Savory Bacon-Walnut Sautéed Green Beans
Elevate your vegetable side dish game with these Savory Bacon-Walnut Sautéed Green Beans. Crisp-tender green beans are perfectly enhanced by the rich flavors of sautéed garlic and fresh thyme, while the addition of crispy bacon and toasted walnuts gives this dish a satisfying crunch and depth. Drizzled with a touch of brown sugar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, this recipe strikes a harmonious balance between sweet and savory. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, these beans are sure to delight everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh green beans
2 lbs (trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
roasted garlic cloves
2-3 (minced)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
brown sugar
2-3 tablespoons (to taste)
soy sauce
2 1/4 teaspoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
2 1/4 teaspoons (none)
cooked bacon
4 slices (cut into 1 inch pieces)
walnuts
4-5 tablespoons (toasted and sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming and cutting the fresh green beans into 1 1/2 inch pieces.
2
Place the beans in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a rolling boil and cook, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Once cooked, drain the beans and set aside.
3
While the green beans are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over low to medium heat.
4
Once the butter is melted, add the minced roasted garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until it's tender and fragrant, making sure not to let it burn. Add in the thyme, stirring to combine.
5
Next, sprinkle in the brown sugar, followed by the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Stir the mixture and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.
6
Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss well to coat them in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
7
Finally, sprinkle the sautéed green beans with the crispy bacon pieces and toasted walnuts. Toss gently to combine, then serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Bacon-Walnut Sautéed Green Beans?
This is a vegetable side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed with garlic, thyme, crispy bacon, and toasted walnuts in a sweet and savory sauce.
How many green beans are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of fresh green beans.
How should I prepare the fresh green beans?
The green beans should be trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces.
How long do I need to boil the green beans?
Boil the beans uncovered in a large saucepan for 8-10 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
What type of fat is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
What kind of garlic is used in this dish?
Use 2-3 cloves of roasted garlic, minced.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much brown sugar should I add?
You can add 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar, depending on your taste preference.
What liquid seasonings are used in the glaze?
The glaze is made with 2 1/4 teaspoons of soy sauce and 2 1/4 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The recipe requires 4 slices of cooked bacon cut into 1 inch pieces.
How many walnuts are needed?
You will need 4-5 tablespoons of toasted and sliced walnuts.
How long do I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced roasted garlic in melted butter for about 2 minutes over low to medium heat.
When do I add the thyme to the pan?
Add the thyme once the garlic is tender and fragrant, stirring to combine.
What is the next step after adding the thyme?
Sprinkle in the brown sugar, followed by the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
How long do I cook the sauce ingredients before adding the beans?
Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved.
How do I combine the beans with the sauce?
Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss well to coat them thoroughly.
How long should the beans stay in the skillet?
Cook the beans in the skillet for about 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
When are the bacon and walnuts added?
Sprinkle the bacon pieces and toasted walnuts over the beans at the very end before serving.
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
While the recipe specifies walnuts, you could use toasted pecans or sliced almonds as a substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal side dish for family dinners or gatherings.
What does 'crisp-tender' mean for green beans?
It means the beans are cooked through but still retain a slight bite and firmness, rather than being mushy.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, though you may want to adjust the amount of soy sauce if you are sensitive to salt.
Should the green beans be boiled covered or uncovered?
The instructions recommend boiling the beans uncovered.
What gives this dish its savory depth?
The combination of garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and bacon provides a rich savory profile.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative.
How much preparation is needed for the garlic?
The recipe calls for the garlic cloves to be roasted beforehand and then minced.
Does this recipe have a sweet element?
Yes, the brown sugar provides a sweet balance to the savory ingredients.
Should I serve this dish hot or cold?
The recipe recommends serving the sautéed green beans warm.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
This recipe uses 9 ingredients.
How should I toast the walnuts?
You can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat or in the oven until they are fragrant and slightly browned.