### **Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans**
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#### **Introduction:**
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans are a savory side dish inspired by the popular Texas Roadhouse restaurant’s signature green beans. Known for their rich, buttery, and flavorful taste, these green beans are the perfect complement to any meal, especially steak, ribs, or chicken. This recipe recreates the beloved dish at home, giving you the ability to enjoy the same delicious green beans without needing to dine out.
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#### **Origin and Cultural Significance:**
Texas Roadhouse is an American chain restaurant known for its hearty portions, Southern-inspired cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere. One of their standout side dishes is their green beans, which are made using a simple yet flavorful method of cooking. These green beans are often sautéed with butter, bacon, and seasoning, creating a savory dish that pairs well with Texas Roadhouse’s signature steaks. The recipe for Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans brings the taste of Southern comfort food to your kitchen, embracing the tradition of adding rich flavors to simple vegetables.
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#### **Ingredients and Quantities:**
– 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 slices bacon (chopped)
– 1/2 medium onion (finely chopped)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
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#### **Optional Additions:**
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for a tangy finish)
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a hint of spice)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for added flavor)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a fresh, zesty flavor)
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#### **Tips for Success:**
1. **Blanch the green beans**: For a more tender green bean, consider blanching them in boiling water for a couple of minutes before sautéing them. This will help preserve their bright color and ensure a tender texture.
2. **Use fresh green beans**: Fresh green beans provide the best flavor and texture, but you can also use frozen if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well.
3. **Sauté bacon for extra flavor**: The bacon should be cooked until crispy to release its fat, which will add richness to the dish.
4. **Adjust seasoning**: Taste the green beans before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings as needed to suit your preferences.
5. **Serve immediately**: These green beans are best enjoyed fresh while they’re warm and flavorful, so serve them soon after cooking.
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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the green beans**: Trim the ends of the fresh green beans and rinse them under cold water. If desired, blanch them by briefly boiling them in water for about 2 minutes, then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
2. **Cook the bacon**: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. **Sauté the onion**: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion to the bacon grease and sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. **Add the seasonings**: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and black pepper. Sauté for another 30 seconds to release the flavors.
5. **Cook the green beans**: Add the fresh (or thawed) green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat the beans in the seasonings and bacon grease. Add the chicken broth and brown sugar (if using) and stir. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender but still crisp.
6. **Finish and serve**: Once the green beans are cooked, stir in the crispy bacon and check the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, drizzle with a little lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for added flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme before serving.
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#### **Description:**
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans are a comforting and savory side dish, packed with flavor from crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and rich seasonings. The green beans are tender yet slightly crisp, soaked in a buttery, slightly sweet sauce made with chicken broth, and topped with crispy bacon for added crunch. The dish is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit personal tastes, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
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#### **Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):**
– Calories: 160–180
– Protein: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 10g
– Fiber: 4g
– Sugars: 4g
– Fat: 12g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Sodium: 400mg
– Calcium: 6% DV
– Iron: 8% DV
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
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#### **Conclusion:**
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans bring the same comforting, flavorful side dish you love at the restaurant to your own kitchen. With simple ingredients like fresh green beans, crispy bacon, and savory seasonings, this dish is an easy way to elevate your meals. Whether you’re serving it with a steak, chicken, or as part of a holiday feast, these green beans are sure to impress with their rich flavor and satisfying texture.
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#### **Recommendation:**
While these green beans are a flavorful side, they are on the richer side, so consider serving them in moderation alongside lighter meals or other vegetable dishes. If you’re looking to make them healthier, you can reduce the butter or bacon, or even use turkey bacon as a substitute. Additionally, adding a variety of herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the freshness of the dish without adding extra calories.
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#### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence:**
To enjoy this dish with a health-conscious twist, you can experiment with using olive oil instead of butter and reducing the bacon for a lighter version. You could also opt for low-sodium chicken broth and skip the sugar, or substitute it with a small amount of honey for natural sweetness. Adding more fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, can enhance the flavor without adding extra fat or calories. With these small changes, you can embrace the indulgent taste of these green beans while keeping them aligned with a healthier lifestyle.