Introduction
Time to take your green beans on a flavor-packed adventure with these Smothered Green Beans! Perfect for a savory side dish that’s sure to steal the show. Let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 2 cans of cut green beans, drained
- 8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- Black pepper to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Directions
Sizzle Alert: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Keep that amazing bacon grease in the skillet because there’s magic in it!
Veggie Magic: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir them up in the bacon grease until the onions are nice and soft.
Sweet and Savory: Sprinkle in the brown sugar and give it a stir till it melts into a sweet, sticky dream.
Flavor Fusion: Pour in the soy sauce and mix well. The kitchen should be smelling incredible right about now.
Green Bean TLC: Toss in the drained green beans and mix everything until the beans are fully coated in that delicious sauce.
Time to Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will let all those flavors really come together.
Serve It Up: Once your beans are smothered to perfection, transfer them to a serving dish and sprinkle with black pepper to your taste. Enjoy the applause as everyone digs in!
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sizzle Alert
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Keep that amazing bacon grease in the skillet because there’s magic in it!
Veggie Magic
Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir them up in the bacon grease until the onions are nice and soft.
Sweet and Savory
Sprinkle in the brown sugar and give it a stir till it melts into a sweet, sticky dream.
Flavor Fusion
Pour in the soy sauce and mix well. The kitchen should be smelling incredible right about now.
Green Bean TLC
Toss in the drained green beans and mix everything until the beans are fully coated in that delicious sauce.
Time to Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will let all those flavors really come together.
Serve It Up
Once your beans are smothered to perfection, transfer them to a serving dish and sprinkle with black pepper to your taste. Enjoy the applause as everyone digs in!
Notes
Bacon Selection
Choose thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and texture.
Green Beans Options
You can use fresh or frozen green beans if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
These smothered green beans pair well with grilled meats or as part of a holiday spread.
Cook Techniques
Cooking Bacon
Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. This not only cooks the bacon but also leaves flavorful bacon grease for the other ingredients.
Sautéing Onions and Garlic
Add diced onions and minced garlic to the bacon grease. Stir them in the skillet until the onions become soft, allowing their sweetness to infuse the dish.
Creating a Sweet Sauce
Incorporate brown sugar into the skillet and stir until melted, creating a sweet and sticky base for the dish.
Mixing Flavors
Pour in soy sauce and mix everything well. This combination of sweet and savory will enhance the overall flavor.
Coating Green Beans
Add the drained green beans to the skillet, ensuring they are fully coated in the sauce created from the previous ingredients.
Simmering
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving
Transfer the smothered green beans to a serving dish and finish with a sprinkle of black pepper for added taste.
FAQ
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans. Just steam or blanch them beforehand to ensure they cook through during the simmering process.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to bacon?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative to maintain a savory flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
If you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar used or even omit it entirely for a less sticky finish.
What can I serve with smothered green beans?
These green beans make a great side dish for various proteins such as grilled chicken, steak, or pork. They pair well with rice or mashed potatoes too.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the green beans ahead of time and reheat them before serving. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly.
Conclusion
