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A closeup picture of a spoonful of green beans and peppers
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Green Beans and Bacon with an Asian Twist

These savory green beans with bacon bring together bold Asian flavors and Southern comfort—smoky, sweet, and packed with umami. Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Asian
Keyword asian green beans, green beans, green beans with bacon
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 250kcal
Author April Boller Wright
Cost $20

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup bacon fat plus reserved chopped bacon
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 cup dried chili peppers
  • 2 lbs green beans
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  • Prepare cooked, chopped bacon along with about 1/4 cup of reserved bacon fat—this should be plenty for the recipe. If needed, you can substitute with vegetable oil."
  • Soy sauce mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and sugar. Set aside.
  • Cook the bell peppers: Heat 1 tablespoon of bacon fat or more in a large skillet over medium low. Add 1 tablespoon of bacon fat to the skillet. Sauté the bell peppers for 3-5 minutes or until your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally, until softened. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
  • Cook the onions: Keep heat at medium-low. Add another tablespoon or a bit more of bacon fat if needed. Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove and set aside
  • Green beans: Increase the heat to medium. If needed, add another tbsp of bacon fat. Add the green beans and dried chili peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or more, until the green beans reach your desired level of tenderness. *see notes
  • Add seasoning: Reduce heat to low. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the green beans and stir to coat. Add the sautéed bell peppers, onions, apple cider vinegar, and ginger. Mix well. Adjust the flavors to your liking by adding more soy sauce, vinegar, or sugar if necessary. Cook for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve as is, or mix in the chopped bacon pieces. Either way, it's delicious!

Video

Notes

 
Bacon Fat Quantity:
You’ll need a few tablespoons or more of reserved bacon fat for this recipe, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference. If you have less, supplement with vegetable or avocado oil. 
  • Adjust Heat for Chili Peppers:
    The dried chili peppers add a subtle heat. For a spicier dish, break them into smaller pieces, or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Cooking Green Beans:
    Cook the green beans to your preferred tenderness. For a crisp texture, reduce the cooking time. If you prefer very tender green beans, like I do, cook them a bit longer and cover the skillet with a lid to trap steam—this also helps them soak up more flavor.
  • Soy Sauce and Salt:
    Soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor, so taste the dish before adding extra salt. Adjust soy sauce or vinegar amounts to balance sweetness and acidity.
  • Make Ahead Tips:
    You can cook the bacon, onions, and peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them. Reheat before combining with the green beans for a quicker prep.
  • Alternative Flavors:
    For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a  tiny splash of sesame oil at the end or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for garnish.
  • Serving Suggestions:
    Serve this dish as a side with roasted meats, holiday dinners, or any Southern-inspired meal. It pairs especially well with turkey, ham, or grilled chicken.
  • Storage and Reheating:
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain the crispy bacon texture.
  • Ingredient Swaps:
    • Swap apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar for a slightly sweeter tang.
    • Use regular sugar, honey, or brown sugar, or a zero calorie sugar based on your preference.
    • Add ginger paste instead or fresh ginger for convenience.
    • Use turkey bacon, beef bacon or smoked sausages,  instead of pork bacon. 
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.
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.

Nutrition

Serving: 81 cup | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 382mg | Potassium: 1150mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 11562IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 4mg