovetop methods. One approach is to blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Then, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant color. Once cooled, you can sauté the blanched green beans with some olive oil, garlic, and your choice of seasonings until they are cooked to your liking.
Another method is to steam the green beans in a steamer basket over boiling water until they are tender. Both of these methods preserve the freshness and flavor of the green beans while ensuring they are cooked to perfection.
Read More: How to cook grits in microwave? – 9 Best Recipe Tips
Conclusion – How to cook green beans in microwave?
Green beans
In conclusion, cooking green beans in the microwave is a convenient and efficient method to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.
With just a few simple steps, you can have tender and flavorful green beans in minutes, whether you prefer them plain or with added seasonings like garlic or olive oil.
This method not only saves time but also preserves the vibrant green color and freshness of the beans. Experiment with different cooking times to achieve your desired level of tenderness and enjoy a hassle-free way to incorporate more greens into your meals.
