Satisfy your cravings for smoky, savory flavors with this irresistible Vegetarian Green Beans with Bacon recipe! Perfectly crisp green beans are sautéed with fragrant garlic and tossed with mouthwatering tempeh bacon, crafted from a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, liquid smoke, and maple syrup. This plant-based twist on a classic comfort food delivers all the indulgent taste with none of the meat, making it ideal for vegetarians and veggie lovers alike. Ready in just 35 minutes, this vibrant side dish is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it warm alongside your favorite entrees, or use it to elevate salads and grain bowls with its bold, smoky flair. Packed with wholesome protein and vibrant color, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking healthier alternatives with big flavor!
Begin by preparing the tempeh bacon. Slice the tempeh into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
In a shallow dish, combine the soy sauce, liquid smoke, and maple syrup. Add the tempeh strips to the marinade and let them soak for at least 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even coating.
While the tempeh is marinating, wash the green beans. Trim the ends and cut them into 2-3 inch pieces if they're long.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated tempeh strips in a single layer. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they are browned and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the green beans to the skillet, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat with the oil and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the green beans are tender-crisp and vibrant in color.
Chop the cooked tempeh into bacon-like bits and add them to the skillet with the green beans.
Toss everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve warm as a side dish or as a delicious topping for salads or grain bowls.
Calories |
778 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.2 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.9 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2396 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 64.3 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.6 g | 63% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.9 g | ||
| Protein | 42.2 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 351 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 1801 mg | 38% | |
*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.