Eating healthy got you feeling glum? Miss that good old smoky, salty, crisp bacon? Here is a little trick I like to use to help me stay on track and eat what I love in moderation. This Bacon Flavored Asparagus will help trick your mind into thinking you are eating more bacon than what you really are.
(Original post date Jan. 16, 2018. Links and post updated Jan. 4, 2022)
What does one do when they are craving bacon? I mean I have never heard a person say, “I had only one strip of bacon.” Have you?
Honestly, bacon is worse than potato chips you can’t just have one strip! But what if you could? What if you made your mind think you ate more than you did? That is where this Bacon Asparagus comes in.
It’s a new year, which means a new chapter, a new start. This year I am going to continue to eat healthily, meaning eating in moderation, as well as, continue to cut back on my waste, because I am far from perfect when it comes to food waste.
That is what I love about this Bacon Flavored Asparagus. It is helping me obtain both my goals!!
Now there are very few people that don’t like bacon! It is smoky, salty, and completely indulgent. Now, unfortunately, bacon is not healthy food. That is why it is important that bacon is only eaten in moderation.
One of my favorite ways to trick my mind into thinking I eat more bacon than what I really do is to use it as a flavor base as I did in Shrimp and Spinach Flounder Roll Up with Baby Bella Spaghetti. I added just a few strips to the pasta, I also made the dish in the same pan I fried up the bacon, after draining out the bacon dripping of course.
How to make Bacon Asparagus
I served this stuffed flounder with some Bacon Asparagus. This was a simple throw-together.
- I used just enough bacon grease dripping to coat the asparagus and season with salt and pepper.
- Then placed the asparagus in a cast-iron skillet and sautéed over medium heat until they became soft.
I know what you are thinking, this is far from healthy!! But, keep in mind you are not frying them in the bacon grease, just lightly coating them to give them a hue of bacon flavor! Again, moderation is the key!
But if you really want bacon flavor without the bacon grease this is a great vegan bacon seasoning I also love!
So next time you are craving bacon remember to trick your mind into thinking you are eating more than you truly are and enjoy some Bacon Asparagus.
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FAQ and Tips
Common Questions that get asked about the recipe, and tips to save you time and money.
- Can you freeze Asparagus?
No, it is not recommended to freeze asparagus it will get too mushy. - How long does Asparagus last?
YIf properly stored, asparagus will typically keep well for about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator - Is there another way to get bacon flavor without using bacon grease?
Yes, there are a ton of options for bacon seasoning out there. Just google it and you will even find vegan options.
Recipe for Bacon Asparagus
Hint of Bacon Asparagus
Equipment
- 1 Deep Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 tbsp bacon grease
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cut off the bottom (light brown) part of the asparagus. Toss the asparagus in the rendered bacon grease. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the asparagus in a cast iron skillet and sautéed over medium heat for 5-10 minutes depending on the size of asparagus, cook until tender.
- Allow to cool slightly and enjoy!!
Nutrition
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This sounds absolutely divine! I love asparagus and I love bacon so combining them sounds delicious!
Thank you!! I hope you enjoy!
I love anything bacon flavored! And with asparagus, yummy!
Bacon should be in its own food group labeled makes everything better group!
Great post, definitely going to try this next time I make asparagus !
Enjoy
What an interesting way to prepare asparagus. I am allergic to pork, so I would not be able to use a pork bacon. However, I think if I used a chicken or turkey sausage, the same flavor affect could apply. Thank you for sharing this tip!
Yes, those are great substitutes!! And they are even healthier!!
I loooove bacon and have really good intentions to eat healthier this year so I am definitely going to try this! Thanks for sharing!
I honestly think the trick to eating healthy and sticking with it is to give it flavor. So many healthy foods out there are bland and flat, make you long for bold and vibrant! Eliminate that longing with some simple flavors. Simple right!?!?!
I love both ingredients and this looks delicious! and so simple! What could be better.
🙂 gwingal
Simple, delicious, and typically done in under 15 minutes you just can’t bet it!
Holy cow I can’t wait to try this!!! I absolutely love bacon and asparagus together. This is definitely on my list for next date night at home!
Perfect for date night served with a filet and some garlic parmesan potatoes!! That is my husband’s favorite meal!
I love bacon flavored anything and I absolutely love asparagus too so count me in for this recipe! I just saw a really good recipe for asparagus at Publix that had bacon and French fried onions… But it had a real bacon not just the flavor LOL
Oh, that recipe sounds good!! But!! I need to be good I had bacon for breakfast only a few slices, so the remainder of the week it has to be only bacon flavor. LOL
But!! I could totally get down with that recipe or asparagus in a creamy mushroom bacon sauce with fried onion topping roasted together in the oven!! Future New Recipe to Come!!
This is a great idea! I like asparagus, but it completely depends on how it’s prepared. I’ll have to try this!
It does depend on how it is cooked overdone it is too mushy or underdone too hard and bitter, I like it in the middle myself but honestly, it is a preference!!
Wow! I wouldn’t normally think of this – great idea! My hubby loves bacon 🙂
Thank you!! Enjoy!
Great idea. My husband loves asparagus tips and his favorite is bacon wrapped asparagus. This time I will make him try your recipe and I am sure this is just as good. Yum!
Bacon wrapped anything is my favorite thing in the world until the heartburn kicks in. LOL I hope your husband enjoys this new twist!
This is such a great idea, you can eat healthy and delicious at the same time! Thanks for sharing, can’t wait to prepare the asparagus!
xoxo, Pilar
http://thelifestylehunter.com
I just think people think to eat healthy means sacrifice flavor, and it doesn’t have to be that way!
an interesting twist on asparagus…. I don’t eat meat myself ( and was never a bacon person, hehehehe) but I think it’s a nice trick to trick people that don’t like veggies! >:)
I am so glad you commented!! My parents don’t eat meat, so when they come visit and my family craves their bacon or meat, I love to roast the asparagus and use a bacon flavored oil that doesn’t use meat bi-product as a finisher. But since you were never a bacon fan, some Meyer lemon oil would be my go to!
We don’t eat pork, but this gives me an idea to creatively improvise other meats should I want asparagus flavored like meat. Great photos and pointers! Thx!
Thank you!! Turkey bacon works well too or any kind of smoked chicken or beef sausage. Really anything with that salty cured smokey flavor that renders any fat would work with this recipe!
I love this recipe! wow! I feel like you read my mind! I love bacon!
Hahaha! Well, I glad I got to read your mind!! I just know if I am to cut it completely out of my week I will fail, I am kind of a bacon addict!
This is the perfect side dish.. or maybe even snack! My family would absolutely adore this meal.
Thank you!! It has turned into my families favorite! Enjoy have a great week!
2 of my daughter’s favorite foods. She would love this recipe.
I’m glad she would enjoy this!! I hope you do too!
Asparagus has to be my favorite vegetable. This sounds delicious! yum! gotta try it!
Asparagus is amazing has to be one of my favorites too! Simple to make and so diverse, whats there not to love?
my husband adores bacon wrapped asparagus, so I might try it your way
Oh, it is one of my favorite things well bacon wrapped anything is my favorite!!