Want a healthy side dish ready in zero seconds flat? This Microwave Green Beans recipe is what you’ve been looking for.
There are nights when we can take our time preparing a vegetable side dish and nights when we need to do it in a hurry. For the latter occasions, microwave green beans are the perfect solution. Most of us grew up eating green beans regularly. Hopefully, you grew to love them as much as I did. That’s why I frequently have them on hand to enjoy as a side dish. When I’m in a hurry or I’m too tired to do much else, I know that green beans can be prepped quickly and cooked in the microwave in a few minutes.
Green beans done in the microwave still have that same distinct taste. Plus, when you add a little salt, pepper, and butter, these beans will never lack for flavor. You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that green beans prepared this way still retain all of their nutrients. So you get convenience and healthfulness!
Of course, the microwave isn’t the only way to prepare green beans. If you have a little more time, air fryer green beans come out crunchy and tasty. It’s also possible to make Instant Pot green beans if you crave a juicy vegetable side dish. And if you’re a true lover of green beans, I recommend setting aside a leisurely evening to prepare low-carb keto green bean casserole.
Are Microwave Green Beans Healthy?
As mentioned, green beans retain their nutrients when prepared in the microwave, making this a healthy side dish. Green beans contain a lot of essential vitamins and fiber, and have been shown to be beneficial for heart health, digestive health, and weight loss. With only a little bit of butter, salt, and pepper added to the beans, this side dish remains low in fat and calories.
Flavor Boost
If plain green beans with salt and pepper sounds too boring, there are a few ways to make this dish more interesting. For example, I sometimes put a little garlic powder on the green beans before cooking them to help enhance the flavor. Other seasonings like paprika can have a similar effect. You can also try sesame seeds or panko to give the beans more crunch. Finally, I like to sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top of the green beans after they cook.
How do I store these beans?
If there are leftover beans, keep them in the fridge inside an airtight container. They should stay good for at least 3 or 4 days and can be reheated with 1 minute in the microwave. You can also freeze them. You may want to blanch them first (boil them for a few minutes after microwaving) to preserve their color, texture, and nutrients, but this is optional. Store the cooled beans in an airtight container in the freezer for up to six months.
Serving Suggestions
There is an almost endless list of meals that can benefit from having green beans as a side dish. Often, I’ll play it safe by combining green beans with a chicken dish like air fryer BBQ chicken breast. I also like to use green beans to balance out a spicy dish like air fryer brats or firecracker pineapple chicken. Finally, one of my favorite dishes to have with a side of green beans is meatloaf. Two of my favorites are this recipe for Italian meatloaf and this one for turkey meatloaf.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the green beans under cold water and trim the ends. Place them in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add butter, salt, and pepper to the beans. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even seasoning.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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