Sweet and Sour Green Beans with Bacon

This green bean concoction is similar to others but not the same! This recipe offers optional 'speed cooking' to quickly get this fresh-tasting side dish to the table.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 270 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup chopped onion
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
• 1 teaspoon peanut oil
• 1 tablespoon water, or as needed
• ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
• 6 slices bacon, or more to taste
• 1 ½ pounds green beans, trimmed, or more to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place green beans in a microwave-safe bowl and add enough water to make a layer in the bottom; heat in microwave until green beans are tender yet firm to the bite, 1 to 3 minutes. Drain.

Step 2

Heat peanut oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion until tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer onion to a bowl and discard any remaining oil.

Step 3

Place the bacon in the wok or skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and cut into bite-size pieces. Reserve 4 to 5 tablespoons bacon drippings in the wok.

Step 4

Mix onion, brown sugar, vinegar, and liquid smoke in the reserved bacon drippings; cook and stir until sauce is bubbling and brown sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Add green beans to sauce and stir to coat; cook until green beans are heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5

Transfer green bean mixture to a microwave-safe casserole dish; season with black pepper. Serve immediately or warm in the microwave, if needed.