Sauteed Garlic Asparagus with Bacon is the perfect side dish for spring and summer! It's flavorful, delicious, and so easy to make!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sauteed garlic asparagus with bacon is going to be your new favorite side dish!
Thinly sliced red onion, garlic, and asparagus are cooked in a little bacon fat to give this dish an extra layer of flavor. It's topped with crispy bacon pieces which adds a little crunch and takes this dish to the next level!
Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables to enjoy in the spring and summer. Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it's also full of nutrients & a great source of fiber!
This healthy side dish can be served with a variety of meals and it's great for parties, picnics, or grilling season. It's also naturally low carb, Paleo, and can be Whole30 friendly depending on what bacon you use.
🍴Ingredient Notes
- Asparagus - Fresh Asparagus is the star of this dish, so be sure to find a bunch that is crisp and vibrant.
- Bacon - My favorite bacon is by the brand Applegate. I like to cut it into about 1 inch pieces, but you can make them smaller if you'd like.
- Red Onion - You'll need one medium sized red onion for this recipe. You can swap for a sweet onion.
- Garlic - You can either thinly slice the garlic or mince it.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper - Add as much or little as you need. When cooking with bacon I tend to use less salt.
Recipe Variations
- Top with your favorite cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Remove the bacon for a vegetarian option! Cook the vegetables with olive oil instead of bacon fat.
- Swap the asparagus spears for green beans.
- For added flavor, serve with a little fresh lemon juice or drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
🍴Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Bacon
Start by cutting bacon into about 1-inch strips. Then preheat a skillet and add in the bacon. Cook on medium heat until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
Use tongs to remove bacon and set on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Step 2: Drain Bacon Grease
Next, drain some of the bacon fat out of the pan. Leave a little at the bottom of the pan to cook the vegetables. This will add flavor and prevent them from sticking.
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
Cut asparagus into thirds and make sure you remove the tough part at the end of each stalk. Add to the skillet with thinly sliced red onion and garlic. Cook on medium heat covered, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Remove Cover
After about 5 minutes, remove the cover to release some of the moisture. (This will prevent the asparagus from overcooking.) Sauté for another 5 minutes.
Step 6:
Finally, add back in the crispy bacon. Stir together with a little salt and black pepper. Serve hot!
Expert Tips
- To prevent the bacon grease from getting all over the stove, use a splatter screen to cover the frying pan.
- Remove the tough part of the asparagus before cutting into thirds. It's usually about 1 inch off the end.
- For best results, cook the bacon separately and add it back in at the end. This will ensure it stays crispy!
- Make sure you remove the cover when the vegetables are almost done cooking to release steam for crisp-tender asparagus. If you overcook it, it will become limp and soggy.
If you love bacon recipes, try my Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, or my Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps!
Serving Suggestions
The great part about this dish is that it's really versatile!
Serve during grilling season with steak, chicken, or burgers. It also goes well with mashed potatoes or rice!
How to store leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
More side dish recipes!
After you make Sauteed Garlic Asparagus with Bacon, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!
Recipe Card
Sauteed Garlic Asparagus with Bacon
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet or Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Asparagus, Cut into Thirds
- 6 Ounces Bacon
- 1 Red Onion, Thinly Sliced
- 3-4 Cloves of Garlic, Thinly Sliced
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Instructions
- Start by cutting bacon into about 1-inch strips. Then preheat a skillet and add bacon strips. Cook on medium heat until bacon is crispy.
- Use tongs to remove bacon and set on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Next, drain some of the bacon fat out of the pan. Leave a little at the bottom of the pan to cook the vegetables. This will add flavor and prevent them from sticking.
- Cut asparagus into thirds and make sure you remove the tough part at the end of each stalk. Add to the skillet with thinly sliced red onion and minced garlic. Cook on medium heat covered, stirring occasionally.
- After about 5 minutes, remove the cover to release some of the moisture. Sauté for another 5 minutes and then add back in the crispy bacon. Stir together with a little salt and black pepper. Serve hot!
Notes
Expert Tips
- To prevent the bacon grease from getting all over the stove, use a splatter screen to cover the frying pan.
- Remove the tough part of the asparagus before cutting into thirds. It's usually about 1 inch off the end.
- For best results, cook the bacon separately and add it back in at the end. This will ensure it stays crispy!
- Make sure you remove the cover when the vegetables are almost done cooking to release steam for crisp-tender asparagus. If you overcook it, it will become limp and soggy.
How To Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. ** See full post for step-by-step photos and more helpful tips!Nutrition
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