Looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that adds a burst of savory goodness to your meal? This Asian-style broccoli with garlic bacon sauce is the perfect combination of crispy bacon, tender broccoli, and a rich, garlicky sauce that ties it all together. Whether you’re preparing it as a side or a light main course, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The salty, smoky bacon complements the fresh crunch of the broccoli, while the soy and oyster sauces add a punch of umami. Ready in no time, this dish will easily become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli (broken into bite-sized florets)
- 2 strips of bacon (chopped, adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
- 4-5 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Begin by cutting the broccoli into small florets and rinse thoroughly. Set the broccoli aside to drain.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns crispy, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess grease. Keep the bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil (if necessary) and sauté the chopped garlic over medium heat until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/3 cup of water until dissolved. Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce to the bowl, stirring to combine. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the garlic and allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the broccoli to steam for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. If you like your broccoli more on the crunchy side, reduce the steaming time.
- Combine Everything: Once the broccoli is cooked, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Stir everything together so that the bacon and garlic sauce are evenly distributed over the broccoli.
- Serve: Transfer the broccoli and bacon mixture to a serving dish and enjoy hot. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or as a savory side to any main course.
Conclusion
This Asian-inspired broccoli with garlic bacon sauce brings a new twist to your usual vegetable side dish. The blend of crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and savory sauces creates a rich, satisfying flavor profile that complements the fresh crunch of broccoli perfectly. It’s a dish that’s quick to prepare but packs a punch in terms of taste. Whether you serve it alongside rice or enjoy it as a simple, hearty snack, this broccoli dish will surely become a staple in your kitchen lineup. Give it a try, and watch it disappear from the plate in no time!