Broccoli with Garlic Sauce and Bacon Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli with Garlic Sauce & Bacon recipe is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that combines tender broccoli with crispy bacon and a savory garlic sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for adding a delicious touch to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 broccoli, cut into small pieces
• 2 strips bacon, cut into small pieces (adjust 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: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil. Boil the broccoli for 3-5 minutes until tender, then 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 well combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with garlic. Stir continuously for about 10 seconds to thicken the sauce slightly.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked broccoli to the pan. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly with the garlic sauce.
7. Step 7: Return the crispy bacon to the pan and mix with the broccoli and sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Chopping broccoli into smaller pieces helps it cook faster and allows the sauce to coat more evenly.
• Finely chop the garlic to enhance its flavor in the sauce. You can prepare fried garlic in batches to save time later.
• Use smoky bacon for a perfect flavor, or substitute with prosciutto for a richer taste, though it is pricier.
• If you don’t have oyster sauce, replace it with an equal amount of soy sauce.
• Adjust soy sauce quantity if you add more bacon to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Drain the broccoli thoroughly before adding to avoid a watery sauce.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick or a little sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover broccoli with garlic sauce and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to keep the broccoli tender and bacon crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain it thoroughly before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to bacon in this dish?

You can substitute bacon with smoked mushrooms or crispy tofu to add a savory, smoky flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian.

Broccoli with Garlic Sauce and Bacon Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 50 reviews

A flavorful and savory dish of tender broccoli florets tossed in a garlicky sauce with crispy smoky bacon, perfect as a hearty side or light main. The garlic sauce, thickened with cornstarch and enriched with soy and oyster sauces, beautifully coats the broccoli and bacon for a delicious, umami-packed meal.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 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, more or less to your liking)

Sauces & Oils

• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce

Other

• 4–5 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup water
• Pinch of salt
• A splash of olive oil (for boiling broccoli)

Instructions

1. Boil Broccoli: Add a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil to boiling water. Boil the broccoli pieces for 3-5 minutes until just tender, then drain thoroughly to prevent excess water in the sauce.
2. Fry Bacon: Heat oil in a frying pan and add the bacon pieces. Cook until they are crisp and golden brown, then set aside to keep the rendered fat and avoid mixing with garlic initially.
3. Prepare Garlic Sauce: In the same pan with remaining oil and bacon fat, add the finely chopped garlic and fry until golden brown to release its flavor. Meanwhile, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a bowl to create the sauce.
4. Add Sauce: Stir the sauce mixture well and pour it into the frying pan with garlic. Stir continuously for about 10 seconds to thicken the sauce slightly.
5. Toss Broccoli and Bacon: Add the drained broccoli to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat with the garlic sauce. Then add the crispy bacon pieces back in, mix gently, and remove from heat. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Chopping broccoli into smaller pieces helps it cook faster and allows the sauce to coat more evenly.
• Finely chop garlic to release maximum flavor and consider batch-frying it ahead for convenience.
• Use smoky bacon for the best flavor; prosciutto is a premium alternative but more costly.
• Do not fry bacon with garlic to avoid excess water release and soggy garlic.
• Oyster sauce replaces MSG in modern Chinese recipes; if unavailable, substitute with equal soy sauce.
• Cornstarch thickens the sauce for better coating—stir well before adding.
• Adjust soy sauce quantity if adding more bacon to prevent oversalting.
• Drain broccoli well to keep sauce from getting watery.
• Add chili flakes or a touch of sugar to enhance flavor if desired.

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