Green Beans with Turkey Bacon
Green beans with turkey bacon. Perfectly blanched green beans with crispy, delicious turkey bacon. In combination with the bacon, onion, and garlic, add more flavor. This is an easy side dish that’s low in calories, too.
Why Green Beans with Turkey Bacon Stands Out
People enjoy green beans with turkey bacon for a variety of reasons:
- Flavor Combination: The savory and slightly smoky taste of turkey bacon complements the fresh, crisp flavor of green beans, creating a delicious and well-balanced dish.
- Healthier Option: Turkey bacon is often lower in fat and calories compared to traditional pork bacon, making the dish a healthier choice for those watching their diet.
- Ease of Preparation: The dish is relatively easy and quick to prepare, making it a convenient option for busy individuals.
- Low-Carb: For those following low-carb or ketogenic diets, green beans with turkey bacon offer a satisfying and delicious option that fits their dietary requirements.
- Seasonal Appeal: Green beans are often in season during the warmer months, and this dish takes advantage of fresh, in-season produce, enhancing its flavor and appeal.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Green Beans – I encourage you to use fresh green beans; they’ll have a crisp texture and more flavor. Wash and trim the ends, then follow the recipe below. You can also use frozen or canned green beans, but they won’t taste the same.
- Turkey Bacon – I cooked the turkey bacon first and chopped it, I chose turkey bacon, as it has a low amount of fat.
- Onion and Garlic – Both go well with bacon and green beans, cooking them with olive oil adds more flavor.
- Chilled water – After cooking the green beans it is essential to drop them in chilled water to maintain it’s color and crisp texture.
Substitutions And Variations
Green beans with turkey bacon tastes great as a side dish but you can this traditional recipe tastes even better:
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on this dish, it will taste and look good.
- Add heat: Some red chili flakes will add a little kick to this side dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: This variation is out of this world, adding Parmesan cheese takes this dish to another level.
- Chicken Cube: Add chicken bullion to the boiling water or boil the green beans in chicken stock for a more amazing flavor.
Making Green Beans with Turkey Bacon
Step 1
Boil the water. Add the green beans and let it boil for five minutes.
Step 2
Remove the green beans from the boiling water. Add it to the chilled water.
Step 3
In a hot pan, add the olive oil and onion. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and stir for a few seconds.
Step 3
Add the bacon and the green beans. Season with salt and black pepper, stir for two minutes.
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
What To Serve With Green Beans and Bacon
These options ensure a well-rounded and flavorful meal that highlights the delicious combination of green beans and bacon.
- Roast Chicken: The savory flavors of green beans and turkey bacon complement the juicy, tender meat of a roast chicken, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and hearty side that pairs well with the crisp texture of green beans and the smoky flavor of bacon.
- Grilled Steak: A perfectly grilled steak adds a rich, robust flavor that matches the freshness of green beans and the savory taste of bacon.
- Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf with herbs and spices offers a light, complementary side that allows the green beans and turkey bacon to shine.
- Baked Salmon: The light and flaky texture of baked salmon pairs beautifully with the crispness of green beans and the smoky bacon.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory flavors of green beans and bacon.
- Cornbread: Sweet and moist cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the savory and crispy elements of green beans and bacon, making it a perfect pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turkey bacon is often considered healthier than regular pork bacon because it typically has fewer calories and less fat.
Yes, you can prepare green beans and turkey bacon ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. They can be reheated in a skillet, oven, or microwave.
Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture. Fresh green beans are generally preferred for their texture and flavor.
Many brands of turkey bacon are gluten-free, but please read the packaging for any added fillers or flavorings that might contain gluten.
Storing Leftover
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it.
To reheat, microwave for a minute or add it to the pan with a small amount of oil and reheat.
Green Beans with Turkey Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 cups trimmed and washed green beans
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup cooked and chopped turkey bacon
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
- enough water to boil the green beans
- You will need a large bowl filled with chilled water and ice. Keep this bowl on the side.
Instructions
- In a large pan, add water and let it come to a boil. Add the green beans and let it boil for five minutes.
- Remove the green beans from the boiling water and add it to the chilled water. Leave the green beans in the chilled water.
- In a hot pan, add the olive oil and onion. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and stir on medium high for few seconds.
- Add the bacon and the green beans, lower the heat to medium. Season with salt and black pepper, stir for two minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Add the seasoning you prefer.
- Blanching the green beans is important, please don’t skip this step.
- Use olive oil and butter combined for more flavor.
Mmm! I love all these sides!