The Secret Behind Bill Miller's Addictive Green Beans

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q is a staple name in Texas barbecue. Founded in 1950 by Bill Miller himself, this San Antonio-based chain has grown to over 70 locations across the Lone Star State. While the slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage keep customers coming back, it's the simple side dishes that have gained their own cult following. Namely - the green beans.

These aren't your average canned green beans. Bill Miller's green beans are fresh, crisp, and packed with flavor. Many have tried to duplicate the recipe at home but have never quite nailed that signature taste. So what's the secret ingredient that makes these green beans so addictive?

The Origins of Bill Miller's Green Beans

Bill Miller opened his first barbecue restaurant in 1950 along Highway 87 in San Antonio, TX. His goal was to serve classic Texas-style barbecue in a comfortable family setting. Menu staples like beef brisket, pork ribs, and sausage were smoked low and slow over post oak wood. Each meal came with traditional side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, pinto beans - and of course, green beans.

In those early days, the green bean recipe was simple. Fresh green beans were quickly blanched in boiling water, then tossed in bacon grease and spices. The beans had a crisp, snappy bite and plenty of smoky bacon flavor. As the Bill Miller's empire expanded, the green bean recipe was tweaked but the core technique remained the same.

The Importance of Fresh Green Beans

The first key to recreating those addictive green beans is starting with fresh, high-quality green beans. Don't even bother with limp, mushy canned green beans. Bill Miller's uses only Texas-grown green beans at the peak of ripeness. Look for bright green, slender beans with a smooth surface. The beans should feel rigid with a strong snap when broken.

Choose conventional green beans or splurge on fancy haricots verts. Thinner beans will cook faster with more even results. Rinse the beans under cold water just before cooking to wash away any grit.

Blanching is Vital

Blanching is the secret step that makes these green beans shine. Blanching means briefly cooking the beans in boiling water, then immediately dunking them in an ice bath. This process partially cooks the beans, brings out their vibrant green color, and preserves the perfect crisp-tender bite.

To blanch green beans, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rinsed beans and cook for 2-3 minutes. They should still have a bite. Immediately drain the beans and transfer to a bowl of ice water. Let sit for a few minutes until cooled. Drain again before tossing with spices.

Bacon Grease is Key

No Bill Miller’s green bean recipe is complete without bacon grease. While modern recipes use vegetable oil, the original beans were sautéed in rendered bacon fat. Bacon grease gives the beans a smoky flavor and rich mouthfeel. Fry a few slices of bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and crumble for later. Reserve the bacon grease.

The Seasoning Blend

Here comes the fun part - the spices! Bill Miller's signature spice blend includes:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Saute the blanched green beans in the hot bacon grease for 1-2 minutes. Toss and stir to coat evenly. Sprinkle in desired amounts of the spices and stir again. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add the crumbled bacon bits for texture.

Putting It All Together

Follow these simple steps for outrageously delicious Bill Miller-style green beans:

1. Select 1 pound fresh green beans, rinsed
2. Bring a pot of salted water to boil
3. Add beans and blanch for 2-3 minutes
4. Drain beans and transfer to an ice bath
5. Drain beans again once cooled
6. Fry 4 slices bacon until crispy, reserving grease
7. Saute blanched beans in bacon grease for 1-2 minutes
8. Toss beans with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste
9. Add crumbled bacon and serve

These addictive copycat green beans will be the star of your barbecue spread. The bean's snap and the smoky bacon flavor pair perfectly with classic Texas barbecue like juicy brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and smoky sausages. Just don't be surprised if they disappear before anything else!

More Tips for Bill Miller Copycat Green Beans

Take your homemade green beans to the next level with these pro tips:

Use Cast Iron

A well-seasoned cast iron skillet provides the best flavor. Cast iron gets beautifully hot to sear the beans while retaining that smoky bacon essence.

Go Meatless

To make a vegetarian/vegan version, use olive oil instead of bacon grease. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic smoky flavor. Top with crispy fried shallots for crunch.

Spice It Up

Jazz up the seasoning blend with your favorite aromatics. Try garlic, onion, chili powder, oregano, or Cajun seasoning.

Sneak in Veggies

Saute diced peppers, onions, or mushrooms right into the green bean mixture.

Change Up the Protein

Swap crispy bacon for smoked ham, chorizo, or andouille sausage. Chicken or shrimp also pair well with the green beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of green beans are best?

Choose fresh, slender green beans at peak ripeness. Haricots verts are a good option. Avoid old, mushy beans from a can.

Is blanching absolutely necessary?

Yes, blanching is the secret step that gives the beans their perfect texture. It also locks in color and flavor.

Can I use turkey bacon?

Turkey bacon can work but we recommend using regular pork bacon for the best flavor. If going meatless, use olive oil instead.

How long do the green beans keep?

Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving again.

Should I salt the boiling water for blanching?

Definitely salt the blanching water, about 1 tablespoon per quart of water. This seasons the beans throughout.

Conclusion

Bill Miller's famous green beans are crunchy, bacon-y perfection. Recreating the secret recipe at home is easy with a few key steps. Blanching fresh green beans and sautéing them in bacon grease gives that signature taste. Customize the beans by playing with different seasonings, proteins, and veggies. Just keep the fresh bean snap and smoky flavor as the stars of the show. These addictive copycat green beans will be your new go-to barbecue sidedish!