How long does it take to steam green beans?

Question

I have two pounds of fresh green beans that I want to steam; how long should it take and how much water should I put in the pot? Thanks!

Answer 1

I do mine in a big pot with just an inch or two of water on the bottom. It depends on how you like your green beans done - I prefer mine still firm with a little bite left to them. I do mine for about 4-5 minutes is all.
Oh, and cover the pan while cooking!

Answer 2

It will be easier to just boil them.
Bring a pot of water to the boil and add the bean. When the water returns to the boil reduce heat to a simmer and give them five minutes and remove from pan, reserving the water
Plunge into cold water as that will set the colour.
Taste to see if they require further cooking and return to pot (season) either just to reheat or to cook a little longer.

Observation.
That is a lot of beans, so if you think it could be too much for one meal separate some after the cold water plunge, drain well and freeze, or put in a container in fridge for tomorrow, they are nice cold in a salad.

Answer 3

About 10 minutes, on medium heat, in a large pot, with3 to 4 cups of water covered with a lid. Add salt, and pepper. Use a steamer tray, and put your beans onto that first. Put a few pats of butter on top of the beans for taste, and texture.
I put cooked bacon bits, and stir the beans in a bowl afterwards, but that is up to you. Fat makes green beans taste better. Have fun.

Answer 4

Steam about 5 minutes... check it out and steam longer if you like the beans softer. I like to cook my green beans long enough so they still have a slight snap, but the raw grass flavor cooked away. Also, I believe it's best to check sooner since you can always cook it more, but once something is overcooked, you can't uncook it.

You want to have enough water to produce steam and not dry out before you're done. Put just enough water to be just below the steamer... about 1 to 2" of water.

Answer 5

I would do them in a frying pan with a bit of water. If you have a glass lid you can see when they are screaming green and stop cooking then. Remember that they continue to cook for a bit even after you remove them from the heat. If you want to dress 'em up a bit you could use blue cheese crumbles and dried cranberries, or do the sliced almond routine, or you could glaze them in fruit juice.... It's really up to you- I just invented all this stuff right now. Sounds good, doesn't it? I think I'll do the blue cheese thing on mine.

Answer 6

3-5 minutes, until bright green. If you have a steamer use about 1" already-boiling water.
Check out this video:
http://video.about.com/homecooking/green-beans.htm

Answer 7

7.5 mins