If you have a leftover portion of steamed green beans and are unsure if reheating them is safe, the answer is “Yes, you bet they are!”
There are several tricks to prevent them from going mushy and to maintain their taste optimal during reheating.
However, considering that there are several ways to reheat steamed veggies, you may be wondering: is the microwave the best option or should you go with the stove? Or, is there another, third option, that’s much better?
Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions as well as other valuable tips when reheating steamed beans!
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Why Are Steamed Beans So Popular?
There are numerous ways to prepare veggies and beans and some of them are better than others. One of the healthiest and most popular methods of preparing beans like green beans is steaming.
Steaming isn’t just a healthier cooking method, but it also has numerous other advantages. And, most steamed leftovers can be reheated for a future meal.
If you’re still not convinced about steaming food, check out some awesome reasons why you should opt for steaming whenever possible:
- Preserves their texture
Steaming is a great way to cook veggies and beans like green ones. It will preserve their crunchiness and color.
And, steaming the veggies for the right amount of time, you won’t overcook them and they won’t become blunt and dull.
- It saves you time
Steaming beans and veggies takes only a couple of minutes.
Although some types of veggies and beans take longer than others to steam, most of them are usually ready within 10 minutes or so.
A fast and healthy way to prepare food?!-Yes, please!
- Reduces waste
When we boil veggies, some 20 to 50 percent of the nutrients go away and end up being thrown away in the boiling water.
On the other hand, when you steam food, this waste decreases by 50 percent. In fact, steaming preserves half of the nutrients from beans and veggies!
How to Store Steamed Beans for Reheating?
In order to have tasty reheated steamed beans, you need to store them adequately. Putting them in the fridge on a plate won’t be enough.
You will need to put in a bit more effort than that. Below, check out the must-know tips when storing leftover steamed beans in the fridge:
- Take the beans out of the steamer
Remove the beans from the steamer a minute or two before the end, even if you don’t plan to eat the entire portion.
This will make sure the beans are al dente. And, it will optimize the reheating and prevent them from going mushy or losing their flavor.
- Spread them out on a plate
Once the beans have been steamed, remove them from the steamer and set them on a large and shallow plate.
This will assure they cool down fast and will stop the cooking process.
- Wait for the beans to cool down entirely
Before you put the beans in the fridge, wait for them to cool down entirely. If you put them still hot in the fridge, this may increase the temperature inside the fridge and contribute to an environment that encourages bacteria.
- Choose a suitable container
When transferring the steamed leftover beans to the fridge, choose a container with a lid or a freezer bag.
Make sure they’re away from other foods like eggs, dairy, raw meat, and seafood. This is to prevent the risk of bacteria and cross-contamination.
- Know when to avoid the fridge
If you don’t plan to eat the leftovers within a day or two, store them in the freezer. Use a freezer-safe bag or a container.
Can You Reheat Steamed Beans in the Microwave?
Reheating steamed beans in the microwave is the fastest option.
But, it’s essential not to microwave the beans for too long. This will cause them to overcook and turn mushy and watery.
Considering microwaves’ have varying levels of power, it’s a good rule of thumb to heat the beans to 165 degrees F. You can check the temperature with a food thermometer.
Also, you should cover the beans with plastic wrap. This serves as a steam mechanism and averts surplus moisture from escaping.
In this way, you will maximize the taste and texture of the reheated steamed beans.
Can You Reheat Steamed Beans on the Stove?
The stove is a great choice when you need to reheat steamed beans.
It’s fast and efficient and helps preserve the texture and the flavor. But, don’t re-steam them. Instead, warm them up a bit to prevent them from becoming soggy and soft.
What you need is a pan and a bit of olive oil.
Warm it up to medium heat and add the beans. Stir them around for a couple of minutes so that they heat equally.
Serve and enjoy!
Can You Reheat Steamed Beans in the Oven?
Steamed foods aren’t the most suitable for reheating in the oven; however, steamed beans are the exception.
You need to set the oven to low heat, between 200- and 250 degrees F, to ensure they warm up equally without overcooking them.
To avert the beans from drying out or becoming soggy, cover them lightly with foil until the last couple minutes of reheating.
Also, don’t overfill the tray. Rather, you should spread the beans evenly. This will ensure they don’t become soggy. Usually, the steamed beans need around 10 minutes in the oven to warm up.
They become heated faster than meat so check them regularly. Also, don’t forget to eliminate the foil for a couple of minutes before the end.
Final Thoughts
Beans aren’t just delicious, but they’re one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world. They’re inexpensive, easy to cook, and versatile.
Steamed beans are a popular side dish that’s praised for its great taste and simple preparation. And, the good news is that leftover steamed beans can be easily reheated using different methods.
You just need to store the leftovers properly and you’ll have a tasty and nutritious addition to your meals and prevent food waste in your household!
