Spicy Green Beans with Caramelized Pecans
These Spicy Green Beans with Caramelized Pecans are the perfect side dish for any meal. Made with fresh green beans, this healthy recipe is loaded with flavor and a nice crunch from the pecans.
Green beans are a delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. One of our favorite ways to prepare them is by adding some spice and crunch with caramelized pecans.
Table of contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These spicy green beans are a great way to add some excitement to your vegetable side dish.
- The combination of spicy and sweet flavors from the pecans is irresistible.
- This recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.
🛒Ingredients
You only need simple ingredients to help you make this fresh side dish recipe. Gather these ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious vegetable.
- fine green beans, fresh or frozen
- large red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- butter
- granulated sugar
- pecans, coarsely chopped
- ground cumin
- chili powder
- cayenne pepper
See the recipe card below for quantities.
🔪 How to Make Spicy Green Beans with Caramelized Pecans
Step 1: Steam the green beans
Steam or boil green beans and red pepper strips until crisp and tender, about 4-6 minutes, depending on if they are frozen or fresh. Frozen will need about 6 minutes and fresh will need about 4 minutes.
Step 2: Make the sauce
While the veggies are cooking, melt butter and sugar in a frying pan. Stir over medium-high heat until melted. Add in the cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, and stir. Add the pecans and continue to stir until they caramelize about 4 minutes.
Step 3: Toss the green beans in the sauce
When the green beans and red pepper strips are ready, drain and transfer to a large bowl. Quickly toss with the nut mixture and serve.
📝Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe and make it your own? Here are some ways that you can do that!
- Add some extra spice by using more cayenne pepper or adding in some red pepper flakes.
- Substitute the pecans for your favorite nut, like walnuts or almonds.
- Make it a main dish by adding cooked protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu on top of the green beans.
Do you love green beans? If so, you may also enjoy these Green Beans with Mushrooms.
🥄 Equipment
Here is a quick overview of the kitchen tools that you need to make this fresh side dish:
- Large pot or steamer
- Medium skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Serving platter
🥫 Storage
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
💭 Tips
Here are a few tips that you can use to help you make this tasty vegetable recipe.
- If using frozen green beans there is no need to thaw them first, they will just take a little longer to steam.
- Don’t leave the sauce unattended while it is cooking. The sugar can burn quickly, so make sure to keep stirring.
- For extra flavor, add in some minced garlic or diced onions with the green beans and red pepper strips while they are steaming.
⁉️ FAQ
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
When buying fresh green beans, look for ones that are bright green and feel firm when gently squeezed. Avoid beans that are discolored or wilted.
Yes, always trim the ends of fresh green beans before cooking. This removes any tough or woody parts of the bean.
The easiest way to reheat green beans is in the microwave. Just place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
🍽 More Green Bean Recipes
Do you enjoy green beans? If so, try these delicious recipes:
- Lemon Butter Green Beans
- Green Beans with Garlic and Sundried Tomatoes
- Green Bean and Potato Casserole
🧾Recipe Card
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Spicy Green Beans
Equipment
- large pot
- small saucepan
- serving bowl
Ingredients
- 32 ounces green beans fresh or frozen
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced into thin strips
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup pecans coarsely chopped
- ½ teaspoon cumin ground
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoons cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Steam or boil green beans and red pepper strips until crisp tender, about 4-6 minutes, depending on if they are frozen or fresh. Frozen will need about 6 minutes and fresh will need about 4 minutes.
- While the veggies are cooking, melt butter and sugar in a frying pan. Stir over medium-high heat until melted. Add in the cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, and stir. Add the pecans and continue to stir until they caramelize, about 4 minutes.
- When the green beans and red pepper strips are ready, drain and transfer to a large bowl. Quickly toss with the nut mixture and serve.
