Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar
User Reviews
5
Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar
Description
This recipe starts by cooking bacon until done, removing it to keep the rendered fat in the pan. Butter, onion, and garlic are then softened in the bacon grease, producing a flavorful base. Chicken broth, brown sugar, and soy sauce create a sweet-savory braising liquid. Fresh green beans are added and simmered uncovered over low heat for up to two hours until the liquid reduces, and green beans become tender and richly flavored.
The long simmering infuses the smoky, salty bacon taste throughout the beans while softening their texture. The recipe notes that cooking over medium heat shortens the process but can lessen sauce thickness and bacon flavor infusion. Fresh green beans are preferred, though canned beans can be used in a pinch with shorter cooking.
The finished beans are garnished with some reserved bacon pieces to add another layer of texture and salty crunch. This side pairs well with traditional homespun meals and can be adapted for vegan versions using plant-based bacon, butter, and vegetable broth, though flavor will differ.
The recipe suggests using thicker cuts of pork bacon for flavor and keeping the bacon slightly soft unless crispier texture is preferred. It also encourages reserving some bacon for topping the dish and using fresh beans for best results.
Ingredients
- ½ pound Bacon cooked, chopped, and reserve the grease*
- ¼ cup butter unsalted
- 1 onion diced small, small to medium, white
- 2 to 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 cups chicken broth reduced sodium
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce or gluten free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos to keep GF, low sodium
- 2 pounds Green bean ends trimmed and halved or as desired, fresh
Instructions
- To a large high sided sauté pan or Dutch oven, add the bacon and cook over medium-high heat until the bacon is done; stir and flip intermittently. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon, place it on paper towels, and set aside. Keep the bacon grease in the pan.
- To the pan, add the butter (if you want to reduce the amount of butter or eliminate it, that's fine, noting the flavor will suffer a bit), onion, garlic, and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until onions have softened; stir frequently.
- Add the chicken broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, green beans, and simmer over low heat, uncovered for about 2 hours, or until liquid is nearly gone. Notes - You can speed this process up by simmering over medium heat rather than low, and they'll be done in about 45 minutes. However the sauce may not thicken as nicely and the bacon flavor will not infuse as much into the green beans. If you're using canned green beans, simmer over low for 35 to 45 minutes.
- After the the liquid is nearly gone, add the reserved bacon, stir to combine, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just to warm through before serving. Leftover green beans with bacon will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the micro or in a skillet over low heat.
Notes
- Choose a thick-cut, fatty pork bacon for best flavor; applewood or hickory smoked varieties add distinct taste.
- If a vegan version is needed, substitute plant-based bacon, butter, and vegetable broth.
- Keep the bacon slightly soft rather than crispy to maintain texture balance, but adjust based on personal preference.
- Reserve some cooked bacon pieces to sprinkle on top for added flavor and presentation.
- Use fresh green beans for optimal flavor and texture; canned beans may be substituted but require shorter cooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 274 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 274kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Cholesterol | 43mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 758mg | 32% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
