Broccoli with Garlic Sauce and Bacon Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli with Garlic Sauce & Bacon recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a healthy vegetable dish. The combination of crisp bacon, savory garlic sauce, and tender broccoli makes it a satisfying side or light meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 broccoli, cut into small pieces
• 2 strips bacon, cut into small pieces (more or less to your liking)
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 4-5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil water in a pot and add a pinch of salt along with a splash of olive oil. Add the broccoli pieces and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain well.
2. Step 2: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crisp and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan with the remaining oil, add the chopped garlic and cook until golden brown and fragrant.
4. Step 4: While the garlic cooks, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the garlic and stir for about 10 seconds until it thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Add the drained broccoli to the pan, tossing to coat thoroughly in the garlic sauce.
7. Step 7: Return the cooked bacon to the pan, stir to combine, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Chop broccoli into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time and help the sauce coat evenly.
• Finely chop garlic to enhance its flavor in the sauce; frying garlic in batches and storing it can save time.
• Use smoky bacon for the best flavor, or substitute with prosciutto for a gourmet twist.
• If you don’t have oyster sauce, use an equal amount of soy sauce as a substitute.
• Adjust soy sauce quantity if you use more bacon to avoid excessive saltiness.
• Thoroughly drain broccoli to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
• Add chili flakes for a spicy kick or a touch of sugar for a hint of sweetness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a frying pan over low heat or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the broccoli crisp and the bacon flavorful.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it well before cooking to avoid adding excess moisture to the dish.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for the bacon?

You can substitute bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, adding a similar smoky flavor and texture.

Broccoli with Garlic Sauce and Bacon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 50 reviews

This Broccoli with Garlic Sauce & Bacon recipe is a delightful blend of crunchy broccoli florets and crispy bacon, all coated in a savory garlic sauce. Perfect as a quick and flavorful side dish, it combines the freshness of vegetables with the rich taste of smoky bacon and aromatic garlic, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 broccoli (cut into small pieces)

Meat

• 2 strips bacon (cut into small pieces, adjust quantity to your liking)

Sauce & Seasonings

• 3 tablespoons oil
• 4–5 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup water
• Pinch of salt (for boiling water)
• Splash of olive oil (for boiling water)

Instructions

1. Boiling Broccoli: Add a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil to boiling water. Boil the broccoli for approximately 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain thoroughly to prevent watery sauce.
2. Frying Bacon: Heat oil in a frying pan and toss in the bacon pieces. Cook until they become crisp and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Preparing Garlic Sauce: In the same pan with the remaining oil, add the finely chopped garlic and fry until golden brown and fragrant. Meanwhile, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a bowl, stirring well. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan with the garlic and stir continuously for about 10 seconds until it thickens.
4. Combining Ingredients: Add the drained broccoli into the pan, tossing thoroughly to coat the florets evenly with the garlic sauce. Then add the crispy bacon pieces and give everything a final toss. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Chop broccoli into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time and allow the sauce to coat better.
• Finely chop garlic to maximize flavor in the sauce; consider batch cooking fried garlic for convenience.
• Use smoky bacon for a complementary flavor or prosciutto for a richer taste (note prosciutto is pricier).
• Do not fry bacon and garlic together as bacon releases water which can affect texture.
• Oyster sauce acts as a modern MSG substitute; if unavailable, replace with an equal amount of soy sauce.
• Stir cornstarch sauce mixture well before adding to pan to avoid lumps and ensure proper thickening.
• Adjust soy sauce amount depending on saltiness of bacon to prevent overly salty outcomes.
• Drain broccoli well after boiling to avoid watery sauce.
• Add chili flakes for heat or a touch of sugar to balance flavors if desired.

Keywords: Broccoli with garlic sauce, broccoli bacon recipe, Chinese side dish, garlic bacon broccoli, quick vegetable side, stir-fry broccoli with bacon