If you’re looking to brighten up your meal with a side that’s both sweet and savory, this Brown Sugar Green Beans Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a simple, quick dish that takes humble green beans and transforms them into a flavorful delight using just a handful of ingredients. Perfect for holiday dinners or just an everyday treat, these green beans offer a lovely balance of caramelized sweetness and a hint of tanginess, with satisfying crunchy walnuts adding delightful texture. Plus, it’s a vegan-friendly recipe that’s packed with nutrition and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, coming together to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in your Brown Sugar Green Beans Recipe.
- 2 pounds of green beans, end trimmed: Fresh green beans provide the bright, crisp base flavor and vibrant green color.
- 2 tablespoons of vegan butter: This gives a rich, creamy element that helps everything stick together beautifully.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds a subtle savory depth and an aromatic punch.
- ½ cup of brown sugar: The key to that signature sweet glaze, brown sugar caramelizes perfectly without overpowering the beans.
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard: A little tang and spice that lift the sweet notes, balancing the flavors superbly.
- ¾ cup of walnuts, chopped: These add irresistible crunch and a nutty contrast to the silky beans.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The finishing touch to enhance and harmonize all the flavors.
How to Make Brown Sugar Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Steam the Green Beans
Start by filling a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place your trimmed green beans in a steamer basket and position it over the simmering water. Cover the pot and steam for about 5 to 8 minutes depending on whether you prefer your beans tender-crisp or softer. This steaming process keeps the beans vibrant and preserves their natural snap, making every bite delightful.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Vegan Butter
While the beans are steaming, heat the vegan butter in a large pan on medium heat until melted and shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for roughly 45 seconds—just enough to release its fragrant aroma without burning it. This step builds a flavorful base that will coat your green beans beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Glaze
Lower the heat slightly and stir in the brown sugar and Dijon mustard. Add the steamed green beans and chopped walnuts to the pan, tossing them gently until they’re evenly coated in the luscious, glossy glaze. This stage is where the magic happens, as the brown sugar melts around the beans to create that perfect sweet-savory coating you’ll fall in love with.
Step 4: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once everything is warm and well combined, your Brown Sugar Green Beans Recipe is ready to serve. These taste best when enjoyed fresh, while the glaze is still slightly warm and silky.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped walnuts or freshly cracked black pepper on top before serving to add a bit of texture contrast and a peppery kick. A few lemon zest shavings can also brighten the dish and add a fresh note that complements the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or simply alongside your favorite plant-based protein options. Brown sugar green beans bring a festive pop of flavor and color to almost any meal, making them a versatile side for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these green beans in a warm, shallow bowl or a rustic wooden dish to highlight their vibrant color. You can also toss them with lightly toasted breadcrumbs for an added crunch or drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction over the top for a gourmet twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover brown sugar green beans into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator where they will keep fresh for up to 3 days. The beans may absorb more of the glaze’s sweetness over time, making for an even more intense flavor the next day.
Freezing
While these green beans are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their texture, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, though the texture may soften after thawing. To preserve the best taste and texture, consider freezing the green beans before glazing and then making the glaze fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat your brown sugar green beans gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the glaze from burning or becoming too thick. You can add a small splash of water or vegan butter to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving is fine but take care to stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this Brown Sugar Green Beans Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans work well and can save prep time. Just adjust the steaming and cooking times slightly to ensure they don’t get too mushy. Steaming until tender-crisp is key.
Is there a substitute for vegan butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use olive oil or coconut oil as alternatives. Each will slightly change the flavor profile but still provide the richness needed to carry the glaze.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste, or swap some of it with maple syrup for a different layer of sweetness. Adjust with small increments until you find your perfect balance.
Are walnuts necessary in this recipe?
While the walnuts add great texture and flavor, feel free to omit them if you have nut allergies or prefer a lighter dish. You can also substitute with toasted pecans or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
Can this Brown Sugar Green Beans Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients, like Dijon mustard, are certified gluten-free. Always check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Green Beans Recipe is such a cheerful addition to any table, bringing together sweet, savory, and nutty elements in a way that’s both simple and impressive. Whether you’re serving it up for a holiday celebration or just spicing up your weeknight meals, it’s bound to become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Brown Sugar Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Brown Sugar Green Beans are a delightful sweet and savory side dish perfect for holidays or everyday meals. Featuring tender green beans coated in a rich brown sugar glaze with garlic, Dijon mustard, and crunchy walnuts, this vegan recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful treat in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 2 pounds green beans, ends trimmed
Sauce and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Add-ins
- ¾ cup walnuts, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Steam the green beans: Fill a pot with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a steamer basket inside the pot and add the trimmed green beans. Cover with a lid and steam for 5 to 8 minutes until the beans are tender or tender-crisp depending on your preference.
- Prepare the glaze: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, chopped walnuts, and steamed green beans. Toss everything gently to ensure the green beans are evenly coated with the sweet and savory glaze.
- Serve hot: Once the green beans are fully coated and heated through, transfer them to a serving dish and enjoy immediately as a delicious vegan side.
Notes
- Adjust the green bean texture by varying steaming time to get tender or tender-crisp beans; frozen beans may require slight timing changes.
- You can leave green beans whole or cut into bite-sized pieces based on preference.
- Modify sweetness by increasing or decreasing brown sugar; if using sugar substitutes, adjust amounts accordingly.
- For a more caramelized effect, cook the green beans longer in the brown sugar glaze over low heat, up to 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
