How to Steam Green Beans in the Microwave for a quick, simple, and delicious weeknight side dish.
Hey, need something green for your plate and don’t feel like getting out a pot or pan? How about making some green beans in the microwave tonight?
I’ve shared a couple of these vegetables in the microwave posts on the site over the last year (Broccoli in the Microwave, Cauliflower in the Microwave, and Corn on the Cob in the Microwave), and they’ve been pretty popular.
I think a lot of us are looking for the quickest and easiest ways to add more vegetables to our diets, and the best vegetable side is the vegetable side that you will actually make.
With a veggie side this simple, there’s no reason not to.
Steaming green beans in the microwave instead of on the stove gives you the same beautiful, delicious, bright green green beans, tender, with just a little crisp bite left, but no steamer basket required.
Once steamed, you can toss with butter and salt or a little fried garlic like in my No-fail Butter and Garlic Green Beans and serve with something equally delicious and easy like Tri-tip in the Oven, Country-style Pork Ribs, or Salsa Chicken.
How to Cook Green Beans in the Microwave
Place washed and trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl, 2 to 3 tablespoons.
Cover bowl with a plate and microwave for 4 to 6 minutes, until green beans are tender.
Carefully remove plate (the steam will be hot), drain liquid and add a tab of butter to the bowl. Toss to coat and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Serve with something simple and easy, and enjoy!
More Easy Vegetable Sides
- Oven-roasted Broccoli
- Roasted Zucchini
- Roasted Green Beans
- Green Beans with Bacon
- Oven-roasted Butternut Squash.
How to Steam Green Beans in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans washed and trimmed
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablesooon butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place washed and trimmed green beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl, 2 to 3 tablespoons.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 4 to 6 minutes, until green beans are just tender.
- Carefully remove plate (the steam will be hot), drain any remaining liquid, and add about a tablespoon of butter to the bowl. Toss to coat and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Marie says
When I was a kid I discovered that a bit of regular yellow mustard gives hot, buttered green beans a delicious tang. I’ve seen many skeptics converted to this yummy combination, and your recipe is a perfect one (so quick and easy!) to try it with. Even canned green beans can be redeemed!
Cean says
Thanks for a yummy and simple recipe! Can also add grated parmesan and/or sliced almonds after cooking if desired.
Angele says
Thank you for your cooking instructions!! Delicious!!!
PJ says
It did work out pretty good. Thanks for the simple recipe.
PJ
Laura D says
Rinse green beans in bowl that’s going in the microwave, add 3 TBS h2o, 5 minutes and they are so perfectly perfect!! Still have a bit of crunch (the way I like them) but cooked through. Bright green like they were blanched! Thank you for this!!! Love your steamed broccoli in the microwave recipe too!
Ann says
I have to say I love this food column. My husband & I are in our 80s & don’t eat as much — also less energy to clean up pots & pans. Also the intense summer heat keeps us out of the kitchen. We need recipes with smaller portions & more shortcuts. The microwave is an answer — although this old-fashioned cook still has to put corn in hot water. But I have learned how to split an ear of corn — smaller pan.
Keep the good recipes & hints coming. You are a jewel. Ann in Oregon
Tracy says
Thanks, Ann!! I’m so glad you’ve been finding the recipes useful!!
Grant says
Ann, that is a super comment and also applies to some of those younger than you. I am 56 and single/living on my own, so my cooking habits share some similarities. As for corn, if you haven’t tried it in the microwave, it is pretty amazing. I peel back the leaves to the base, but don’t remove them. Then remove all the hair and return the leaves back over the cob. Use an elastic at the end to help keep the leaves sealed around the tip. Place it into the microwave for 3:00 minutes and you have a great tasting veggie. When done, remove and peel, slather the butter on and some salt and the corn is ready to go.
Jon says
You should try one of the on line recipes for corn in the microwave. Much easier and tastes great! If you cook the whole ear in the microwave and the silk and leaves just slide off!
Tiger Eyes says
Great recipe and so fast! This really saved me!
Tracy says
Yay! So glad it worked out for you!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
LOVE green beans…one of my faves! We don’t have a microwave anymore, but you dress them pretty much like we do, with some butter and salt and pepper. I could legit eat this whole recipe myself 🙂
Tracy says
LOL, same! I could happily eat green beans every single day. 🙂
Leros says
You know, I’ve never thought about popping it in the microwave! Will most certainly try
Tracy says
Hope you enjoy it!
Florence M Girard says
This is brilliant . Will try it.
Tracy says
Hope you enjoy it, Florence!