Are you seeking an innovative way to boost your meals with a nutrition-packed, flavorful side dish? Allow us to introduce the Crack Green Beans Recipe, a unique spin on a time-honored Southern classic. Renowned for its vibrant taste and health benefits, this dish is a mainstay at holiday meals and familial gatherings.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll teach you how to prepare this delightful dish, ensuring you master the art of making this signature Crack Green Beans Recipe.
How To Make Crack Green Beans – Ultimate Guide
The term ‘cracking’ in the Crack Green Beans Recipe signifies the technique of snapping off the ends of the beans and breaking them into bite-sized pieces. You can tailor the size of these pieces according to your personal preference, although smaller beans are generally easier to consume and cook uniformly.
Equipment:
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon
- Colander
Ingredients:
- Fresh green beans — 1 ½ pounds
- Butter — ½ cup
- Brown sugar — 1 cup
- Soy sauce — 2 tablespoons
- Garlic powder — 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper — ½ teaspoon
- Salt — ½ teaspoon
- Cooked and crumbled bacon — ½ cup (optional)
Crack Green Beans Recipe – Step by Step Instructions
Step 01:
Start by washing the green beans thoroughly. Once they’re clean, use your knife and cutting board to ‘crack’ the green beans by removing the ends and cutting them into smaller pieces if desired.
Step 02:
Melt the butter in your large skillet over medium heat.
Step 03:
Gently combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper with the melted butter, ensuring all the ingredients blend harmoniously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 04:
Add your ‘cracked’ green beans into the skillet. Stir well to ensure the green beans are fully coated in the sauce.
Step 05:
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let the green beans cook for approximately 40 minutes or until they reach a tender texture.
Step 06:
If desired, top your Crack Green Beans Recipe with cooked and crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips And Variations
- To keep this Crack Green Beans Recipe exciting, you can add a variety of other vegetables like red bell pepper or onions for an extra crunch and flavor.
- If you prefer a vegan version, you can substitute butter with olive oil and omit the bacon.
- You could also use turkey bacon or tofu bacon for a leaner option.
- If you’re hosting a gathering or want to save time during meal prep, you can blanch the green beans ahead of time and finish the cooking process just before serving.
The secret to the recipe’s success is in the simmering process. The low and slow cooking allows the green beans to absorb all the incredible flavors, creating a side dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Now that you’re equipped with this recipe, it’s time to go ahead and make your meal times memorable with this Crack Green Beans Recipe.
FAQs
Can I Use Canned Green Beans For This Recipe?
The Crack Green Beans Recipe is ideally made with fresh green beans, thanks to their superior texture and taste. Nonetheless, if you only have access to canned green beans, they can serve as an alternative to the recipe. Just reduce the cooking time as canned beans are already cooked
How Can I Store Leftover Crack Green Beans?
You can keep any remaining Crack Green Beans by sealing them in a container with an airtight lid and placing it in your fridge, where they can last for around 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, they can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop over a medium flame until they’re hot.
What Should I Pair With Crack Green Beans?
Crack Green Beans pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. They can be served as a side with meat dishes like steak or roast chicken or can be incorporated into a vegetarian meal with quinoa or roasted vegetables.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To This Recipe?
Absolutely. While the recipe traditionally uses green beans, adding other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can make it even more flavorful and nutritious. Be mindful of the different cooking times of each vegetable.
Crack Green Beans Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon
- Colander
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans 1 ½ pounds
- Butter ½ cup
- Brown sugar 1 cup
- Soy sauce 2 tablespoons
- Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper ½ teaspoon
- Salt ½ teaspoon
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (optional) ½ cup
Instructions
- Start by washing the green beans thoroughly. Once they're clean, use your knife and cutting board to 'crack' the green beans by removing the ends and cutting them into smaller pieces if desired.
- Melt the butter in your large skillet over medium heat.
- Gently combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper with the melted butter, ensuring all the ingredients blend harmoniously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add your 'cracked' green beans into the skillet. Stir well to ensure the green beans are fully coated in the sauce.
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let the green beans cook for approximately 40 minutes or until they reach a tender texture.
- If desired, top your Crack Green Beans Recipe with cooked and crumbled bacon before serving.
Notes
- To keep this recipe exciting, you can add a variety of other vegetables like red bell pepper or onions for an extra crunch and flavor.
- If you prefer a vegan version, you can substitute butter with olive oil and omit the bacon.
- You could also use turkey bacon or tofu bacon for a leaner option.
- If you’re hosting a gathering or want to save time during meal prep, you can blanch the green beans ahead of time and finish the cooking process just before serving.