Broccoli with Garlic Sauce is a delightful side dish that tantalizes your taste buds with a perfect balance of flavors. This dish features vibrant broccoli florets coated in a savory garlic sauce and is enhanced with crispy bacon for an irresistible crunch. It’s not just delicious; it’s a healthy addition to your meals, providing essential nutrients while satisfying your cravings. Let’s dive into the preparation of this quick and easy recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
This Broccoli with Garlic Sauce dish is packed with benefits. First, it’s incredibly nutritious, as broccoli is rich in vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Secondly, the garlic adds a wonderful flavor while providing health benefits such as improved immunity and heart health. Additionally, the crispy bacon elevates the dish, making it a hearty option for any meal. You can enjoy it as a garlic-infused broccoli side that complements various cuisines. Moreover, it’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution. With only 20 minutes total time, this recipe is a breeze!
Ingredients for Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
Gather these items:
- 1 head Broccoli (cut into small florets)
- 3 tablespoons Oil (use olive oil for a healthier option)
- 4-5 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
- 0.5 tablespoon Soy Sauce (consider tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon Oyster Sauce (substitute with soy sauce if necessary)
- 0.5 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 0.333 cup Water
- 4 slices Bacon (or use prosciutto)
How to Make Broccoli with Garlic Sauce Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes until vibrant green and tender. Drain thoroughly to avoid watery sauce.
- Step 2: In a frying pan, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess fat.
- Step 3: In the same pan, with the bacon drippings, sauté the finely chopped garlic until it’s golden and fragrant. Mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl, then pour this mixture into the pan, stirring for about 10 seconds until it thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add the drained broccoli to the garlic sauce, tossing gently to ensure even coating. Fold in the crispy bacon pieces and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure not to overcook the broccoli to maintain its vibrant color and crunch.
- For a vegetarian or vegan option, skip the bacon and use mushrooms instead for added texture.
- Use high-quality olive oil for better flavor and health benefits.
- Consider adding chili flakes for a spicy kick if you enjoy heat.
Best Ways to Serve Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also works well as a broccoli garlic stir-fry with rice or noodles. Feel free to drizzle with extra garlic sauce for added flavor!
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How to Store and Reheat Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. This dish can be made in advance, making it perfect for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
What is broccoli with garlic sauce?
Broccoli with garlic sauce is a flavorful dish featuring steamed broccoli tossed in a savory garlic sauce, often enhanced with additional ingredients like soy sauce and bacon for extra flavor.
Can I make broccoli with garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the broccoli and sauce in advance. Just combine them before serving to maintain freshness, or store them separately to reheat later.
How do I avoid common mistakes with broccoli with garlic sauce?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure the broccoli is not overcooked and the garlic is not burned, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
Variations of Broccoli with Garlic Sauce You Can Try
Explore various adaptations of this delicious dish! You can create a vegan broccoli garlic recipe by omitting bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water. Another option is to add nuts like cashews for a crunchy texture or include other vegetables like bell peppers for a colorful stir-fry. Each variation maintains the essence of this healthy broccoli garlic dish.
For more information on the health benefits of broccoli, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on cooking with garlic, visit Food Network’s Garlic 101.
For a delicious garlic sauce recipe, see Serious Eats.
PrintDelicious Broccoli with Garlic Sauce and Crispy Bacon
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Broccoli with Garlic Sauce is elevated with crispy bacon for a delightful flavor-packed side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 head Broccoli (cut into small florets)
- 3 tablespoons Oil (use olive oil for a healthier option)
- 4–5 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
- 0.5 tablespoon Soy Sauce (consider tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon Oyster Sauce (substitute with soy sauce if necessary)
- 0.5 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 0.333 cup Water
- 4 slices Bacon (or use prosciutto)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes until vibrant green and tender. Drain thoroughly to avoid watery sauce.
- In a frying pan, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess fat.
- In the same pan, with the bacon drippings, sauté the finely chopped garlic until it’s golden and fragrant. Mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl, then pour this mixture into the pan, stirring for about 10 seconds until it thickens slightly.
- Add the drained broccoli to the garlic sauce, tossing gently to ensure even coating. Fold in the crispy bacon pieces and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Broccoli with Garlic Sauce, Garlic Broccoli, Bacon Broccoli







