Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it transforms ordinary green beans into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! These Easy Arkansas Green Beans are not just another vegetable side – they're a flavor-packed sensation that combines crispy bacon, tender green beans, and a perfectly caramelized finish that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary in just 20 minutes!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup of onion, diced
- 1/4 cup of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly and trim off the stem ends. Pat the green beans dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp and renders its fat, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add the diced onions to the bacon and cook together, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet with the bacon and onions. Stir to combine and coat the beans with the bacon fat.
- Pour the 1/4 cup of water into the skillet, which will help steam the green beans and create additional moisture.
- Season the green beans with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Allow the green beans to steam and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they reach your desired tenderness.
- Uncover the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to evaporate and the beans to develop slight caramelization.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp, bright green beans and high-quality bacon for the best flavor.
- Pat Green Beans Dry: Ensure your green beans are completely dry after washing to help them crisp up and absorb the bacon's delicious fat.
- Bacon Matters: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Don't Overcook: Watch the beans carefully to maintain a slight crunch – nobody wants mushy green beans!
- Season Gradually: Start with a little salt and pepper, then taste and adjust as you cook.
- Low and Slow: Cook the bacon and onions on medium heat to develop rich flavors without burning.
- Let the Liquid Reduce: The final uncovered cooking step helps concentrate the flavors and create a slight caramelization.Pro Tip: These green beans are perfect for meal prep and taste even better the next day, making them an ideal make-ahead side dish for busy families!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
