Whack green Beans
Quick, savory-sweet pan-roasted green beans with crispy bacon and a touch of brown sugar — an easy side that pairs with weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb fresh green beans
- 4 slice bacon thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce use low-sodium if preferred
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice optional, for brightness
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Trim the ends from the green beans and rinse under cold water; pat dry.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble when cool.
- Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet (reserve fat). Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add the green beans to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to blister and become tender-crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Push the beans to the side and add the minced garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir garlic into the beans.
- Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce coats the beans and slightly thickens.
- Return the crumbled bacon to the pan, toss to combine. Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice if using. Serve warm.
Notes
Stale bacon can be swapped for pancetta or smoked ham. Leftovers keep for 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the beans.
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