Recreating restaurant favorites at home can be a delightful experience, especially when the recipe is as beloved as Texas Roadhouse’s Green Beans. This dish combines the savory, smoky flavor of bacon with the fresh, crisp taste of green beans, making it an irresistible side that can complement any main course. The secret to its rich flavor lies in the combination of bacon, garlic, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, balanced with a slight tang from apple cider vinegar. This copycat recipe allows you to bring the taste of Texas Roadhouse into your kitchen, offering a comforting and satisfying side dish that will impress your family and friends.
The allure of Texas Roadhouse’s Green Beans lies in their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender green beans are coated in a savory broth, enhanced by the smokiness of bacon and the aromatics of onion and garlic. This dish is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it a great addition to both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
One of the great aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe for Texas Roadhouse Copycat Green Beans, along with several variations and substitutions to help you customize the dish to your liking.
Texas Roadhouse Copycat Green Beans Recipe
Ingredients
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Gather all necessary ingredients. Trim the ends of the green beans and rinse them under cold water. Set aside.
Chop the bacon into small pieces, finely dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown.
Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Cook the Green Beans:
Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the bacon drippings, onion, and garlic.
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, covering the green beans.
Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
Simmer:
Season the green beans with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer the green beans over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
Serve:
Once the green beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the lid and let any excess liquid evaporate. Serve the green beans hot, garnished with the crispy bacon pieces.
Variations
Vegetarian Version:
Omit the bacon and use a tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the onion and garlic. Add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
Spicy Green Beans:
Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken broth for extra heat.
Sweet and Tangy:
Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup along with the brown sugar for a sweeter profile. Increase the apple cider vinegar to two teaspoons for more tang.
Garlic Lover’s Green Beans:
Double the amount of garlic for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
Substitutions
Low-Sodium Option:
Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the added salt to keep the sodium content lower.
Vegan Substitution:
Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use vegan bacon or omit it altogether.
Gluten-Free Adaptation:
Ensure the chicken broth used is gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Sugar Alternatives:
Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute like stevia for a different sweetness profile.
Conclusion
Texas Roadhouse Copycat Green Beans bring the restaurant experience right to your home, providing a delicious and comforting side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. This recipe is easy to follow and can be tailored to fit different dietary preferences and flavor profiles, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner or a special occasion meal, these green beans are sure to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting with the variations and substitutions to create your perfect version of this beloved dish.