Food and Recipes Beans Skillet-Charred Pole Beans With Bacon 5.0 (3) 3 Reviews A new favorite side dish, ready in just 25 minutes. By Jasmine Smith Published on August 26, 2023 Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Active Time: 25 mins Total Time: 25 mins Servings: 6 Bacon makes everything better, especially green beans. Slender and snappy, fresh green beans cook in just minutes in your cast-iron skillet, with the help of some delicious bacon drippings. Drizzled with a zippy vinaigrette and sprinkled with crunchy bacon bits, this fast-fix side dish will dress up any weeknight dinner. Ingredients 3 1/2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 Tbsp. olive oil 2 tsp. granulated sugar 1 tsp. minced garlic (from 1 small garlic clove) 1 tsp. kosher salt 4 center-cut bacon slices 1 lb. fresh green pole beans, trimmed Directions Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, sugar, garlic, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined; set aside. Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium. Add bacon; cook, flipping occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate; let stand until cool to the touch, 4 to 5 minutes. Crumble bacon, and set aside. (Do not wipe skillet clean.) Add beans to skillet, and cook over medium, tossing occasionally with tongs, until tender and browned in spots, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat, and drizzle evenly with vinegar mixture. Toss beans until well coated and vinegar mixture is mostly evaporated, about 30 seconds. Transfer beans to a platter; drizzle with any remaining vinegar mixture in skillet. Top evenly with crumbled bacon. Rate It Print