Fill a deep skillet or dutch oven with 1” water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Once the water comes to a boil, add a steamer basket into the pot, then arrange the green beans in an even layer.
Cover the pot and steam 4 minutes for crisp tender green beans, or 5 minutes for softer green beans.
Remove the steam basket and transfer the green beans to a serving bowl. Add the butter, then season with salt and pepper. Toss until the butter melts and the seasoning is evenly distributed. Serve immediately.
Microwave Green Beans
Combine green beans and ½ c water in a large microwave safe bowl. Cover with a plate.
Microwave 4 minutes for crisp tender green beans, or 5 minutes for softer green beans.
Add the butter, then season with salt and pepper. Toss until the butter melts and the seasoning is evenly distributed. Serve immediately.
Roasted Green Beans
Heat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Rinse green beans, then pat very dry. Combine green beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper and toss until well combined. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and arrange in a single layer.
Roast 15 minutes for green beans with a slight crunch, or 18 minutes for more tender green beans with a more pronounced char.
Transfer to a serving dish and season with lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Sauteed Green Beans
Rinse the trimmed green beans in a colander. Shake to release most of the moisture, but don’t dry completely.
Heat a 12” skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and heat until it shimmers.
Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
Add the green beans and toss to coat in the fat. Add 1 tablespoon water to the pan, then cover and saute, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are charred and just about bite tender, about 6 minutes.
Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Instant Pot Green Beans
Pour 1 cup water into the inner pot of a 6-quart pressure cooker, then fit the inner pot with a steamer basket.
Arrange the green beans in the steamer basket in an even layer.
Seal the lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to sealing. Program to manual high pressure for 0-1 minutes (0 minutes for crisp tender, 1 minute for soft green beans). Once the time goes off, perform a quick release.
Remove the steamer basket and transfer the green beans to a serving bowl. Add the butter, then season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and zest. Toss until the butter melts and the seasoning is evenly distributed. Serve immediately.