Food & Cooking Recipes Quick & Easy Recipes Microwave-Steamed Garlic Green Beans 4.2 (61) This simple, three-ingredient side dish is ready in under 15 minutes. Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Total Time: 15 mins Servings: 4 Jump to recipe Steaming green beans in the microwave results in crisp-tender beans bathed in a simple garlic-butter sauce, and takes under 15 minutes from start to finish. To make this recipe, you'll combine trimmed green beans with a bit of water, some butter, and a smashed garlic clove in a covered, microwave-safe container. After six to seven minutes in the microwave, the beans will be bright green and just tender enough without being mushy. The garlic and butter adds a touch of richness and flavor, and all that's needed is a pinch of salt to finish things off. This recipe is perfect for nights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly or when your stovetop is already maxed out. Healthy and simple, it's one you'll want to keep in your back pocket. 10 Vegetables Every Beginner Should Grow, According to Garden Experts How to Trim Green Beans Unless you've purchased your beans pre-trimmed, you'll need to trim off the stem ends before cooking. To identify the end we're talking about, look for a tough, knobby bit on one end, opposite the more tender, tapered end. To prep them quickly and efficiently, line up a handful of beans on your cutting board with the stem ends all facing the same direction. Hold the beans in place with one hand (far enough away from the blade) and cut off the ends right where they meet the beans. While you're at it, be sure to trim off any ends that are broken or look dry or brown. Since microwave times can vary between brands, you may want to begin checking the beans after five minutes to ensure they don't overcook. Directions Combine all ingredients: Place beans, garlic, butter, and cup water in a 2- to 2 1/2-quart shallow microwave-safe dish with a lid; season with salt. Microwave until crisp-tender: Cover, and microwave on high until beans are crisp-tender, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir, and pour off any excess liquid. Variations To jazz up these beans further, try adding a few shakes of lemon-pepper seasoning or cajun seasoning in place of the salt. You can also add a small splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce in place of the salt before cooking. For a touch of freshness, garnish the cooked beans with chopped herbs (try tarragon or chives) and/or a squeeze of lemon. More Green Bean Recipes to Try: Sautéed Green Beans Green Bean, Shell Bean, and Sweet Onion Fatoush French-Cut Green Beans With Dill Butter Green Beans With Crispy Oven-Fried Onions Stewed Green Beans With Bacon Harissa-Roasted Green Beans Pasta Salad With Chick Peas, Green Beans, and Basil Green Beans and Spaetzle Braised Green Beans Updated by Esther Reynolds Esther Reynolds Esther Reynolds is an experienced recipe developer, recipe tester, food editor, and writer with over a decade of experience in the food and media industries.