Are you looking for a quick and easy side dish that's bursting with flavor and satisfying crunch? Look no further! This recipe for crispy fried onion green beans is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a special occasion. It's a simple yet elegant dish that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to elevate your green beans from ordinary to extraordinary! This recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals and delicious dishes, offering a homemade cooking experience that's surprisingly quick. It's one of the best recipes for a flavorful and satisfying addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
Wash and trim the green beans, removing the ends. Pat them dry with paper towels; this is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
Step 2: Create the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gradually whisk in the milk until a smooth batter forms. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to tough green beans.
Step 3: Coat the Green Beans
Add the green beans to the batter and toss gently to coat them evenly. Ensure each green bean is fully covered in the batter.
Step 4: Fry the Green Beans
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a drop of batter should sizzle immediately), carefully add the green beans to the skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Add the Onions
During the last minute of frying, add the thinly sliced yellow onions to the skillet. Fry until they are tender and slightly browned. This adds a wonderful sweetness and textural contrast.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Remove the green beans and onions from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Cooking Tips for Extra Crispy Green Beans:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy green beans. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Proper oil temperature: The oil should be hot enough to create a crisp crust, but not so hot that the green beans burn before cooking through.
- Pat them dry: Thoroughly drying the green beans before battering is essential for achieving maximum crispiness.
- Don't over-mix the batter: Over-mixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough green beans.
Variations:
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter for a spicy twist.
- Herby delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the batter for an aromatic boost.
- Cheese please: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the fried green beans before serving for an extra cheesy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes. A general estimate for a serving of fried green beans is around 150-200 calories, with varying amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients and quantities used.
This fried onion green bean recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal, perfect as a side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Its quick preparation time and delicious flavor make it a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe. Enjoy!