If you’re looking for a simple and delicious dish, Sweet and Sour Green Beans without bacon is a great option. The green beans are cooked just right—tender but still crisp—and coated in a sweet and sour sauce that’s full of flavor. The combination of the fresh green beans and the zesty dressing makes this recipe a favorite for any meal.
What makes this Apple cider vinegar green beans stand out is that it’s completely vegetarian. Without the bacon, the fresh, natural taste of the green beans really shines, and the sweet and sour sauce brings it all together. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or need a quick and tasty side dish, this recipe is sure to please everyone.
This dish is also super easy to prepare. The green beans are blanched to keep their bright color and crisp texture, then tossed in a flavorful sauce made with olive oil, garlic, onions, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. You can add toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for crunch and sprinkle fresh parsley or dill on top for a freshness.
Nutritional Benefits
- Green beans are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and dietary fiber, making them great for digestion and overall health.
- Skipping bacon reduces saturated fat and cholesterol, making this dish a heart-healthy choice.
- Using olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for maintaining good cholesterol levels.
- The light and natural ingredients make this recipe low in calories while still being flavorful.
With its easy preparation, amazing taste, and healthy benefits, Sweet and Sour Green Beans no bacon is a versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even on its own for a light and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- Apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- Sugar
- Soy sauce (optional, for added umami flavor)
- Onion, finely diced
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper
- Toasted almonds or sunflower seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How To Make Sweet and Sour Green Beans no Bacon
- Prepare the Green Beans:
- Rinse the green beans thoroughly under cold water.
- Trim the ends and cut the beans into 1-2 inch pieces for easy eating.
- Blanch the Green Beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender and vibrant green.
- Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps preserve their bright color and texture.
- Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Combine the Beans and Sauce:
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss the beans gently to coat them evenly in the sweet and sour mixture. Let the beans simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Transfer the green beans to a serving dish.
- Garnish with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill for added freshness, if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet and Sour Green Beans
- Blanch for Perfect Texture:
Blanching green beans keeps them vibrant and crisp-tender. Don’t skip the ice water bath to maintain their bright green color. - Adjust Sweetness:
Taste the sauce and adjust the sugar or vinegar to your preference. For a more sour flavor, add a splash of vinegar; for more sweetness, increase the sugar slightly. - Add Depth of Flavor:
A splash of soy sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate the dish with an extra layer of flavor. - Use Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh green beans and herbs make a big difference in flavor. Avoid canned or frozen green beans for the best results. - Make It Ahead:
This dish tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, as the flavors have more time to meld. Reheat gently before serving.
More Recipes
Sweet and Sour Green Beans no Bacon
If you’re looking for a simple and delicious dish, Sweet and Sour Green Beans without bacon is a great option. The green beans are cooked just right—tender but still crisp—and coated in a sweet and sour sauce that’s full of flavor. The combination of the fresh green beans and the dressing makes this recipe a favorite for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce optional, for added umami flavor
- 1/4 cup onion finely diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons toasted almonds or sunflower seeds optional, for garnish
- Fresh parsley or dill chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Green Beans:
- Rinse the green beans thoroughly under cold water.
- Trim the ends and cut the beans into 1-2 inch pieces for easy eating.
Blanch the Green Beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender and vibrant green.
- Drain the green beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps preserve their bright color and texture.
- Drain and set aside.
Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Combine the Beans and Sauce:
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss the beans gently to coat them evenly in the sweet and sour mixture. Let the beans simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve:
- Transfer the green beans to a serving dish.
- Garnish with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill for added freshness, if desired.