Bacon-Braised Green Beans Recipe

J. Kenji López-Alt
Bacon-Braised Green Beans Recipe

Tender braised green beans are brightly flavored with bacon and vinegar. [Photograph: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt]

Don't get me wrong. I love a crisp sautéed green bean or a fresh and crunchy green bean salad as much as anyone, but there's a time and a place for everything, and I'd like to make the case for tender braised green beans. The ideal braised green bean should be tender and moist, but still retain a hint of crunch in its walls. It should be cooked in a flavorful liquid so that it has a chance to pick up those flavors that really enhance it. Let's bust out of this al dente prison we're stuck in now, shall we?

Why this recipe works:

  • Bacon, onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes form a flavorful base for the braise.
  • Adding acid to the braising liquid helps keep the beans crunchy while adding bright flavor.

Read more: Forget Al Dente: Braised Green Beans Are Where It's At

  • Yield:Serves 6 to 8
  • Active time: 30 minutes
  • Total time:1 hour 30 minutes
  • Rated: 4.6666666666667

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
  • 1 1/2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable stock
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

  1. 1.

    Heat bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook, stirring frequently, until fat has rendered and bacon is beginning to crisp, about 6 minutes. Add onions, garlic, and pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until onions are softened but not browned, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

  2. 2.

    Add green beans, stock, and vinegar and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce to a bare simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender but retain a slight crunch to them, about 45 minutes.

  3. 3.

    Remove lid, set heat to high, add butter, and cook, stirring, until liquid is reduced to a saucy glaze, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

This Recipe Appears In
Forget Al Dente: Braised Green Beans Are Where It's At
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