Introduction:
Elevate your vegetable side dish with this flavorful Garlic Green Beans with Bacon recipe. Tender green beans are sautéed with crispy bacon and aromatic garlic, creating a delicious and savory side that pairs perfectly with any main course. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor to your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Combines crispy bacon with fresh green beans for a tasty and satisfying side dish.
- Simple to prepare with just a few ingredients.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or as a complement to any main course.
- Adds a savory twist to traditional green beans.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 strips of bacon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into pieces.
- Prepare the Green Beans:
- While the bacon is cooking, trim the ends off the green beans.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Sauté the Green Beans:
- In the same skillet that you cooked the bacon in, add olive oil and heat over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through and coated with the garlic.
- Combine and Serve:
- Stir in the crumbled bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh zing.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish to your favorite main courses.
Tips for Success:
- Blanching Beans: Blanching the green beans helps to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Don’t skip the ice water bath!
- Crispy Bacon: Ensure the bacon is crispy before adding it to the green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Cook it just until fragrant.
Recipe Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Additional Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Herbs: Try using different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the beans soggy.
Special Equipment:
- Skillet: A large skillet for cooking the bacon and sautéing the green beans.
- Pot: A large pot for blanching the green beans.
FAQ:
- Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Be sure to thaw and blanch them before sautéing. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the green beans and bacon in advance and reheat them together before serving. - Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a lower-fat alternative. It may not get as crispy as pork bacon, but it will still add flavor.
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes for prep and blanching green beans.
Cook Time:
- 15 minutes for cooking bacon and sautéing the green beans.
Total Time:
- 25 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Garlic Green Beans with Bacon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 strips of bacon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into pieces.
- Prepare the Green Beans:
- While the bacon is cooking, trim the ends off the green beans.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Sauté the Green Beans:
- In the same skillet that you cooked the bacon in, add olive oil and heat over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through and coated with the garlic.
- Combine and Serve:
- Stir in the crumbled bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh zing.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish to your favorite main courses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 7g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried this Garlic Green Beans with Bacon recipe? We’d love to hear your feedback! Share your cooking experience in the comments or tag us on social media with your delicious side dishes. Stay tuned for more tasty and easy recipes!
