Irresistible Crack Green Beans Recipe
Irresistible Crack Green Beans are a vibrant and crispy side dish featuring tender-crisp green beans coated in a deliciously sticky glaze made from brown sugar, garlic, soy sauce, and crispy bacon bits. This recipe balances sweet, salty, and savory flavors with an optional kick of heat or brightness from vinegar, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Green Beans:
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed (or two 12-oz bags frozen)
- Water for boiling
- 1 tbsp salt (for the boiling water)
- Ice bath (bowl of ice water for shocking the beans)
For the Glaze:
- 8 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark both work)
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for brightness
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sliced almonds, toasted
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Caramelized onions
- A splash of bourbon for depth
- Crushed red pepper for heat
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prep Those Green Beans: Trim the ends off fresh green beans by snapping or cutting with a knife. If using frozen beans, thaw completely and pat dry to remove moisture. Prepare an ice bath with cold water and ice to stop cooking later.
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to the ice bath using a slotted spoon to halt cooking and maintain their bright green color. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon onto paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet.
- Make the Magic Glaze: In the same skillet over medium heat, add butter and melt it. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Add brown sugar and stir until melted and bubbling, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Optional: Add a splash of vinegar for brightness. Cook until slightly thickened.
- Toss the Beans: Add the blanched, dried green beans to the skillet. Toss well to coat every bean with the sticky glaze. Cook for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until heated through and glaze thickens. Add crispy bacon back to skillet and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste with more soy sauce or brown sugar if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the glazed green beans to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with extra bacon, sesame seeds, or toasted almonds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the glossy, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Do not overcook the green beans during blanching; they should remain crisp-tender.
- Dry the beans thoroughly after blanching for better glaze adhesion and caramelization.
- Crispy bacon is essential for texture contrast—cook slowly and carefully.
- Watch the garlic closely to avoid burning it, which imparts bitterness.
- Adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding more brown sugar or soy sauce to suit your taste.
- Optional vinegar brightens the glaze and balances sweetness.
- Add toppings like toasted almonds or sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content if preferred.
Keywords: crack green beans, glazed green beans, bacon green beans, savory green beans, sweet and salty vegetables, holiday side dish
Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/irresistible-crack-green-beans-recipe/
