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Sweet and Sour Green Beans no Bacon in dish

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

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.
Keyword Apple cider vinegar green beans, Sweet and sour beans, Sweet and sour green beans no bacon, Sweet green beans