Imagine a side dish that's so incredibly delicious, it'll make everyone at your dinner table forget about the main course. This Bacon and Garlic Asparagus is not just a vegetable side—it's a culinary masterpiece that combines crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and perfectly tender asparagus in a symphony of flavors that will elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to deliver a mouthwatering experience that's both simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water and trim off the tough woody ends by snapping or cutting approximately 1-2 inches from the bottom of the stalks.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook the bacon pieces until they become crispy and golden brown, rendering their fat, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the crispy bacon pieces from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet with remaining bacon fat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, occasionally turning and tossing to ensure even cooking, until they become tender-crisp and develop slight caramelization.
- Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon pieces over the cooked asparagus, gently tossing to distribute evenly.
- Transfer the bacon and garlic asparagus to a serving platter and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for bright green, firm stalks with tightly closed tips. Thinner asparagus tends to be more tender and cook faster.
- Bacon Crispiness Matters: Cook bacon until it's golden and crisp for maximum flavor and texture. Pat it dry on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Garlic Timing is Crucial: Add minced garlic just before adding asparagus to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook asparagus in a single layer to ensure even caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper—they help enhance the natural flavors of the asparagus and bacon.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, to maintain its crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
