Skip to content

Hello World KitchenBeta

Classic Sautéed Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic

A quick and incredibly flavorful weeknight side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed to tender-crisp perfection in savory bacon fat, tossed with caramelized onions, minced garlic, and crispy bacon bits.

Classic Sautéed Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic
Prep 10 min Cook 15 min Total 25 min Level Easy
Serves 4

Ingredients

Main

  • 1 lb Fresh green beans — Washed and ends trimmed
  • 4 slices Thick-cut bacon — Cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 0.5 cup Yellow onion — Finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic — Minced
  • 2 tablespoons Chicken broth or water — For steaming the beans
  • 0.25 teaspoon Kosher salt — Adjust to taste depending on the saltiness of the bacon
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper — Freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon pieces and cook until crispy and the fat has rendered, about 5 to 6 minutes.

    ~6 min
    Start the bacon in a cold skillet to help the fat render out more evenly.
  2. Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon bits from the skillet and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the pan (drain any excess if necessary).

    ~1 min
    If your bacon didn't yield enough fat, you can add a teaspoon of olive oil or butter.
  3. Add the diced onion to the hot bacon fat in the skillet. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

    ~3 min
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.

    ~1 min
    Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
  5. Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them in the aromatics and fat. Pour in the chicken broth (or water), immediately cover the skillet with a lid, and let the beans steam for 3 to 4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.

    ~4 min
    If you prefer softer green beans, leave the lid on for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Remove the lid and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid. Toss the crispy bacon bits back into the skillet. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, stir well, and serve immediately.

    ~2 min
    Taste a green bean before adding salt, as the bacon already provides a good amount of sodium.
Nutrition
115
Calories
5
Protein (g)
10
Carbs (g)
7
Fat (g)
2
Sat. Fat (g)
3
Fiber (g)
4
Sugar (g)
320
Sodium (mg)
15
Cholesterol (mg)
Equipment
  • Large skillet with a tight-fitting lid
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Slotted spoon
Tips & Storage
  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
  • Do not overcook the green beans; they are best when they still have a slight bite (tender-crisp).
  • To save prep time, buy pre-washed and pre-trimmed green beans.
  • Storage: Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
Tags

🤖 This recipe was created with AI assistance. If you spot a mistake or something that doesn't look right, please report it.