Broccoli with Garlic Sauce & Bacon Recipe

Introduction

Broccoli with garlic sauce and bacon is a flavorful, easy-to-make side dish that combines tender broccoli with a savory garlic sauce and crispy smoky bacon. Perfect on its own or paired with stir-fried chicken or tofu, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for its rich taste and simple preparation.

Ingredients

• 1 broccoli (cut into small pieces)
• 2 strips bacon (cut into small pieces, adjust to 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
• Pinch of salt (for boiling broccoli)
• Splash of olive oil (for boiling broccoli)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil. Boil the broccoli pieces for 3-5 minutes until tender, then drain thoroughly.
2. Step 2: Heat oil in a frying pan and add the bacon pieces. Cook until the bacon is crisp and golden brown, then remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan with remaining oil, add the chopped garlic and cook until golden brown. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. Stir well until combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the frying pan with garlic, stirring continuously for about 10 seconds until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Add the drained broccoli to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly with the garlic sauce. Finally, stir in the crispy bacon pieces and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Bacon saltiness varies; if using more than two strips, reduce soy sauce to avoid oversalting.
• Ensure broccoli is well drained to prevent watery sauce.
• Add chili flakes for a spicy kick or a pinch of sugar for subtle sweetness.
• For a twist, try using prosciutto instead of bacon for a richer flavor, although it’s pricier.
• Batch fry garlic ahead of time and store it to save prep time in future cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to maintain the crispness of the bacon and avoid soggy broccoli. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of pre-fried garlic?

Yes, finely chopping fresh garlic and frying it until golden brown during cooking gives the best fresh flavor. Pre-fried garlic is a convenient shortcut but fresh garlic works perfectly.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, use an equal amount of soy sauce as a replacement. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Broccoli with Garlic Sauce & Bacon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 50 reviews

This Broccoli with Garlic Sauce & Bacon recipe delivers a delicious Asian-inspired side dish that combines tender boiled broccoli with a rich and savory garlic sauce, topped with crispy smoky bacon. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, perfect as a side for stir-fried meats or tofu, or enjoyed on its own by the bowlful.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
• Diet: Diabetic, Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 broccoli head, cut into small pieces
• 2 strips of bacon, cut into small pieces (adjust to taste)
• 3 tablespoons oil (olive or cooking oil)
• 4–5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (or substitute with soy sauce if unavailable)
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions

1. Boiling Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to boil with a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil. Add the chopped broccoli and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain thoroughly to avoid watery sauce.
2. Frying Bacon: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until they are crisp and golden brown. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess fat.
3. Preparing Garlic Sauce: In the same pan with remaining oil, add the finely chopped garlic and fry until golden brown and fragrant. Meanwhile, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a bowl until smooth. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with fried garlic and stir continuously for about 10 seconds until it thickens slightly.
4. Adding Broccoli and Bacon: Add the drained broccoli to the pan and toss well to coat evenly with the garlic sauce. Add the crispy bacon pieces back to the pan and give it a gentle toss to combine all flavors.
5. Serving: Once everything is combined and heated through, transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately as a flavorful side dish.

Notes

• Chop broccoli into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time and allow more sauce coverage.
• Finely chop garlic to maximize garlic flavor in the sauce; batch-fried garlic can be stored for convenience.
• Use smoky bacon for ideal flavor; prosciutto can be used but is more expensive.
• Do not fry bacon and garlic together as bacon releases water which affects frying.
• Oyster sauce serves as a flavor enhancer and MSG substitute; soy sauce can replace it if needed.
• Stir the sauce mixture well before adding to the pan to prevent lumps from cornstarch.
• Adjust soy sauce amount depending on bacon saltiness to prevent the dish from being too salty.
• Drain broccoli thoroughly to avoid watery sauce.
• Add chili flakes for spice or a pinch of sugar for a touch of sweetness, if desired.

Keywords: broccoli with garlic sauce, Asian broccoli recipe, Chinese broccoli, garlic broccoli, broccoli and bacon, side dish, healthy vegetable recipe