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Crack Green Beans

Crack Green Beans
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Crack Green Beans are a quick and flavorful side dish featuring crisp-tender green beans sautéed with smoky bacon, garlic, butter, brown sugar, and a hint of spice. This vibrant, savory, and slightly sweet recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. Easily customizable for vegetarian or spicy versions, Crack Green Beans brighten any meal with their bold taste and crunchy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Green Beans

  • Fresh green beans, trimmed and rinsed (about 1 lb)

Meat

  • 4 oz bacon or pancetta, diced

Seasonings & Flavorings

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for vegetarian version)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the green beans: Rinse and trim the ends of your green beans to ensure they are clean and ready for even cooking.
  2. Cook the bacon or pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté the garlic: Add butter to the bacon fat, then toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Cook the green beans: Add the green beans to the pan and sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they turn bright green and become tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add seasoning and bacon: Sprinkle in the brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to coat the beans, then add the crispy bacon pieces back to the pan and toss to combine.
  6. Serve immediately: Transfer the Crack Green Beans to a serving dish and enjoy hot for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh green beans that snap easily when bent for the best texture.
  • Do not overcook the green beans; maintain a bright green color and slight crunch.
  • Adjust brown sugar according to your desired level of sweetness, but do not skip it as it balances the savory flavors.
  • Render bacon fat slowly over medium heat to prevent burning and develop a richer flavor base.
  • Stir often during cooking to keep beans evenly coated and avoid sticking or burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack green beans, sautéed green beans, bacon green beans, quick side dish, green beans recipe

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/crack-green-beans/