Broccoli with Garlic Sauce & Bacon Recipe

Introduction

Broccoli with garlic sauce and bacon is a flavorful and easy side dish that combines tender broccoli with a savory garlic sauce and crispy smoky bacon. It’s a perfect accompaniment to many main courses or enjoyed on its own for a tasty, healthy treat.

Ingredients

• 1 broccoli (cut into small pieces)
• 2 strips bacon (cut into small pieces, adjust to taste)
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 4-5 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• ½ tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• ½ tablespoon cornstarch
• ⅓ cup water
• Pinch of salt
• Splash of olive oil (for boiling broccoli)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a pot of boiling water, add a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil. Boil the broccoli for 3 to 5 minutes until tender crisp, then drain thoroughly to avoid watery sauce.
2. Step 2: Heat oil in a frying pan and add the bacon pieces. Cook until crisp and golden brown, then remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan with the remaining oil, add finely chopped garlic and cook until golden brown. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Stir the sauce mixture well and pour it into the pan with garlic. Stir for about 10 seconds until sauce thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Add the drained broccoli to the pan. Toss well to coat all pieces with the garlic sauce. Finally, add the crispy bacon back in and mix gently. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Bacon saltiness can vary; adjust soy sauce accordingly to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Ensure broccoli is well drained before adding to the sauce to prevent it from becoming watery.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick or a small amount of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweet sauce.
• For a gourmet touch, substitute bacon with prosciutto, though this is more costly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to preserve the texture of the broccoli and prevent the sauce from breaking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soy sauce instead of oyster sauce?

Yes, soy sauce is a suitable substitute for oyster sauce in this recipe if you don’t have oyster sauce on hand. It will slightly change the flavor but still provide a savory taste.

Is it better to cook bacon with garlic or separately?

It’s best to cook bacon separately from the garlic, as bacon releases water when pan-fried which can make the garlic soggy and affect the final texture and flavor.

Broccoli with Garlic Sauce & Bacon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

A flavorful Asian-inspired side dish featuring tender broccoli florets coated in a savory garlic sauce and topped with crispy smoky bacon bits. This quick and easy recipe combines boiling and pan-frying techniques to create a perfect balance of textures and flavors that pairs excellently with various proteins like chicken, pork belly, or tofu.

• Author: Rami
• 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 (cut into small pieces)
• 2 strips of bacon (cut into small pieces, adjust quantity to your liking)
• 3 tablespoons oil (for frying and sautéing)
• 4–5 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions

1. Boiling Broccoli: Add a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil to a pot of boiling water. Boil the chopped broccoli for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain thoroughly to prevent excess water in the sauce.
2. Frying Bacon: In a frying pan, heat oil and add the bacon pieces. Cook over medium heat until they become crisp and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
3. Preparing Garlic Sauce: Add the finely chopped garlic to the remaining oil in the pan. Fry the garlic gently until it turns golden brown to maximize its flavor. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Pour this sauce mixture into the frying pan and stir continuously for about 10 seconds, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the pan evenly.
4. Adding Broccoli and Bacon: Return the drained broccoli to the frying pan and toss well to coat it thoroughly with the garlic sauce. Add the cooked bacon pieces back into the pan, mixing everything together. Once combined and heated through, remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

• Chop broccoli into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time and ensure better sauce coating.
• Finely chop garlic to enhance the garlic flavor in the sauce. You can batch cook fried garlic for convenience.
• Use smoky bacon for best flavor. Prosciutto is a more expensive alternative with a different taste.
• Avoid frying bacon and garlic together as bacon releases water which can affect frying quality.
• Oyster sauce acts as a modern substitute for MSG; if unavailable, substitute with equal soy sauce.
• Stir sauce mixture well before adding it to the pan to prevent lumps.
• Adjust soy sauce quantity if using more bacon to avoid excessive saltiness.
• Ensure broccoli is well drained after boiling to prevent watery sauce.
• Optional: Add chili flakes for heat or a touch of sugar for sweetness to enhance flavor.

Keywords: broccoli with garlic sauce, Asian broccoli recipe, Chinese broccoli, bacon and broccoli stir fry, garlic broccoli, easy side dish, low calorie vegetable recipe