15-Minute Steamed Green Beans
Perfectly tender-crisp green beans steamed to a brilliant emerald color and finished with a splash of sherry wine and creamy butter. This simple side dish takes just minutes to prepare and maintains the beans' natural snap while adding elegant flavors. The sherry adds a subtle sweetness that complements the earthiness of the beans, while flaky sea salt and black pepper provide the perfect finishing touch. Ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday meals when you want a fresh, vibrant vegetable that pairs well with any main course.
Ingredients
- ½ pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon sherry winewhite wine1:1
similar acidity and flavor
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea saltkosher salt1:1
less texture but same flavor
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Heat a small amount of water in a saucepan with a steamer basket
- 2
Place the green beans into the steamer basket when boiling and cover for 4-5 minutes until brilliant green but still crisp
- 3
Remove from steamer basket and toss with sherry
- 4
Place into serving platter
- 5
Top with butter, flaky sea salt and ground black pepper
Tips
Steam beans just until they turn bright green and still have a slight snap to maintain the best texture and color
Use dry sherry or cooking sherry for a more concentrated flavor that won't make the beans soggy
Add the butter while beans are still hot so it melts and coats them evenly
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container
Can trim beans up to 2 days ahead and store in refrigerator
Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook or beans will lose their vibrant color and become mushy
Don't add salt during cooking as it can toughen the beans
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce steaming time to 2-3 minutes since frozen beans cook faster and may become mushy if overcooked.
What if I don't have a steamer basket?
You can blanch the beans in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, then drain immediately and proceed with the recipe.
How long do leftover steamed green beans keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in microwave or quickly sauté to warm through.