Tweaked Green Beans & Bacon

Savory green beans with bacon combine bold Asian-inspired flavors with the smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy essence of Southern cooking. With a rich umami kick, this quick and easy side dish is a fresh twist on the classic. Soy sauce and a few other ingredients is a simple way to elevate traditional green beans for Thanksgiving, tweaking a classic recipe into one you’ll look forward to making year after year.

Why I Chose This Recipe

Growing up, soul food and Southern cooking were always staples in my home. The smoky, comforting flavors of dishes like collard greens, cornbread, and green beans (and still are!) a big part of my life. At the same time, I’ve always had a love for Asian food. The umami-packed notes of soy sauce, ginger, spicy peppers and vinegar are flavors I dream about, so combining these two cuisines to make this green bean recipe was a no brainer. This dish celebrates both my roots in southern soul food and my love for Asian flavors.

Why This Recipe Works

This bacon, soy sauce and green beans is a winner for so many reasons:

• Flavor-packed fusion: It combines the smoky, savory flavors of Southern cooking with the bold, umami-packed elements of Asian cuisine.
• Perfect balance: The crispy bacon, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar create a delicious blend of salty, smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors.
• Quick and easy: Unlike some traditional green bean recipes that simmer with smoked meats for hours, this version is ready in just about 25 minutes.
• Great texture: The bell peppers and onions add sweetness, and vibrant color to the dish.
• Versatile: It pairs well with a variety of mains and can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences, including pork-free or vegan options.

How to Pick & Clean Fresh Green Beans

Fresh green beans are crisp, vibrant, and soak up all the flavors perfectly. If you’re using fresh green beans, here’s how to prepare them for this recipe:

1. Pick the Best Beans: Choose green beans that are bright in color, firm, and free from blemishes or dark spots. The beans should snap easily when bent.
   
2. Wash Thoroughly: Even if the beans look clean, give them a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
   
3. Remove the Stems: Line up a handful of beans and use a knife to trim off the stem ends. If the beans are stringy, you can also remove the strings by pulling gently along the seams.

If you’re short on time, bagged fresh green beans are a great option. They eliminate the need for trimming, but don’t skip washing them—even if the packaging says they’ve been pre-washed. Wash because, bagged beans can still have dirt, so clean before cooking is needed.

The Key Ingredients and What They Do

This recipe is all about bold, complementary flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

• Fresh Green Beans: The star of the dish! Fresh green beans provide a crisp, vibrant base that soaks up all the delicious flavors from the bacon and soy sauce.
  
• White Sugar: Balances the savory, spicy and smoky elements with a subtle touch of sweetness that brings harmony to the dish.
  
• Soy Sauce: A key Asian-inspired ingredient that adds a salty, umami-packed depth to the dish. It balances the smoky richness of the bacon.I used low sodium soy sauce.
  
• Bacon: The smoky, salty flavor of bacon forms the backbone of this dish. It crisps up beautifully and infuses the green beans with its rich, savory taste. The smoky, salty flavor of bacon forms the backbone of this dish. Plus, the rendered fat is used to sauté the garlic, ginger, and beans, adding even more depth of flavor.
  
• Bell Peppers: Brightens the dish with a touch of sweetness and a slight crunch, balancing the salty and smoky flavors.
  
• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
  
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy, bright note that balances the savory and smoky flavors. It also enhances the overall depth of the dish and makes it taste fresher.
  
• Ground Ginger : Adds a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the soy sauce and vinegar.
  
• Garlic: A must-have for depth and aroma. It ties together the Asian and Southern flavors perfectly.
  
• Dried chili peppers: Adds a touch of heat for those who like a little spice. It’s entirely optional but gives the dish an extra kick. If you don’t have dried chili peppers you can use crushed red peppers.

How to Make Green Beans with Bacon

Follow these steps to create this flavorful fusion dish:

1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and brown sugar. Set it aside for later.
2. Bacon: Have cooked, chopped bacon ready with about 3/4 cup of reserved bacon fat—more than enough for this recipe.
3. Sauté the Bell Peppers: In the same skillet, add a tbsp of the bacon fat and the chopped bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften to your desired preference. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
   
4. Sauté the Onions: Add another tbsp if necessary of the bacon fat. Cook the chopped onions in the skillet and sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5. Cook the Green Beans: Add the green beans and the dried chili peppers (if using) to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the remaining bacon fat, and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender to your preference. Once the green beans are tender, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
   
6. Combine Everything: Reduce the heat to low. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the green beans, stirring well to coat. Add the bell peppers, and onions to the skillet. Add the apple cider vinegar and ginger and stir to combine. Taste and adjust with more soy sauce, vinegar and sugar if needed. Stir everything for 2-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   
   
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, with the bacon and all the flavorful juices spooned over the top for extra flavor.
   

How to Make This Dish Vegan

If you’re looking for a vegan version of this dish, it’s easy to adapt! Here’s how:

1. Skip the Bacon: Instead of bacon, use a tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers with a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add that smoky flavor.
2. Add Plant-Based Protein (Optional): For an extra boost of texture and protein, you can toss in sliced vegan sausage or tempeh, cooked until crisp.
3. Use Vegetable Stock: If your green beans seem too dry while cooking, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to keep them moist.

What Foods Go Well with These Green Beans?

These Asian and Southern American green beans pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some perfect matches:

• Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread balances the smoky, savory flavors of the green beans perfectly.
• Candied Yams: For a true soul food-inspired meal, pair these green beans with candied yams for a delicious mix of sweet and savory.
• Seared Chicken, Fried Chicken, Roast chicken: The smoky, bold flavors of the green beans complement simple roasted or grilled chicken.
• Steamed Rice or Fried Rice: For an Asian-inspired pairing, serve the green beans over steamed or fried rice.

Pork-Free Substitutes for Bacon

If you don’t eat pork, there are plenty of great alternatives to make this dish your own:

1. Smoked Beef Sausage: Slice the sausage into rounds and cook them in the skillet as you would bacon. They’ll add a smoky, savory flavor to the dish. Carefully transfer the remaining bacon fat to a small bowl—it’ll be used later to finish cooking the rest of the dish.
2. Beef or Turkey Bacon: Use these as a direct substitute for pork bacon. Cook until crispy, and use the rendered fat for the vegetables.
3. No-Meat Options: For a lighter option, omit the bacon entirely and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.

Gluten-Free Adjustments

Making your green bean and bacon recipe gluten-free is simple. By using gluten-free versions of key ingredients like bacon, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Here’s how to make the adjustments:

1. Bacon: Choose a gluten-free bacon brand, such as Applegate Farms. Whatever brands you do choose, ensure no hidden gluten in the curing process or added flavorings.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar: Most apple cider vinegars are naturally gluten-free. To be safe, use a trusted brand like Bragg’s.
3. Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce contains wheat, so replace it with a gluten-free alternative like Kikkoman Gluten-Free Soy Sauce. If you want a soy-free option, coconut aminos work just as well and add a slightly sweet flavor.

How to Store Green Beans

To store leftovers, transfer the green beans to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as they sit, making them even better the next day. For longer storage, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Asian and Southern American Green Beans

Stovetop Reheating

1. Add the green beans and bacon mixture to a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Oven Reheating

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the green beans and bacon in an oven-safe dish, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
3. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Microwave Reheating

1. Place the green beans and bacon in a microwave-safe dish with a small splash of water or broth.
2. Cover loosely and microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each minute, until fully heated.