Description
Green beans seasoned with smoky bacon elevate this classic Texas Roadhouse copycat side dish. Crisp vegetables and savory bacon bits create a flavorful companion to any hearty main course you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
- 1 lb (454 g) fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 fl oz (240 mL) chicken broth
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) brown sugar
- 1 tsp (5 mL) apple cider vinegar
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional, about ½ tsp)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Trim green bean ends and rinse under cold water. Finely chop bacon, dice onion, and mince garlic cloves.
- Bacon Rendering: Heat cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until crispy and golden-brown. Transfer crisp bacon to paper towel-lined plate, reserving drippings in the skillet.
- Aromatic Base: Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in bacon drippings until onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their savory essence.
- Bean Infusion: Add trimmed green beans to skillet, coating thoroughly with drippings, onions, and garlic. Pour in chicken broth to submerge beans completely. Stir in brown sugar and apple cider vinegar, adding crushed red pepper flakes for optional heat.
- Seasoning and Simmering: Generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover skillet tightly, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until beans reach a tender yet slightly crisp consistency.
- Finishing Touch: Remove lid and allow remaining liquid to evaporate, concentrating flavors. Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces over the green beans and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Bacon Brilliance: Always use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture that transforms ordinary green beans into a restaurant-worthy side dish.
- Liquid Love: Don’t skimp on chicken broth – it’s crucial for creating tender beans with deep, rich flavor profiles that penetrate every bite.
- Simmer Secrets: Keep the lid tightly sealed during cooking to lock in moisture and ensure beans become perfectly tender without losing their vibrant green color.
- Timing Tactics: Watch closely during the final uncovered stage to prevent burning, allowing just enough liquid to evaporate and concentrate the delicious bacon and seasoning essence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg