Sweet Sour Green Beans
Sweet Sour Green Beans offers a delightful combination of crisp-tender beans coated in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce with crispy bacon bits. Perfect as a side dish for family dinners or casual gatherings, it balances savory, sour, and sweet flavors for a satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the diced green beans in boiling salted water until crisp and tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and plunge into ice water, then drain again.
- Fry the bacon slices until crisp, then drain and crumble.
- Keep 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan.
- Stir in the flour and cook until bubbly.
- Add water, cider vinegar, and sugar. Heat until boiling and slightly thickened.
- Add the green beans to the sauce and toss occasionally to coat. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky twist, consider using smoked bacon. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with a few tablespoons of olive oil and smoked paprika for flavor. Adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar to your preference, or use honey as a natural sweetener. Make sure to cook the green beans just until tender to maintain their vibrant color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Sweet Sour Green Beans as a vibrant side dish to complement your main course. They pair beautifully with Pork recipes, especially roasted pork tenderloin. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Escalloped Potatoes With Ham or a fresh salad like Corinne'S Famous Pea Salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Sour Green Beans contains roughly 299 calories, with 10g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2119mg per serving (92% 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 frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking. However, the texture may be slightly softer compared to fresh beans, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Sweet Sour Green Beans gluten-free, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch. Both options will help thicken the sauce without compromising the dish's flavor.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Leftover sauce can be used as a dressing for salads or drizzled over grilled vegetables. It also works well as a marinade for chicken or pork. Just store it in the refrigerator and use it within a week for the best quality.
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).