Wok-Seared Green Beans with Bacon and Chili Crisp

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min.
Yield 4 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
This recipe turns plain green beans into a spectacular side dish. Chili crisp, fresh ginger and bacon give the recipe tons of flavor. —Nikki Haddad, Germantown, Maryland

Ingredients

  • 4 bacon strips, chopped
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
  • 1 tablespoon chili crisp
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Optional: Toasted sliced almonds, sesame seeds, sesame oil

Directions

  1. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Increase heat to high. Add green beans in a single layer. Let sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop char. Cook for 5-7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until beans are blistered, slightly wrinkled and crisp-tender.
  3. Reduce heat slightly. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds longer or until fragrant. Add chili crisp and cook another 30-45 seconds. Add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, and water; toss to coat. Continue cooking until beans are glazed, stirring consistently. Add bacon back to pan.
  4. Transfer to serving dish and garnish with toasted sliced almonds, sesame seeds and a light drizzle of sesame oil.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 163 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 630mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.

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