Sweet & Sour Green Beans Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
