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Crack Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic

Close-up of bright green beans tossed with crispy, caramelized bacon pieces on a white plate.
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Make irresistible, flavorful green beans quickly using bacon, garlic, and a simple glaze. This easy side dish works for weeknights or holidays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
  2. Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they start to become tender-crisp.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes, if using.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture over the green beans in the skillet. Cook, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beans.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon pieces.
  7. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can blanch the green beans briefly before sautéing if you prefer a softer texture.
  • For a make-ahead option, prepare the sauce and bacon separately; combine and heat just before serving.
  • If you do not use bacon, substitute 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil for the rendered fat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/crack-green-beans-recipe/