Easy Steamed Green Beans: A Quick & Budget-Friendly Vegan Side Dish

2 weeks ago

Looking for a simple, nutritious, and incredibly versatile vegan side dish? These perfectly steamed green beans are your answer! This recipe, inspired by a fantastic abillion user, proves that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Often found in the reduced section with "yellow stickers," green beans are a true bargain that pack a powerful nutritional punch.

Whether you're a seasoned vegan chef or just starting your plant-based journey, this recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor. It's an ideal choice for busy weeknights, holiday meals, or simply when you want to add a vibrant, wholesome vegetable to your plate without fuss.

Why You'll Love This Steamed Green Beans Recipe

Steamed green beans are a true culinary gem. They’re not only deliciously crisp-tender but also incredibly good for you. Green beans are packed with essential nutrients, including iron, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They cook quickly, preserving their vibrant color and beneficial properties, making them a cornerstone of any healthy, balanced meal. This recipe ensures you get maximum nutrition with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Fresh green beans (enough for your serving, e.g., 1-2 cups per person)
Fresh carrots, sliced (optional, for steaming together)
Fresh swede, diced (optional, for steaming together)
Pinch of salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Optional: A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for serving

Equipment

Steamer basket or pot with a steaming insert
Large pot for water
Serving dish

Instructions

Wash and trim the ends of your green beans. If using carrots or swede, wash and chop them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Fill a large pot with about an inch or two of water. Place your steamer basket inside, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom of the basket.
Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Carefully add the green beans (and carrots/swede, if using) to the steamer basket.
Cover the pot tightly and steam for 3-5 minutes. Green beans don't need long as the steam is very hot, and you want them to remain crisp-tender. Larger or thicker beans might take a minute or two longer. Test for desired doneness.
Once cooked, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot.
Transfer the steamed green beans to a serving dish. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

These steamed green beans are incredibly versatile. They were originally served with vegan no chicken breast and stuffing, finished with a rich vegan gravy for a hearty, comforting meal.

As a simple side: Perfect alongside any vegan main course, from tofu scrambles to lentil loaves.
In a vegan curry: As mentioned by the original author, green beans are delicious when added to a flavorful Easy & Creamy Vegan Coconut Curry. Add them towards the end of cooking to maintain their crunch.
With a stir-fry: Serve on the side with a sprinkle of sesame seeds to complement a Quick & Easy High-Protein Vegan Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe.
Lemon-Garlic: Toss with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and minced garlic after steaming for a bright, zesty flavor.
Almondine: Sauté a few sliced almonds in a pan with a little vegan butter and sprinkle over the steamed beans for added texture and richness.

Tips & Hacks for Perfect Green Beans

The "Yellow Sticker" Advantage: Keep an eye out for green beans in the reduced section of your grocery store. They're often perfectly fresh and a fantastic bargain, helping you eat well on a budget and reduce food waste.
Don't Overcook: The key to delicious steamed green beans is not to overcook them. They should be bright green and have a slight "snap" when bitten. Undercooked is better than mushy!
Quick Cool for Color: If you're not serving immediately or want to maintain maximum vibrant green color, plunge the hot steamed beans into an ice bath for a minute or two after cooking. This "shocks" them and stops the cooking process.
Flavor Boost: A splash of liquid aminos or a dash of onion powder and garlic powder can elevate the simple flavor profile.

Ready to try this simple, delicious recipe?

We'd love to see your creations! Share your steamed green beans on abillion and inspire others to cook healthy, budget-friendly vegan meals.

Relevant Image Links

Fresh green beans ready for steaming, alongside sliced carrots. Close-up of vibrant green beans and carrots steaming in a basket. Plated steamed green beans with a vegan chicken alternative and gravy. Another view of the delicious vegan meal with green beans. Close-up of the vegan gravy poured over the vegan chicken and green beans.