Steamed green beans (8 min): cooked to perfection – Neary

Sep 24, 2025Lou0 comments

Steam cooking • Fresh vegetables • Foolproof tip

Steamed green beans (8 min): cooked to perfection – Neary

Steamed Green Beans, Perfectly Cooked – Neary

Are you dreaming of steamed green beans 🥗, perfectly green, neither soft nor crunchy? Follow the guide: discover how to achieve perfect cooking, without any hassle, in just 8 minutes 🔥. Knowing how to manage steaming time changes everything: you enjoy ultra-flavorful vegetables, with maximum vitamins and a texture that's just right. This page gives you all the secrets to easily steaming your green beans, with tips against overcooking, variations, and FAQs so you never (again) fail. Ready? Let's go! 😋

By Lou (Neary)
Neary Kitchen Tested • Updated: September 24, 2025

✅ Express response

Steamed green beans Ideal cooking time: 8 minutes in a gentle steamer (saucepan, basket or steamer) after trimming 🌱

Color tip : Plunge them into ice water immediately after cooking to keep their bright green.

For salad or reheating Reduced to 7 min , they will finish cooking in contact with the sauce or when reheated

Frozen beans Allow 7 to 9 minutes depending on the size, placing frozen beans directly in the steamer basket

A quick reminder about steaming 🥕 : gentle steaming really preserves the taste, color, and nutrients of green beans. Absolutely avoid direct boiling water, it softens and dilutes the flavor! Use a steamer basket, cook covered, and keep a close eye on the timer ⏰.

Steamed Green Bean Cooking Time Chart

Type of beans	Preparation	Steam (min)	Freshness tip	Texture obtained
Fresh greens	Tailed, rinsed	8	Ice water after cooking	Soft, crunchy
Very fine greens	Tailed, rinsed	6–7	Color monitor	Very tender
Frozen greens	Directly to the steamer basket	7–9	Dry after cooking	Soft
Yellow beans	Tailed, rinsed	8–9	Lemon water possible	Fondants

How to Steam Green Beans: The Neary Method

Prepare the beans 🚿 : Rinse your fresh green beans well, remove both ends (tails), and remove the strings if they are a little rustic.
Heat the steam : Put water in a saucepan or your steamer and bring to a boil. Place a steamer basket on top. Place the beans inside, with the lid closed.
Start the timer!: Count 8 minutes as soon as the steam completely envelops the beans. For very fine beans, 6–7 minutes is enough.
Stop the cooking process immediately 🧊 : As soon as the time is up, immediately plunge the beans into a bowl of cold water (ideally with ice cubes). This sets the color and stops the cooking process for a perfect result!
Drain and season : Dry gently, then add a drizzle of olive oil, a little fleur de sel, chopped shallot, or a knob of butter. Let your imagination run wild!

For a homemade salad 🥗 : discover our recipe for homemade green bean salad ready in 5 minutes!

FAQ — Steamed Green Beans

How do I know if my green beans are cooked?

Pierce with the tip of a knife: they should be tender but not mushy. Their color remains green! If you like them crunchier, remove them 1 minute before the end.

Should I salt the steam water?

No, steaming doesn't salt the vegetables. Season immediately after cooking with salt, pepper, oil, or butter, according to your taste 😊.

Can you steam green beans the day before?

Yes! Cool them immediately after cooking and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can reheat them for 1–2 minutes by steaming them or serve them in a salad.

Is steaming better than boiling water?

Yes, steaming preserves color, texture, and, most importantly, vitamins. It's the preferred cooking method of chefs and nutritionists!

Which beans to choose: fresh, frozen, yellow?

Fresh green beans are great for the season, frozen ones are a good option. Yellow beans, on the other hand, are delicious and cook almost the same! Discover them here if you want a change 🍋.

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