Easy Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

These easy Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon are a savory delight. Crispy plant-based bacon adds a smoky richness to tender green beans, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This simple yet irresistible dish will have your taste buds singing with every bite.

Why is it better to cook green beans?

Like many other legumes and vegetables, raw green beans contain lectins. Lectins are a type of protein found in plants, and they serve various functions, including defense against pests. In some cases, lectins can cause digestive discomfort or other adverse reactions in humans if consumed in large quantities or if not properly prepared.

However, cooking green beans thoroughly can help reduce the levels of lectins and make them safer to eat.

Therefore, it’s generally recommended to cook green beans before consuming them to minimize any potential negative effects from lectins.

Is there a special season to eat Green Beans?

Green beans are typically in season during the summer months, from late spring to early fall, depending on your location. This is when you’ll find them at their peak freshness and flavor, often available locally at farmers’ markets or grown in home gardens.

However, thanks to modern farming and transportation methods, green beans are available year-round in many grocery stores.

While they may be at their best during the summer, you can enjoy green beans in various dishes throughout the year.

Why are green beans and bacon a delicious combination?

Green beans and bacon make a delicious combination due to the contrast of flavors and textures they offer.

The crispiness and smoky richness of bacon complement the tender and slightly sweet taste of green beans, creating a harmonious balance. Additionally, the saltiness of the bacon enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish, while the bacon fat adds a layer of richness and depth.

Together, these ingredients create a satisfying and flavorful dish that is both comforting and indulgent.

What Ingredients do I need To Prepare Sauteed Green Beans? 

• Fresh green beans: Choose young, tender beans that are bright green and without any blemishes or discoloration. Wash the beans thoroughly under running water and trim off the ends.
• Shallots: These small, onion-like bulbs have a milder flavor than regular onions and add a subtle sweetness to the dish. Peel and finely chop the shallots.
• Vegetable oil: Use a neutral-tasting oil such as canola or grapeseed oil to cook the beans. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Bacon bits: These add a smoky, salty flavor to the dish. You can use store-bought bacon bits or cook bacon strips until crispy and crumble them into small pieces.
• Salt and black pepper: Season the beans to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

How to make Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon

Heat a pot with salt water cook until hot and bubbly add in green beans and cook them soft around 10 minutes, drain set a side.

To make the sauteed green beans, start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook until they are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Next, add the bacon bits to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper.

Finally, also add the green beans to the skillet and cook all for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly browned. Adjust the seasoning as needed and serve hot. Enjoy!

How to store and reheat leftovers

To store leftovers of Sauteed Green Beans with bacon:

1. Allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature.
2. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
3. Place the container in the refrigerator and store for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat leftovers of Sautéed Green beans with bacon:

1. Remove the desired portion from the refrigerator and transfer it to a microwave-safe dish or a skillet.
2. If using a microwave, cover the dish loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to prevent splattering.
3. Reheat the sauteed green beans and bacon in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, if using a skillet, reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed.
4. Once heated through, serve and enjoy!

Make sure to check the leftovers for any signs of spoilage before reheating and consuming them. If the green beans with bacon have an off smell or appearance, it’s best to discard them to avoid foodborne illness.

Serving suggestions for this Sauteed Green Beans recipe

Green Beans with bacon is a flavorful side dish and pairs well with a variety of main dishes and other side dishes. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside:

1. Grilled or roasted chicken: The savory flavor of (plant-based) chicken complements the smokiness of the bacon and the freshness of the green beans.

2. Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and hearty accompaniment to the green beans and bacon, creating a well-rounded meal.

3. Rice pilaf: The light and fluffy texture of rice pilaf is a perfect match for the flavors of the green beans and bacon, while adding an extra element of satisfaction to the meal.

4. Crusty bread or dinner rolls: Serve some crusty bread or warm dinner rolls on the side to soak up the delicious juices from the green beans and bacon.

These options can help create a balanced and satisfying meal that showcases the deliciousness of Green Beans with bacon.

Check out more recipes with Green Beans

• Green Bean Salad
• Green Bean Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole with Maple Pecans
• Chickpea Mash Green Bean Casserole

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Enjoy, Florian!