15-Minute Outback Steakhouse Steamed Green Beans
These restaurant-style steamed green beans feature a sweet and savory butter sauce with brown sugar, Maggi seasoning, and garlic powder. The beans are steamed until just tender-crisp, then tossed in a rich butter coating that perfectly balances sweet and umami flavors. This side dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats and makes an excellent addition to steakhouse-style dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed, preferably very thin
- 4 ounces salted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon Maggi seasoningsoy sauce1:1umamiadds glutenadds soy
slightly different flavor profile
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
Instructions
- 1
Steam the green beans in either a steamer or microwave until just done and still firm
- 2
Combine butter, brown sugar, Maggi seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan over medium-low heat
- 3
Stir until the brown sugar is completely dissolved
- 4
Place steamed green beans in a bowl and add about half of the butter sauce
- 5
Stir until beans are coated with the sauce
Tips
Steam beans just until tender-crisp to maintain their vibrant color and slight crunch
Reserve half the butter sauce for serving alongside the dish or drizzling over individual portions
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in microwave or steamer.
Trim beans up to 1 day ahead. Make butter sauce up to 2 hours ahead and reheat gently.
Serve immediately while hot as a side dish with grilled meats or roasted chicken.
Common Mistakes
Avoid overcooking beans to prevent them from becoming mushy and losing their vibrant color
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce steaming time significantly as frozen beans cook faster. Start with 1 minute and check for doneness.
What can I substitute for Maggi seasoning?
Use soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce in equal amounts. Both will provide similar umami depth to the butter sauce.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the beans.