Sautéed Green Beans with Sweet Caramelized Onions
Elevate your dining experience with these vibrant sautéed green beans complemented by sweet, caramelized onions. This dish is a perfect side for succulent steakhouse-style steaks, adding a burst of color and flavor to your plate. The rich sweetness of the onions, paired with a hint of Cajun spice, brings a delightful contrast to the crisp green beans. Not only can this combination accompany your main course, but the caramelized onions can also serve as a delicious topping for your steaks, enhancing flavor with every bite. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe offers a simple yet impressive addition to your meal.
6
Servings
58
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 tablespoons (divided)
Onion
1 large (sliced (about 2 cups))
Light Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons
Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Dry Cajun Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon
Green Beans
1 1/2 lbs (trimmed)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7-10 minutes or until they start to brown.
2
Stir in the light brown sugar, kosher salt, and dry Cajun seasoning. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and a deep golden brown.
3
While the onions are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. Drain the green beans well.
4
Add the cooked green beans to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, cooking everything together for about 1 minute, or until heated through. Serve warm, with optional caramelized onions as a topping for steaks.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of Sautéed Green Beans with Sweet Caramelized Onions?
The dish features a balance of savory green beans, rich sweetness from caramelized onions and brown sugar, and a subtle kick from Cajun seasoning.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What type of green beans should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of fresh green beans, trimmed. Fresh beans provide the best crisp-tender texture.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but you may need to adjust the boiling time to ensure they don't become too mushy.
How long does it take to cook the onions?
The onions take about 7-10 minutes to brown initially, followed by another 5 minutes after adding the seasonings.
What is the purpose of adding light brown sugar to the onions?
The brown sugar helps accelerate the caramelization process and enhances the natural sweetness of the sliced onions.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 58 calories.
What are the main seasonings used in this dish?
The dish is seasoned with kosher salt, dry Cajun seasoning, and light brown sugar.
Can I substitute butter with oil?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free or vegan alternative.
How long should I boil the green beans?
Boil the green beans in salted water for 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender but still retain a crisp bite.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a family dinner and comfort food, making it an ideal side dish for various occasions.
What main course pairs best with these green beans?
This dish is highly recommended as an accompaniment to steakhouse-style steaks.
Can the caramelized onions be used for anything else?
Yes, the recipe suggests using the extra caramelized onions as a flavorful topping for your steaks.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 3 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe include protein?
Yes, each serving provides about 1 gram of protein.
What size onion is required?
The recipe calls for one large onion, which should yield about 2 cups when sliced.
Should the green beans be trimmed?
Yes, the 1 1/2 lbs of green beans should be trimmed before boiling.
What heat level should the onions be cooked at?
Start the onions over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low after adding the sugar and spices.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and is relatively low in calories.
Can I prepare the onions in advance?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions ahead of time and reheat them when you are ready to toss in the green beans.
What equipment is needed?
You will need a large skillet for the onions and a large pot for boiling the green beans.
Does the recipe use a specific type of salt?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How do you finish the dish?
The dish is finished by tossing the drained beans with the onions and a final tablespoon of butter for about 1 minute.
What if I don't have Cajun seasoning?
You can substitute with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Is the onion preparation specific?
Yes, the onions should be thinly sliced rather than chopped.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original list, adding minced garlic during the last minute of onion caramelization would be a great addition.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I use canned green beans?
Canned green beans are not recommended as they are already soft and won't hold up well to the sautéing process.
Is this dish spicy?
The Cajun seasoning provides a mild warmth, but the sweetness of the onions balances it out.