Green Beans And Bean Sprouts
A savory side dish featuring tender green beans and bean sprouts, accented with crispy bacon and a sweet-savory sauce, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon, crumble and set aside.
- Add soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar to the green beans.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the beans are tender.
- Add water chestnuts and bean sprouts and continue to cook for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle bacon on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger when cooking the green beans. If you don't have bacon, try using turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative for a lighter option. You can also substitute the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version. Adjust the sugar based on your preferred sweetness level to balance the acidity from the vinegar.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes a delightful side for grilled meats or can be served alongside rice for a light vegetarian main course. It pairs beautifully with Quick Sweet And Sour Meatballs for a complete meal. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Beans And Bean Sprouts contains roughly 37 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans! Just trim and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Fresh beans will require a slightly longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly to ensure they are tender before adding the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you can't find water chestnuts, you can use sliced jicama or even chopped celery as a substitute. Both will provide a nice crunch and complement the texture of the dish well.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use a plant-based bacon substitute or simply sauté the green beans with a bit of olive oil. Enhance the dish with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor and variety.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).