Marinated String Beans

6 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: PT0M Total: 15 m Beginner
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Marinated String Beans
Green beans, otherwise known as snap or string beans, are the most popular edible pod bean in the United States. Here’s a delicious way to prepare them: tangy-sweet marinated beans with onion and pimento that make a perfect make-ahead side dish.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 3 (15 oz) cans green beans
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup Wesson or Canola Oil
  • 1/2 cup wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup pimento, diced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Drain the green beans and place them in a large bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, wine vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the diced onion and pimento to the green beans.
  4. Pour the marinade over the beans and vegetables, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor. Stir once or twice during marinating.
  6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

A: Absolutely! Blanch fresh green beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender, then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well and proceed with the recipe. Fresh beans will have a firmer texture.

Q: How long will these keep in the refrigerator?

A: Marinated green beans will keep for up to 5 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. The flavor actually improves after a day or two.

Tips and Techniques

For the best flavor, make these beans at least 4 hours ahead, or even the night before. The longer they marinate, the more the flavors meld together. Give them a good stir before serving to redistribute the marinade.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • canned green beans: fresh green beans (1.5 lbs), blanched
  • wine vinegar: white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • pimento: roasted red bell pepper, diced

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Covered container for marinating