Sweet And Sour Beans
Sweet And Sour Beans offers a tangy, savory flavor with crunchy green beans and bean sprouts marinated in a sweet and tangy dressing. This versatile dish pairs well with Asian-inspired meals or as a refreshing side at gatherings, providing a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the cans of French-style green beans and bean sprouts.
- Mix the drained beans, bean sprouts, sliced onion, and crushed garlic in a bowl.
- In a separate container, combine salad oil, sugar, and white vinegar, then pour this mixture over the bean mixture.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a splash of soy sauce for an umami kick or substituting the sugar with honey or agave for a different sweetness profile. Fresh garlic can be replaced with garlic powder if needed, and you can use other types of green beans if French-style isn't available. This dish can also be adapted as a vegan recipe by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sweet and sour bean dish as a refreshing side salad to grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread. It pairs beautifully with Hawaiian Sweet-Sour Ribs and can also complement dishes like Pan-Fried Potatoes And Zucchini. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside rice or quinoa.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will continue to meld over time, making it even tastier. If you wish to reheat, do so gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Beans contains roughly 1047 calories, with 9g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 987mg per serving (43% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to develop fully. Just ensure you store it properly in the refrigerator, and it will taste even better the next day.
What can I substitute for green beans?
You can substitute French-style green beans with fresh green beans, snap peas, or even asparagus. Each will provide a different texture and flavor, but will still work well in this sweet and sour dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar amount or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just keep in mind that this may alter the dish's overall flavor profile, so adjust to your taste preference.
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).