Sweet Sour Broccoli And Cauliflower
Sweet and tangy broccoli and cauliflower combine with crispy bacon and a flavorful brown sugar-vinegar sauce, making a delicious side perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli and cauliflower separately according to package directions if using frozen vegetables, or until tender-crisp if fresh. Drain and set aside.
- In a frying pan, cook diced bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside.
- Pour out all but 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings.
- Add minced green onions to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Stir in brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture until hot.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked broccoli and cauliflower in a serving dish.
- Top with the crisp bacon and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the green onions. If you want a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar. Fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture, but frozen will work well too. Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Sour Broccoli and Cauliflower dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served as a side to your favorite pork recipes. It also works well as a light main dish when served over rice or quinoa. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Hamburger Hash Browns for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Sour Broccoli And Cauliflower contains roughly 173 calories, with 8g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 741mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize this dish by adding other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas. Just ensure they are cooked until tender-crisp to maintain a good texture in the final dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be prepared in advance. Just reheat as needed for a quick side or light meal during the week, making it a great option for meal prepping.
What type of vinegar works best in this recipe?
You can use white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar depending on your preference. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, so choose one that complements your taste. Apple cider vinegar adds a hint of sweetness, while rice vinegar is milder.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).