Name: Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound green beans; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3.5 oz bacon; 5 cloves garlic; pine nuts; seasoning

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Sauteed green beans are one of my favourite side dishes for any holiday or party table. Made with some crispy/salty bacon and lots of garlic, these sauteed green beans will always pair just perfect with any dish.

There are days when I am out of ideas when matching the main course. For me, the best option is always a healthy and fresh salad. However, there are days when I want something warm, easy, and healthy. The best recipe is always some sauteed asparagus, carrots, potatoes, or green beans. Nothing pairs more perfectly than some garlicky sauteed green beans with pork chops or other meat.

Many people don’t like green beans and avoid them. However, I love eating them as they are healthy, flavorful especially when they are sauteed in lots of garlic and with some bacon. If you think it is too caloric and fatty, easily skip it. But trust me some bacon only makes your green beans taste greater and tastier. Combining them together will make you love this easy recipe, so you have to try this version to get convinced.

For this recipe, you can use both frozen and fresh. I have used frozen ones as I didn’t find fresh and nice-looking ones. However, if you are using fresh green beans then you will obtain a more presentable and fancy dish as they are whole and less fragile.

This recipe comes together easily and quick. Some 15 minutes and your side dish is ready and full of flavours. This recipe bursts of aromas and healthiness. I adore serving such light, easy, and healthy side dishes to any of my meals.

If you look forward to more crave-able veggie side dishes full of aromas you have to try these recipes: Instant Pot Sautéed Broccoli, Baked Corn, Baked Baby Carrots, Fried Asparagus, and other recipes.

If you are tired of simple veggie salads, sauteeing some veggies will bring new air to your late dinner table.

How to choose the best green beans?

When you choose the best looking green beans then you have to pay attention to some of the following rules. Try to buy fresh ones of a pile rather pre-packed ones. When you choose from the open pile you can touch and feel their firmness, toughness, and freshness. They have to have a nice green and inviting colour.

Why I am using frozen beans? In summer, I try to freeze many of fresh veggies to defrost them on cold days and use in different dishes. Rarely I buy frozen vegetables in the store.

Should you steam green beans before sauteing?

Usually not. However, you can steam green beans in case they are par-cooked in hot boiling water for several minutes before you will sautee them. I usually cook them directly in a skillet full of butter/oil, garlic, and some bacon.

Are green beans healthy?

Green beans are some of the healthiest and beneficial veggies that everyone has to enjoy next to some other dishes. Green beans are frequently used in Keto diets, are gluten-free, Whole30, and fit perfectly in any low-carb diet. Many famous worldwide restaurants have in their menus side dishes made of green beans.

What spices go perfect with green beans?

Green beans have an earthy taste this is why adding spices and different flavours only make them taste heavenly. Some famous spices that pair so well with green beans are Provence herbs, paprika flakes, garam masala, a mix of Italian herbs, and some Mexican spices.

Also, you can sautee green beans in either olive oil, sesame oil, or some butter.

How do you trim green beans?

Trimming green beans isn’t that hard or too much learning. If you are using fresh green beans then you have to trim the ends with a knife. Line some beans up and cut the ends, this way you will fasten the process. Also, you can ‘snap’ beans’ ends by using your both hands.

If you are using frozen beans then you don’t need to trim the ends of the beans

Hot to make sauteed green beans?

Making this easy side dish is a simple pleasure. The aroma it emanates is irresistible and delicious. I adore beans so I try to introduce them to our menu as often as possible. My daughter doesn’t like them, however, on a party table, I have no leftovers.

The ingredients:

1 pack or 1 pound green beans (trim the ends)
2 tbsp sesame oil or 2 tbsp olive oil
5-7 minced cloves of garlic
3.5 oz bacon
Some pine nuts
Seasoning

As I am using frozen green beans I only thaw them and use as they are. In case you are using fresh green beans, then you have to wash them properly and trim the ends.

Heat a big skillet over a medium to high temperature and add the bacon and fry it 2-4 minutes until crispy and aromatic. Add the beans and saute them for 1-2 minutes together with bacon.

Add the garlic and the seasoning. Saute 10-13 more minutes or until the beans are soft and can be easily pierced with a fork. Turn off the heat, and add some pine nuts to the beans.

Serve these great tasting and garlicky green beans with anything.

For note: many are still blanching the beans, however, I didn’t do this. It is optional and at your desire.

What I adore this recipe is the crispy, crunchy, aromatic, and full of flavours green beans that are so delicious and healthy.