brown sugar green bean recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
brown sugar green bean recipe
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The Best brown sugar green bean recipe

I’ve been making this brown sugar green bean recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in our household. The combination of the sweet and savory flavors is just perfect, and it’s incredibly easy to make. I love how the brown sugar caramelizes on the green beans, creating a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

My kids always ask for seconds, and my husband loves how it’s a great side dish for any occasion. I’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a quick weeknight dinner. The best part?

It’s packed with nutrients and is a great way to get our kids to eat more veggies. Green beans are one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat, rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin K and folate. They’re also low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for a healthy meal.

I’ve experimented with different seasonings over the years, but this recipe remains one of my absolute favorites. It’s a classic combination that never gets old. I like to serve it as a side dish to complement grilled meats or roasted chicken, but it’s also delicious on its own as a snack or appetizer.

The key technique here is cooking the green beans until they’re tender but still crisp, then tossing them with the brown sugar mixture until they’re evenly coated. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Brown Sugar Green Beans

Brown Sugar Green Beans

4.6 from 881 votes

Tender green beans are cooked with a savory-sweet brown sugar glaze. This simple side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Green Beans

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
4 slices bacon, chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp.
3Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process; drain again and set aside.
4In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and the fat is rendered.
5Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
6Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet.
7Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper.
8Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
9Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them with the sauce using tongs.
10Cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and coated in the glaze.
11Sprinkle the crispy bacon on top and serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 16g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead of bacon drippings. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Watch Video Of How Brown Sugar Green Beans Works

This brown sugar green bean recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal.

One of my favorite ways to serve these is as part of a holiday meal – they pair perfectly with roasted turkey or ham.

To store leftovers, simply refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Green Beans

Q: What type of green beans should I use for this recipe?

You can use either fresh or frozen green beans for this recipe. If using fresh green beans, make sure to trim them before cooking.

Q: Can I use other types of sugar instead of brown sugar?

While you can use other types of sugar in this recipe, brown sugar adds a rich flavor that complements the green beans perfectly.

Q: How long do I cook the green beans for?

Cook the green beans until they’re tender but still crisp. This should take about 10-15 minutes depending on their size.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the brown sugar mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.

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