Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4–6 slices bacon, thick-cut
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Trim the ends off the fresh green beans and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Blanch them briefly in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to preserve their vibrant color and stop cooking.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and golden. Remove the bacon from the pan, drain the fat leaving 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet for flavor.
- Sauté Garlic and Green Beans: Add butter to the bacon fat in the skillet and melt over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in the green beans and stir frequently to coat and warm through, infusing flavors.
- Season and Combine: Sprinkle soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce over the beans along with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, then crumble the crispy bacon back into the skillet as a finishing touch. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the beans; keep them crisp-tender to preserve texture and color.
- Use thick-cut bacon for meatier, flavorful bites.
- Fresh garlic enhances aroma and taste; avoid pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- Adjust seasoning to taste during cooking.
- Serve immediately for best flavor; leftovers can be stored or reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: crack green beans, garlic green beans, bacon green beans, quick side dish, flavorful green beans, easy vegetable side