Sweet & Sour Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

Sweet & Sour Green Beans is a flavorful side dish that combines tender green beans with a savory, slightly sweet bacon sauce. It’s easy to prepare and brings a delicious twist to your usual vegetable routine.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (approx. 4 cups) frozen green beans
• 4-6 slices bacon, cooked
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the bacon using your preferred method (microwave, oven, or air fryer), then dice into pieces if needed.
2. Step 2: Boil the green beans in water for 10-15 minutes or until they reach your desired tenderness.
3. Step 3: Drain the green beans using a colander and return the empty pan to the stove. Melt the butter in the pan, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and bacon pieces. Add the drained green beans back to the pan and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
5. Step 5: Cover the pan with a lid and let the green beans simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, use fresh green beans and blanch them instead of boiling frozen ones.
• Try substituting maple syrup or honey for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Use turkey bacon for a leaner alternative.

Storage

Store leftover sweet & sour green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the beans tender-crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh green beans work well. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender before proceeding with the recipe.

Is it necessary to cook the bacon separately?

Cooking the bacon separately ensures it crisps up nicely and renders fat. This adds flavor and texture to the dish. After cooking, dice and add it back during the sauce step.

Sweet & Sour Green Beans Recipe

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Sweet & Sour Green Beans is a flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans tossed with crispy bacon and a delicious sweet and savory sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, and butter. This easy stovetop recipe combines simple ingredients for a comforting and tasty vegetable accompaniment perfect for any meal.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 pound (approx. 4 cups) frozen green beans

Protein

• 4–6 slices bacon, cooked and diced

Seasonings & Sauces

• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: Begin by cooking the bacon using your preferred method—microwave, oven, or air fryer—until crispy. Dice the cooked bacon into small pieces and set aside.
2. Boil the Green Beans: Place the frozen green beans in a pot of boiling water. Cook them for 10-15 minutes or until they reach your desired tenderness.
3. Drain and Prepare Sauce Base: Drain the green beans in a strainer or colander. Return the empty pan to the stovetop over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pan, then add the minced garlic, sautéing it for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and diced bacon pieces into the garlic butter mixture. Mix well to create the sweet and sour sauce.
5. Toss and Simmer: Add the drained green beans back into the pan, tossing them thoroughly to coat with the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the beans to simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Serve: Remove the lid and transfer the sweet and sour green beans to a serving dish. Enjoy warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

• You can adjust the amount of brown sugar and soy sauce to taste, making it sweeter or saltier as preferred.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Fresh green beans can be used instead of frozen; just reduce boiling time accordingly.
• Leftover green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure not to overcook the green beans to maintain a pleasant texture and avoid mushiness.

Keywords: green beans, sweet and sour green beans, bacon green beans, side dish, vegetable side, easy green beans recipe