20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic
Ingredients
- 6slices bacon
diced
- 1 lbgreen beans
ends trimmed
- 4 clovesgarlic
minced
- 1 tspcracked black pepper
- to taste, if neededsea or kosher salt
Directions
- 1
Heat a 12” skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp, 6-7 minutes. Remove bacon using a slotted spoon and set aside. Pour all but 2 tbsp bacon from the pan.
- 2
Rinse the trimmed green beans in a colander. Shake to release most of the moisture, but don't dry completely.
- 3
Return the pan to medium high heat; wait about 30 seconds for the bacon grease to heat up again. Add the green beans and toss to coat in the fat. Cover and saute the green beans, stirring occasionally, until charred and just about bite tender, about 6 minutes.
- 4
Add garlic and saute, stirring frequently, for 1 minute. Return the bacon to the skillet and saute, stirring frequently, for a further minute.
- 5
Remove from heat. Add the cracked black pepper and toss. Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed.
20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 40 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Looking for a side dish that's both incredibly easy and unbelievably flavorful? These 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic are your answer, bringing restaurant-quality taste to your table in a flash.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the masterful combination of ingredients. By pan-searing fresh green beans with savory, rendered bacon and aromatic minced garlic, you unlock a depth of flavor in just 20 minutes. This technique ensures the green beans retain their vibrant color and tender-crisp texture, perfectly contrasting with the salty, irresistible crunch of the bacon. It's a testament to how basic pantry staples can be transformed into something truly special with minimal effort.
Prepare your senses for an unforgettable side dish. Each forkful delivers a delightful interplay of textures: the satisfying snap of perfectly cooked green beans giving way to their inherent sweetness, beautifully complemented by the rich, umami notes of crispy bacon. The fragrant minced garlic permeates every bite, adding a warm, pungent depth, while a generous touch of cracked black pepper provides a subtle, invigorating kick. This isn't just a side; it's a vibrant symphony of flavors designed to elevate any meal, proving that ease doesn't compromise deliciousness.
While perfect as is, you can easily tailor this dish to your liking. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your preference, adding more for a bolder flavor or a little less if you prefer a subtle hint. For an extra peppery kick, don't shy away from adding a bit more cracked black pepper. If you're managing salt intake, you might find the bacon provides enough salinity, so taste before adding extra sea or kosher salt.
These irresistible green beans are versatile enough for any occasion. They're a perfect companion for a busy weeknight dinner, yet elegant and flavorful enough to grace your holiday table for celebrations like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple pasta dish for an instant upgrade.