Broccoli with Garlic Sauce Bacon (Printable Version)

Tender broccoli in savory garlic sauce topped with crispy bacon bits—an easy Asian-inspired side dish.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets

→ Protein

02 - 2 strips bacon, cut into small pieces

→ Aromatics

03 - 4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

→ Sauces and Seasonings

04 - 0.5 tablespoon soy sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon oyster sauce

→ Thickener

06 - 0.5 tablespoon cornstarch

→ Liquids

07 - 1/3 cup water

→ Oils and Seasonings

08 - 3 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
09 - Pinch of salt for boiling water

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 3 to 5 minutes until tender and bright green. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add bacon pieces and cook until crisp and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving approximately 2 tablespoons oil in the pan.
03 - Add chopped garlic to the remaining oil and sauté over medium heat until fragrant and golden. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Pour into the pan and stir continuously for 10 seconds until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
04 - Add the drained broccoli to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the garlic sauce. Sprinkle crispy bacon on top and toss briefly to combine. Serve immediately while hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent way more effort than you actually did, which is the best kind of kitchen trick.
  • The sauce clings to every floret and gets glossy and irresistible without any cream or fancy ingredients.
  • Crispy bacon transforms something wholesome into something you genuinely crave, not just tolerate.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the broccoli thoroughly—I learned this the hard way when I rushed and ended up with a watery sauce that never thickened properly no matter how much longer I cooked it.
  • The cornstarch mixture must be whisked smooth before it hits the hot pan, or you'll get lumps that ruin the silky texture you're working toward.
03 -
  • If your sauce seems too thick, a teaspoon of water stirred in quickly will loosen it without affecting the flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon entirely and add a drizzle of sesame oil at the end for richness and depth.
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