Is it better to boil or steam green beans?

Steaming green beans is better than boiling because it helps to preserve their nutrients. Boiling quickly and blanching in ice water is a great way to prepare green beans in advance . But it is easy to overcook them so shocking in the ice bath is necessary.

Why are my steamed green beans tough?

When green beans are picked past their prime they can often be fibrous and stringy, so try to find the freshest greens beans you can. Also, undercooked green beans can be still crispy or a little tough, so cook them until they are crisp-tender.

Make Ahead, Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover balsamic green beans in the refrigerator in an air-tight container up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, covered with parchment, until steaming hot (about 40 seconds on high per serving.) Alternatively to reheat them on the stovetop, place the leftover green beans and walnuts in a small non-stick skillet with a little olive oil or broth and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they are heated through, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Balsamic Green Beans

Name: Balsamic Green Beans With Walnuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; 4 teaspoons minced garlic; ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted; 2 teaspoons aged balsamic vinegar; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 pound green beans, trimmed (about 8 cups)

Description

These Balsamic Green Beans with Walnuts are one of my favorite vegetable side dishes of all times! Simple, quick, elegant and delicious.

Ingredients

Units Scale

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2 teaspoons aged balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound green beans, trimmed (about 8 cups)

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Instructions

Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring until the garlic is just barely showing signs of turning brown, 30 to 90 seconds. Immediately pour into a large mixing bowl to stop cooking.
Meanwhile, add 1 to 2 inches of water to a large pot fitted with a steamer attachment, cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Add green beans to steamer, and cook, covered until the beans are crisp tender, 4 to 5 minutes.
Transfer the green beans to the bowl. Add walnuts, balsamic and salt and toss to coat.

Notes

These green beans are best prepared and served immediately, though they can be reheated. For best results, reheat in the microwave, covered with parchment only until steaming hot. They may discolor due to the balsamic vinegar.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Steamed
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 125
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 94 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 3 g