Skillet Green Beans
As a busy working mom, dinner time can often feel like a race against the clock.
Between juggling work, running errands, and managing a household, finding the time to prepare a nutritious and delicious meal can be a challenge.
That’s why I’ve been on the hunt for easy side dishes that can complement any main course and still bring a burst of flavor to the table.
One of my recent favorites?
Skillet green beans with sautéed onions and garlic. It’s a simple, quick, and tasty option that has become a staple in our home.
Table of Contents
Why are Sautéed Onions and Garlic are perfect for Skillet Green Beans?
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of onions and garlic sizzling in a skillet with olive oil.
These humble ingredients transform the flavor profile of any dish they touch, and skillet green beans are no exception.
Sautéing onions and garlic creates a rich, savory base that elevates the natural sweetness of green beans, making them irresistibly delicious.
To get started, I heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
I add finely chopped onions and let them cook until they become translucent and begin to caramelize.
This process not only softens the onions but also brings out their natural sugars, adding a hint of sweetness. Next, I add minced garlic and sauté it until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute.
Note about Garlic:
Garlic can burn quickly, so it’s important to keep a close eye on it to prevent bitterness.
Why Olive Oil is the Best Choice
When it comes to sautéing, I prefer using olive oil over canola or other seed oils.
Olive oil is not only healthier but also imparts a richer flavor.
It’s packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Moreover, the taste of olive oil complements the earthy flavors of green beans, onions, and garlic, making the dish more cohesive.
While other oils like canola or vegetable oil might be more neutral in flavor, they often lack the depth and complexity that olive oil brings to the table.
Plus, many seed oils are highly processed and can contain unhealthy trans fats, making olive oil a superior choice for both flavor and health.
The Secret Ingredient: Bacon Grease
For those who enjoy a little indulgence, saving bacon grease to use in your green beans is a game-changer.
After cooking bacon, I save the rendered fat in a jar and store it in the refrigerator.
When I want to add a smoky, savory note to my green beans, I use a spoonful of bacon grease instead of olive oil. The result is a rich, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.
How to Achieve the Perfect Crispness with Green Beans
One of the keys to making skillet green beans truly shine is getting them to the perfect crispness.
Overcooked green beans can become mushy and lose their vibrant color, while undercooked ones might be too tough. I find that cooking them just until they are tender-crisp is the way to go.
After sautéing the onions and garlic, I add the trimmed green beans to the skillet.
I toss them in the flavored oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Then, I cover the skillet with a lid and let them steam for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This method helps the beans cook evenly and retain their bright green color.
Once they are tender-crisp, I remove the lid and continue to cook them for another minute or two, allowing any excess moisture to evaporate and giving them a slight char.
Storage Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing your skillet green beans is straightforward. Let the beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over medium heat until they are heated through. This helps maintain their crispness and flavor better than microwaving.
Final Thoughts
As a busy mom, finding easy and delicious side dishes like skillet green beans with sautéed onions and garlic has been a lifesaver.
This dish is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to complement any meal.
Whether you’re using olive oil for a heart-healthy option or indulging in a bit of bacon grease for extra richness, these green beans are sure to become a family favorite.
Plus, with the perfect balance of tenderness and crispness, they offer a satisfying bite that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Skillet Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp bacon grease
- 1 lb green beans
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ medium onion diced or slices
- bacon bits optional
Instructions
- Start by washing the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water.
- Trim the ends of the green beans using a knife, kitchen scissors, or snap them off by hand. You can leave them whole or cut them into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until they become crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the bacon is done, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the green beans to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Toss the green beans to coat them with the bacon grease and mix them with the onions and garlic. Sauté for another 10 minutes until the green beans are heated through and slightly tender.
- While the green beans are cooking in the skillet, crumble the crispy bacon you cooked earlier into small pieces.
- Season the green beans with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the green beans and stir to combine.
- Once the green beans are tender and everything is well-mixed, transfer them to a serving dish
Tried this recipe for yourself? Leave a comment and photos below!
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