This Zucchini and Bacon Stir Fry is a simple, flavorful dish that comes together in under 15 minutes. Tender zucchini is stir fried with savory, crispy bacon for an easy side dish that pairs perfectly with rice.
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It's one of those classic "what do I have in the fridge?" recipes - minimal ingredients, big flavor, and super satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy- ready in 15 minutes
- Simple ingredients - just a few pantry staples
- Packed with flavor - savory bacon + tender zucchini
- Great veggie side dish!
About the Ingredients
Zucchini
Zucchini is mild, slightly sweet, and cooks quickly, making it perfect for stir fries.
For this recipe, I like to use a roll cut (滾刀切) for the zucchini. It creates more surface area so the zucchini absorbs more flavor and cooks evenly.
That said, you can slice it however you prefer - rounds, half moons, or chunks all work!
Bacon
Bacon adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor and provides fat for stir frying. As it cooks, it helps season the zucchini naturally, so you may not need much additional salt.
Garlic
Garlic adds aroma and depth to the dish. Just a few cloves go a long way in bringing everything together.
Oil
You can use a neutral oil like vegetable or avocado oil, or coconut oil if you like a subtle sweetness. You can also use the bacon grease from cooking the bacon for extra flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil or fat (ex: avocado oil, bacon grease)
- 2 medium zucchini, roll cut
- 2-3 slices bacon, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped or crushed
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
If using raw bacon, add the chopped bacon to a pan over medium heat and cook until it starts to render fat but isn't fully crispy yet. If using pre-cooked bacon, heat a little oil in the pan and add the bacon to warm it up.
Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Add the zucchini and stir fry over medium-high heat.
Cook for about 4-6 minutes, until zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Taste and add salt if needed. Serve hot!
Tips for the Best Zucchini Stir Fry
- Don't overcook - zucchini softens quickly
- Cook over medium-high heat for better texture
- Bacon adds salt, so taste before adding more
- Roll cut helps absorb more flavor, but any cut works
Variations
- Add chili oil or fresh chili for a spicy kick
- Toss in mushrooms or onions for extra flavor
- Use pork belly instead of bacon for a more traditional twist
Zucchini and Bacon Stir Fry
Zucchini and Bacon Stir Fry is a quick and easy dish! Tender zucchini stir fried with savory bacon and garlic, ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil (or use bacon grease)
- 2 medium zucchini, cut (roll cut, sliced, or chunks)
- 2-3 slices bacon (raw or pre-cooked)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- If using raw bacon, chop it into small pieces. Add to a pan over medium heat and cook until it starts to render fat but isn’t fully crispy yet. If using pre-cooked bacon, heat oil in the pan and add the bacon to warm it up.
- Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini and stir fry over medium-high heat.
- Cook for about 4–6 minutes, until zucchini is tender but not mushy.
- Taste and add salt if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use either raw or pre-cooked bacon. Raw bacon will render more flavor, while pre-cooked bacon is a convenient shortcut.
- You can use a neutral oil like vegetable or avocado oil, coconut oil, or the bacon grease for extra flavor.
- Zucchini cooks quickly - avoid overcooking to prevent it from getting mushy.
- Roll cutting the zucchini helps it absorb more flavor, but any cut works.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware, Flat-Bottom Wok, 10-Inch, Black - 1877054 -
Amazon Grocery, Naturally Applewood Smoked Thick Cut Bacon, 16 Oz (Previously Fresh Brand, Packaging May Vary)
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Chosen Foods 100% Pure Avocado Oil 1 L, Non-GMO, for High-Heat Cooking, Frying, Baking, Homemade Sauces, Dressings and Marinades
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 115Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 4g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.
More Tasty Zucchini Recipes
If you have extra zucchini, here are more easy and delicious ways to use it:
- Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry - A simple, flavorful weeknight meal (one of my most popular recipes!)
- Steak Zucchini Stir Fry - Hearty and savory with marinated steak
- Oven Roasted Zucchini Chunks - A simple, healthy side dish with olive oil and seasonings
- Oven Roasted Mushrooms and Zucchini - Easy roasted veggie combo with great flavor
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