Broccoli with Garlic Sauce

This Broccoli with Garlic Sauce and Crispy Bacon is a vibrant, flavorful side dish that brings the essence of Asian fusion to your dinner table. Tender, bright green broccoli florets are enveloped in a glossy, savory garlic sauce and topped with the smoky crunch of perfectly fried bacon bits. It's an easy, budget-friendly recipe that turns a simple vegetable into a gourmet experience in just 20 minutes.

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Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something healthy but don't want to sacrifice taste, this dish relies on common pantry staples like soy sauce and cornstarch to create a restaurant-style glaze that clings to every floret.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
• Protein: 2 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
• Aromatics: 4–5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Sauces & Seasonings: 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• Thickener: 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• Liquids: 1/3 cup water
• Oils & Salt: 3 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil), pinch of salt, splash of olive oil

Instructions

1. Boil the Broccoli

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil. Add broccoli and boil for 3–5 minutes until just tender and bright green. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

2. Fry the Bacon

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add bacon pieces and cook until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Discard excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons oil in the pan.

3. Prepare the Garlic Sauce

Add chopped garlic to the remaining oil in the pan. Sauté over medium heat until fragrant and golden, but not burnt. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Pour sauce mixture into the pan and stir continuously for about 10 seconds, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

4. Combine and Serve

Add the drained broccoli to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the garlic sauce. Sprinkle crispy bacon over the top and toss briefly to combine. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the perfect texture, make sure the broccoli is well-drained after boiling; any excess water will dilute the glossy garlic sauce. Sauté the garlic until it is just golden to avoid any bitter burnt notes.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use a vegetarian oyster sauce. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce, or add a teaspoon of sugar if you enjoy a slightly sweeter profile.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish immediately as a side to steamed white rice or your favorite protein. For a more luxurious touch, you can substitute the bacon with crispy prosciutto for a richer, more intense flavor.

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Whether you are following a diabetic-friendly diet or just looking for a delicious way to eat more greens, this Broccoli with Garlic Sauce and Crispy Bacon provides 9g of protein and 310 calories of pure satisfaction.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I keep broccoli tender but crisp?

Boil broccoli florets for 3 to 5 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain thoroughly to prevent sogginess.

→ Can I substitute bacon for a vegetarian option?

Yes, omit bacon and use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushrooms to maintain umami depth.

→ How is the garlic sauce thickened?

Mix cornstarch with water and add it to the soy and oyster sauce mixture, then cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy finish.

→ What oil is best for frying the bacon and garlic?

Vegetable or olive oil works well for frying, providing a neutral base and helping to crisp the bacon.

→ Any tips to enhance flavor balance?

Adding a pinch of sugar can balance savory notes, and chili flakes can introduce a subtle kick if desired.