How To Cook Green Beans Like A Pro

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Ever wonder how to cook green beans like a true professional? Restaurant green beans are expertly prepared (and deeeeelicious!), but now yo’ beans can rival those made by 5-star chefs!

After whipping up this recipe multiple times for different occasions and receiving countless compliments, I can assure you that this easy recipe will impress even the pickiest of eaters. (Hint: It’s all about the bacon!)

Green beans sautéed with bacon salt pepper and olive oil
The Health Investment

Chef-Quality Green Beans

Ever wonder how to cook green beans like a true professional? Restaurant green beans are expertly prepared (and deeeeelicious!), but now yo' beans can rival those made by 5-star chefs!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh green beans
  • 1 shallot bulb, peeled
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • 1/2 pound bacon (or bacon ends)*
  • 1 teaspoon za'atar seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Method
 

  1. Rinse green beans; chop off ends. (If they're super long, cut in half.)
  2. Mince shallots and garlic. Set aside.
  3. Cook bacon in skillet on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly underdone. (You don't want to overcook the bacon in this step because you'll cook it a bit more later on...)
  4. Transfer bacon pieces to plate covered with paper towel. (The paper towel will absorb some of the grease.) Save for later.
  5. Discard 2/3 of bacon fat but reserve 1/3 of fat in skillet.
  6. Add shallots and garlic to skillet (still on medium heat). Sauté in bacon fat, stirring occasionally, until slightly browned.
  7. Add green beans.
  8. Season with za'atar, salt, and pepper. Cook until slightly tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.**
  9. Chop up bacon. Add bacon back to skillet. Sauté an additional 2-3 minutes.
  10. Pour all on serving platter; drizzle (liberally!) with extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

*Ideally, buy bacon that's uncured, nitrate-free, and sugar-free!
**PRO TIP: Don't overcook the green beans! They're best when slightly crisp (not overcooked/mushy).

Now that you’ve learned how to cook green beans like a pro, I’d love to see your creation! When you make them, post a pic of your finished product and tag me (@thehealthinvestment) on Instagram 🙂

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Picture of green beans sautéed with bacon salt pepper and olive oil above title - How To Cook Green Beans Like A Pro