Are you looking for a delicious and healthy way to cook green beans? Can you steam green beans in a steamer?
Absolutely! Steaming green beans is a great way to get the most flavor and nutrients out of this delicious vegetable.
Not only is it healthy, but steaming green beans retains their bright green color, crunchy texture, and earthy taste.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing any essential vitamins and minerals that make this nutritious food beneficial for your health.
This article will explain this topic in more detail.
Let’s get into it!
The Benefits Of Steaming Green Beans
Steaming green beans is an excellent way to retain nutrients while adding flavor and texture. The high temperature of steaming helps to bring out the natural sweetness of beans and enhances their color.
Additionally, the short cooking time ensures that important vitamins such as Vitamin C are retained in the vegetable. Steamed green beans can be served hot or cold for a quick side dish or snack.
The nutrient content of veggies is often affected by how it’s cooked.
Boiling vegetables can destroy up to 40% of certain minerals, whereas steaming reduces this loss significantly due to shorter cooking times and lower temperatures than boiling water.
Green beans are no exception – some vitamins found in these veggies are destroyed when boiled but remain intact when steamed.
For example, vitamin C remains at 84-93% when steamed versus only around 40-50% after boiling for 5 minutes or more.
This means you get much more nutrition from a plate of steamy green beans than if boiled in water before serving them on your plate.
Furthermore, since steaming requires minimal use of oil, it is an ideal choice for those looking to watch their calorie intake, making them perfect for diets designed towards weight loss goals!
In addition to preserving essential vitamins and minerals during cooking, the moisture released during steam also helps tender green bean fiber so they don’t become too tough or stringy in texture.
Adding extra flavor without salt/fat/sugar, etc., could also unnecessarily increase calories consumed!
See also: Can You Steam Garlic In A Steamer?
What’s The Difference Between Boiling And Steaming Green Beans?
The difference between boiling and steaming green beans is that boiling them submerges them in the water while steaming them keeps them above the water.
Boiling green beans requires more time than steaming because you have to bring a pot of water to a boil before adding the beans.
Steaming only requires filling a shallow pan with an inch or two of water and placing it on high heat until it boils. Then, you can add your green beans directly into the steam created by this simmering liquid.
Boiling green beans causes some nutrients to leach out into the cooking liquid, which can be lost if not used for another purpose, such as soup stock or broth.
In addition, boiling may cause some texture loss due to over-cooking; however, if done properly this will not be noticeable when eating.
Also, too long may lead to sogginess depending on how long they are cooked. On the other hand, steamed vegetables retain most of their original color and flavor.
They also take shorter times than boiled vegetables because they are heated faster due to direct contact with hot air steam rather than through indirect contact via hot water molecules circulating them.
Overall, both methods have their own set of pros and cons.
Still, ultimately it depends on personal preference regarding desired results (taste), health benefits (nutrient preservation) as well as convenience factors (time).
Those who prefer healthy vegetable dishes without compromising taste or texture would benefit most from using a combination approach.
See also: Can You Steam Kale In A Steamer?
Type Of Steamers For Steaming Carrots
The best type of steamer for steaming carrots is an electric steamer. This is because it produces consistent heat, allowing the carrots to cook evenly while preserving their texture and flavor.
An electric steamer also has a timer option which allows you to set the exact amount of time that your carrots need to steam to be cooked just right.
Electric steamers have several features that make them ideal for cooking vegetables like carrots.
For one, they are easy to use. Fill the inside reservoir with water and place desired food items into the basket or tray before setting the timer accordingly.
Additionally, most electric steamers can accommodate multiple trays at once, so you can easily prepare several different vegetables.
Most importantly, compared with other types of steamers, such as microwave or stovetop options, electric models provide consistent heat throughout the entire steaming process, which helps ensure even cooking results every time.
Electric steamers are also more energy-efficient than traditional methods since they require less electricity overall and don’t require any additional heating elements.
Finally, many electric models come equipped with removable parts that make cleaning up after meals faster and easier.
See also: Can You Steam Lentils In A Steamer?
How To Clean Green Beans Before Steaming?
The best way to clean green beans before steaming is by rinsing them thoroughly under running water. This will help remove any dirt, bacteria, or other contaminants that may be present on the surface of the beans.
Additionally, you can use a vegetable brush to scrub away any stubborn bits of soil stuck between the bean’s ridges or creases. Once they have been washed and scrubbed, pat dry with a paper towel before cooking.
It’s important to properly clean your green beans before consuming them as this helps ensure that no harmful bacteria are ingested, which could cause food poisoning or other health issues.
See also: Can You Steam Mussels In A Steamer?
How To Steam Green Beans In An Electric Steamer?
Plug your electric steamer in and fill its water reservoir with the required amount of cold water. Ensure to fill it sparingly, as this will cause a mess when you turn on the appliance.
Place the green beans into the steaming basket with your electric steamer. Arrange them evenly so steam can reach all parts of every bean equally while cooking.
Then, put the basket inside your electric steamer and close its lid tightly to seal in moisture for optimal results when cooking green beans.
Set up a timer for around 5 minutes or set your electric steamer’s timer if available, and press start to begin the steam cycle process for green beans.
Check after five minutes if your green beans are done by testing one of them with a fork or spoon. They should be tender but crunchy, meaning they are cooked perfectly.
When ready, please take out the basket from inside your electric steamer carefully using oven mitts or potholders, as it will be hot due to the steam coming off it during the cooking process.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Cook Beans In A Steamer?
It usually takes 15-20 minutes to cook beans in a steamer.
How Do You Steam Green Beans In A Steamer Without A Basket?
To steam green beans in a steamer without a basket, place the green beans directly on the bottom of the steamer pot.
Add enough water to cover the bottom of the pot and bring it to a boil. Place a lid on top of the pot and reduce heat to low-medium. Allow green beans to steam for 5-7 minutes or until they are tender but still crisp.
Do You Cut Green Beans Before Steaming?
It is recommended to cut green beans into smaller pieces before steaming them. This will help the beans cook more evenly and quickly.
How Do You Steam Green Beans In A Ziploc Bag?
To steam green beans in a Ziploc bag, start by filling a bowl with 1 cup of water and microwaving it for 2 minutes. Then, place the green beans into a Ziploc bag and pour the hot water over them.
Seal the bag tightly and let it sit for 3-4 minutes before draining off any excess liquid. Finally, open the bag carefully to avoid getting burned from escaping steam, and enjoy your steamed green beans!
Why Are My Steamed Green Beans Tough?
Steamed green beans can become tough if they are overcooked. To prevent this, ensure only to steam them for a few minutes until they are tender and still bright green.
Conclusion: Can You Steam Green Beans In A Steamer?
The answer to steamed green beans is a definite yes! Green beans in a steamer basket can help you preserve their color and texture and enhance their flavor.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about added fat or calories. Give this delicious vegetable side dish a try today for an easy and healthy way to serve your fresh family veggies.
Happy cooking!