If you’re searching for a delicious and easy vegetable side dish, the Good Housekeeping glazed green beans recipe is a must-try. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a fantastic addition to weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or special occasions.
With a rich, glossy glaze made from sherry wine, vinegar, and brown sugar, these glazed green beans have just the right amount of tangy sweetness. Plus, they’re simple to prepare, taking only a few minutes from start to finish.
But what makes glazed green beans so special? The answer lies in the glazing technique, which enhances the flavor while keeping the beans crisp and vibrant. If you’re interested in the science behind food glazing, check out this expert guide on glazing foods.
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What Are Glazed Green Beans?
The Good Housekeeping glazed green beans recipe features fresh green beans cooked until tender-crisp and coated in a sweet, tangy, and buttery glaze.
This glazing technique ensures that the beans:
- Retain their bright green color and crunch
- Absorb the flavors of the glaze without becoming soggy
- Have a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and richness
To create the best-glazed green beans, you’ll need a combination of ingredients that bring out their natural sweetness while adding depth. If you’re curious about why green beans are a healthy choice, check out this guide on the health benefits of green beans.
Ingredients for Good Housekeeping Glazed Green Beans Recipe
This glazed green beans recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Main Ingredients:
✔ 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched
✔ 1 tsp. olive oil
✔ 1 shallot, finely chopped
✔ 1 ½ cups dry sherry wine
✔ ½ cup sherry vinegar
✔ 2 tbsp. brown sugar
✔ 1 tbsp. cold unsalted butter
✔ Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions:
- No sherry wine? Substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Need a healthier version? Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Vegan alternative? Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Good Housekeeping Glazed Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
- Trim the ends of the fresh green beans to remove any tough parts.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and blanch them for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn bright green.
- Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their crisp texture.
Step 2: Make the Sweet and Tangy Glaze
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in sherry wine, sherry vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Bring to a simmer and allow the mixture to reduce by ¾, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Glaze the Green Beans
- Whisk in cold unsalted butter to create a smooth, glossy glaze.
- Add the blanched green beans and toss them until they are evenly coated.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
- Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
If you’re looking for a perfect sauce to pair with this dish, try this Seafood Boil Sauce Recipe from Familly Recipes. It adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal!
Pro Tips for Perfectly Glazed Green Beans
Achieving the best-glazed green beans requires a few key techniques.
✔ Blanch the green beans first – This keeps them vibrant and crisp.
✔ Reduce the glaze properly – If it’s too thin, it won’t stick to the beans.
✔ Balance the flavors – Adjust sweetness or acidity based on your taste preference.
✔ Use fresh green beans – They taste much better than frozen ones.
What to Serve with Good Housekeeping Glazed Green Beans Recipe?
These sweet and savory green beans pair perfectly with:
- Roasted meats (chicken, pork, or beef)
- Seafood dishes (check out this seafood sauce)
- Rice or quinoa bowls
- Mashed potatoes or polenta
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your glazed green beans fresh and delicious:
📦 Storage – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
❄ Freezing – Not recommended, as the glaze may separate.
FAQs About Good Housekeeping Glazed Green Beans Recipe
People Also Ask – FAQs on Good Housekeeping Glazed Green Beans Recipe
How to Make a Glaze for Green Beans?
Making a glaze for green beans is simple and requires a balance of sweetness, acidity, and fat. The key ingredients include:
- A sweetener – Brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup
- An acid – Vinegar (sherry, balsamic, or apple cider) or citrus juice
- Butter or oil – To create a rich and glossy finish
To make the glaze:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add aromatics like shallots or garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in vinegar and brown sugar, then simmer until it reduces into a thick, glossy syrup.
- Toss in the blanched green beans and coat evenly before serving.
For a deeper understanding of the glazing process, check out this guide on glazing foods.
How Does Gordon Ramsay Cook Green Beans?
Gordon Ramsay’s method for cooking green beans focuses on preserving their natural color and texture while enhancing their flavor. His technique includes:
- Blanching – Boil green beans in salted water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
- Sautéing – Heat a pan with olive oil or butter, then add garlic, shallots, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
- Seasoning – Toss the green beans in the pan with sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest for a fresh and vibrant taste.
This method keeps the green beans crisp and flavorful while avoiding overcooking. For a classic Gordon Ramsay green bean recipe, try his version with almonds and lemon zest!
What Is the Best Flavor to Add to Green Beans?
The best flavors to enhance green beans include:
✔ Citrus & Acidity – Lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar for a bright and tangy flavor.
✔ Sweetness – Brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a touch of caramelized sweetness.
✔ Herbs & Spices – Thyme, rosemary, garlic, or red pepper flakes to add depth.
✔ Umami & Savory Notes – Soy sauce, Parmesan cheese, or sautéed onions for a richer taste.
For a perfect pairing, try serving these glazed green beans with a bold seafood dish like this Seafood Boil Sauce Recipe.
Why Add Baking Soda to Green Beans?
Adding baking soda to green beans during cooking is an old-fashioned trick used to:
✔ Preserve Bright Green Color – Baking soda raises the pH of the water, preventing chlorophyll from breaking down.
✔ Soften the Beans Faster – A small amount reduces cooking time, making the beans tender quicker.
✔ Enhance Texture – This method creates softer, silkier green beans, which some people prefer.
⚠ Warning: Adding too much baking soda can make green beans mushy and overly soft. A pinch (¼ teaspoon per pot of water) is enough to see results.
For a healthier alternative, simply blanch green beans briefly and shock them in ice water to preserve their natural crispness without baking soda!
Final Thoughts on the Best Good Housekeeping Glazed Green Beans Recipe
The Good Housekeeping glazed green beans recipe is a quick, flavorful, and elegant side dish that enhances any meal. The sweet and tangy glaze brings out the natural flavors of the green beans, making them an instant crowd favorite.
Try this easy recipe today, and if you’re looking for another great side dish, check out this Homemade Blueberry Compote Recipe for a sweet addition to your meal.