Are you tired of bland, mushy vegetables that kill your appetite? Get ready to transform your side dish game with this incredibly simple yet mouthwatering Easy Steamed French Beans recipe! In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality side that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. These vibrant, tender-crisp beans are not just a side dish – they're a flavor explosion that will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh French beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash the fresh French beans thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring they are clean and free from any dirt or debris.
- Trim the ends of the beans by cutting off the tough, stringy tips using a sharp knife. Discard the trimmed ends.
- Fill a medium-sized steamer pot or a steamer basket with about 1-2 inches of water, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer insert.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, creating a steady stream of steam.
- Carefully place the trimmed French beans into the steamer basket in a single, even layer to ensure uniform cooking.
- Cover the steamer with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to medium-high, allowing the beans to steam for 8-10 minutes until they are tender-crisp and bright green.
- While the beans are steaming, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, being careful not to brown it.
- Once the beans are cooked, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot using heat-resistant tongs or oven mitts.
- Transfer the steamed beans to a serving platter and immediately drizzle with the melted butter.
- Season the beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the beans to add a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Gently toss the beans to ensure they are evenly coated with butter, seasoning, and lemon juice.
- Serve hot as a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Beans: Always select bright green, firm beans without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't Overcook: The key is "tender-crisp" – steam for 8-10 minutes to maintain their vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Even Steaming: Arrange beans in a single layer to ensure uniform cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming too soft.
- Butter Matters: Use unsalted butter and melt it gently to avoid browning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Lemon Juice Hack: Add lemon juice just before serving to preserve its bright, fresh flavor and prevent wilting.
- Season Wisely: Season after cooking to prevent drawing out moisture and maintain the beans' perfect texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately for the best taste and texture – these beans are at their prime when hot and freshly prepared!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
