German Yellow Beans

German Yellow Beans is a tasty recipe and a cross between plain steamed beans and German potato salad. Loaded with bacon, sauteed onion, and a sweet-tangy dressing, this yellow bean recipe is all about flavor!

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I love yellow beans. Also called yellow wax beans, they’re just…different from their green counterpart. Maybe it’s because I can only ever get them during the spring and summer when the local crops come in, so they feel more like a treat.

I love yellow beans. Also called yellow wax beans, they’re just…different from their green counterpart. Maybe it’s because I can only ever get them during the spring and summer when the local crops come in, so they feel more like a treat.

This is an easy recipe and once you’ve tried it, you’ll never want your yellow beans any other way. Ready for flavor? Check out this German Yellow Beans recipe!

Ingredients

• Yellow beans – Look for fresh, firm, unblemished beans. I like young, tender beans with a bit of green still on the tips. Snap off the woody ends.
• Bacon – Any kind of regular smoked bacon will work.
• Red onion – Or shallots. You could also use sweet onion.
• Granulated sugar
• Cider vinegar – Don’t skip this! It wouldn’t be German Yellow Beans without it!
• Salt and pepper
• Dill – Fresh dill. You don’t need much.

How to Make German Yellow Beans

1. Cook the beans in a pot of salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes or until tender-crisp. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
2. Cook the bacon until crisp and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. Discard all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat.
3. Cook the red onion over medium heat in the reserved bacon fat until soft, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the reserved bean cooking liquid to the skillet with the red onion and simmer to reduce by about half.
5. Add the sugar, cider vinegar, salt and pepper, and dill.
6. Heat through, then add the beans and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Step By Step Process

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Use fresh yellow beans for the best texture and flavor. You can use frozen beans, but prepare them according to the package directions.
• Don’t overcook the beans! There’s nothing worse than mushy beans.
• Be careful when adding the cooking liquid to the skillet so it doesn’t spit and splatter.
• Adjust the sugar and vinegar to suit your taste, balancing the sweet and tangy aspects.
• Fresh dill puts this recipe over the top and adds authentic flavor. Don’t skip it if you can help it!

Recommended

Make It A Meal

Pair your German Yellow Beans along with grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or other German dishes like German Pork Loin.

Storage

German Yellow Beans are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure they’re in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For freezing, let the beans cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to two months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm up in a saucepan over low heat.