recipe for string beans with bacon
The Best recipe for string beans with bacon
I love this recipe because it’s easy to customize—swap the bacon for turkey bacon if you prefer, or add a little garlic or onion for extra flavor. It’s also great for meal prep because the beans stay fresh and flavorful in the fridge for a few days. My husband and I both swear by it, and my kids will eat it cold out of the fridge too, which is a win for busy mornings. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that feels special but doesn’t take forever to make. You can throw it together in under an hour, and it’s always a hit with everyone. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your family without overcomplicating things.
String Beans with Crispy Bacon
A flavorful dish featuring tender string beans sautéed with crispy bacon, garlic, and a touch of herbs for a satisfying and healthy meal. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) bacon, chopped
- 1 lb (450g) string beans, trimmed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
👨🍳Directions
-
1
In a skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy (6-7 mins). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan. Set bacon aside to drain on paper towels. -
2
In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add string beans and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 8-10 mins, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender but still crisp. -
3
Return bacon to the pan, breaking it into pieces. Stir in chopped parsley and dried thyme. Cook for an additional 1 minute to warm through.
🔧Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice at the end.
- Use fresh string beans for the best texture.
- Substitute bacon with turkey bacon or smoked turkey slices for a lighter option.
Watch Video Of How String Beans with Crispy Bacon Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About String Beans with Crispy Bacon
What is the best way to prepare the bacon for string beans to ensure it’s crispy and flavorful?
To achieve the best crispy bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s fully crispy (about 5–7 minutes per side). Remove it from the pan, leaving the fat, and then use that fat to sauté the string beans. This ensures maximum flavor infusion without soggy bacon.
—
How should I trim and prepare the string beans before cooking?
Trim the ends of the string beans, cutting them to even lengths (about 2–3 inches) for consistent cooking. Rinse them briefly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris, then pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent sticking.
—
What’s the ideal temperature and cooking time for the string beans in the bacon fat?
Cook the string beans in the bacon fat over medium heat until they start to soften (about 3–4 minutes). Stir occasionally, then increase the heat to medium-high to let them caramelize slightly (another 2–3 minutes). They should be tender but still slightly crispy—avoid overcooking, or they’ll turn mushy.
—
Can I substitute any ingredients if I don’t have fresh string beans?
Yes! If fresh string beans aren’t available, you can use frozen (thawed) or canned (drained and rinsed) green beans. For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a splash of soy sauce while cooking. Fresh is best, but these substitutes work well.
—
How do I avoid making the dish too greasy or greasy-free?
To keep the dish balanced, use just enough bacon fat to lightly coat the beans (don’t let them soak up too much). If you prefer less grease, drain the beans after cooking and toss them with a light drizzle of olive oil or a splash of broth before serving. For a greasy-free version, cook the beans in a nonstick pan with a bit of water or broth instead of fat.
