Sautéed kale with garlic, onion, and bacon recipe is a perfect balance of savory and healthy. The smoky, crispy bacon complements the earthy flavor of kale, while garlic and onions elevate the dish with aromatic depth. This perfect recipe is both nutritious and indulgent, making it a great side dish or even a light meal on its own.
1. Sauteed Kale With Garlic, Onion, and Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch of kale (curly or lacinato kale)
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, depending on the amount of bacon fat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional, for a bright finish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Kale
Thoroughly wash the kale to remove any dirt or grit. Remove the tough stems by folding each leaf in half and cutting or tearing the stem away. Roughly chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the bacon halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Once the bacon is crispy, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same pan with the bacon fat, add the diced onions and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Sauté the Kale
Add the chopped kale to the pan with the onions and garlic. If the pan seems too dry, you can drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the kale.
Toss the kale in the pan so it gets coated in the bacon fat, onions, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kale wilts down and becomes tender. It should still have a slight bite but not be tough.
Season the kale with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Step 5: Add the Bacon and Finish
Once the kale is cooked, stir in the crumbled bacon.
Finally, drizzle 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar over the kale and toss to combine.
Transfer the sautéed kale to a serving dish and enjoy immediately with other sides
2. Tips for Perfect Sautéed Kale
Start with Fresh Kale
Fresh, crisp kale ensures the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant green leaves without yellowing or wilting. If possible, choose younger kale for a milder taste and tender texture.
Remove the Tough Stems
Strip the leaves from the fibrous stems before cooking. The stems are chewy and take longer to cook than the leaves. Removing the stems ensures that the kale cooks uniformly, giving you tender greens without any tough bits.
Using The Bacon Fat
Kale has a hearty texture and slightly bitter taste, so it pairs beautifully with the richness of bacon fat. Cooking the onions and kale in rendered bacon fat enhances the dish’s savory depth
Don’t Overcook the Kale
Cooking kale for the right amount of time preserves its natural texture and nutritional value while keeping the leaves bright and vibrant. Overcooking can make the leaves mushy and dull in color.
Don’t Skip Adding Acid at the End
Finish the dish with a splash of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar. Acid cuts through the richness of the fat and balances the kale’s slightly bitter flavor, creating a well-rounded dish.
3. What to Serve With Sautéed Kale
Baked or Roasted Meats
Kale’s hearty flavor pairs wonderfully with baked steak, roasted chicken, or pork chops. The rich, savory meat balances the greens’ earthiness.
Seafood
Serve with salmon, shrimp, or scallops for a light, healthy pairing that enhances the kale’s freshness.
Mashed Potatoes
The creamy texture of mashed potatoes contrasts beautifully with the tender sautéed kale, making for a comforting, balanced plate.
Rice or Quinoa
A side of rice or quinoa turns this dish into a well-rounded vegetarian meal, providing a neutral base for the flavorful kale.
Eggs
Add a sunny-side-up egg or serve alongside an omelet for a hearty breakfast or brunch. The runny yolk acts as a rich sauce for the kale.
This sautéed kale with garlic, onion, and bacon recipe is the ultimate side dish that combines rich, smoky bacon with the nutritious bite of kale. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to any meal. I hope that after reading this article, you knew how to cook kale so that it’s actually delicious.
