A flavorful, savory broccoli dish with smoky bacon and bold garlic sauce — simple, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights.
Broccoli with Garlic Sauce & Bacon is the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into pure comfort food magic. From the first sizzle of smoky bacon to the fragrant aroma of garlic coating every vibrant floret, this recipe brings bold flavor without complicated steps. Whether you’re serving it with rice, noodles, or as a stand-alone side, it’s a crowd-pleasing way to enjoy veggies with a savory twist.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, savory flavors from garlic and smoky bacon
- Quick & easy prep — ready in about 20 minutes
- Balances crisp-tender broccoli with bold sauce
- Great as a main or side dish, depending on your meal
- Customizable with oyster sauce or soy sauce for depth
Ingredients for Broccoli With Garlic Sauce & Bacon
- Broccoli: Chop into small pieces for even cooking and better sauce coverage.
- Garlic: Finely chopped so the garlic sauce becomes fragrant and rich.
- Bacon: Smoky bacon gives savory depth; prosciutto works too but at a higher cost.
- Oyster sauce: A modern flavor enhancer; soy sauce can substitute if needed.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the broccoli.
- Water: To dissolve cornstarch and keep sauce smooth.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Boil the Broccoli
Add a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil to boiling water. Blanch broccoli for 3–5 minutes until crisp-tender, then drain.
2. Fry the Bacon
Heat a pan with a little oil. Add bacon pieces and pan-fry until crisp and golden-brown. Transfer to a plate.
3. Prepare the Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, cook garlic until golden. Meanwhile, mix oyster/soy sauce, cornstarch, and water in a bowl whisk until smooth. Pour into the pan and stir for about 10 seconds to thicken.
4. Combine Everything
Add the boiled broccoli to the pan; toss thoroughly so the garlic sauce coats every piece. Return the crispy bacon and mix gently. Serve hot.
This Broccoli With Garlic Sauce & Bacon recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve broccoli with garlic sauce and bacon as a quick side dish, a light main meal, or even use leftovers for sandwiches or rice bowls. The combination of garlic sauce, crispy bacon, and tender broccoli makes this dish both comforting and satisfying.
How to Make a Fried Broccoli Sandwich?
Turn leftover broccoli with garlic sauce and bacon into a savory sandwich by layering it on toasted bread with a smear of mayo or aioli, crisp greens, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
How to Cook Broccoli in a Frying Pan?
For a quicker version, skip boiling: heat oil in a pan, add broccoli florets, and sauté over medium heat about 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp, then add garlic and follow the sauce steps.
How Long Do You Cook Fried Broccoli With Fried Bacon?
If cooking entirely in a pan, sauté bacon first until crisp, then add broccoli and garlic — cook about 7–10 minutes, stirring, until the broccoli is bright green and tender.
How Do You Make Garlic Parmesan With Bacon?
For a creamier variation, sprinkle grated parmesan over the finished broccoli and bacon right before serving. The heat will melt the cheese, creating a wickedly rich twist on this dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Plate this with steamed rice or garlic noodles
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or pan-seared fish
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness
Tips for Success
- Drain broccoli well after boiling — excess water can thin the sauce.
- Don’t fry garlic with bacon — bacon releases water that makes garlic soggy.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste; add chili flakes for heat.
Broccoli With Garlic Sauce & Bacon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings 1x
Description
Broccoli With Garlic Sauce & Bacon is an easy, quick, and best savory recipe with crispy bacon and rich garlic sauce. Try it today!
Ingredients
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 4 strips smoky bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil, as needed
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the Broccoli
Bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil. Boil broccoli for 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside. - Step 2: Fry the Bacon
Heat oil in a frying pan. Add bacon and cook until crispy and golden. Remove and set aside. - Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, sauté garlic until lightly golden.
In a bowl, mix oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. Stir well and pour into the pan. Cook for about 10 seconds until thickened. - Step 4: Combine & Serve
Add broccoli and toss until fully coated. Add bacon, mix gently, and serve hot.
Notes
- Don’t fry garlic with bacon; bacon releases water.
- Stir the sauce well before pouring to avoid lumps.
- Add chili flakes for heat or parmesan for richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Main
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Whether you’re trying to elevate midweek meals or find a way to make vegetables irresistible, Broccoli With Garlic Sauce & Bacon hits all the right notes: smoky, garlicky, savory, and satisfying. It’s quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly versatile. Give it a try tonight, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!
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