Transform your next meal with the irresistible tropical flair of Luau Beans—a sweet-and-savory side dish that combines the hearty comfort of pinto beans with the bold flavors of crispy bacon, tangy pineapple, and a luscious brown sugar-soy glaze. This Hawaiian-inspired recipe is further elevated by aromatic garlic, diced onions, and a hint of ground ginger, creating a mouthwatering medley of flavors that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. Ready in just an hour, these simmered beans are easy to prepare and pair beautifully with rice or grilled meats, making them a versatile and satisfying addition to your table. Whether you're planning a luau or just craving something unique, Luau Beans is your ticket to a taste of the tropics!
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, fry the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain. Once cooled, roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces.
In the same pan, using the bacon drippings, add the diced onion and sauté over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the pineapple chunks (with juice), brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, ground ginger, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.
Add the canned pinto beans (drained and rinsed) to the pan, and stir to coat the beans in the sauce.
Fold in the chopped bacon, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer the beans for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm as a side dish or over rice for a complete meal.
Calories |
960 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.2 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8 g | 4% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3599 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 205.7 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 49.6 g | 177% | |
| Total Sugars | 59.7 g | ||
| Protein | 49.8 g | 100% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 378 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 3597 mg | 77% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.