Garlic Butter Bacon Pasta
Chili and Oyster Sauce

A quick and savory fusion pasta featuring crispy bacon bits, aromatic garlic, vibrant chili peppers, and a rich umami-infused garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

• 200 g spaghetti or pasta noodles
• 100 g bacon
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 red chili peppers
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• to taste black pepper
• to taste sea salt
• to taste dried parsley

Instructions

1. 1Boil the pasta

   

   Submerge the pasta noodles into a pot of boiling salted water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

   Tip: Ensure the water is at a rolling boil and well salted before adding the pasta to build flavor from the start.
2. 2Slice the bacon

   

   Place the bacon strips on a clean cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.

   Tip: Cutting the bacon evenly ensures that all pieces render and crisp up at the exact same rate in the pan.
3. 3Fry the bacon

   

   Transfer the chopped bacon pieces into a hot pan with a little oil, cooking them until the fat begins to render and the edges turn golden.

   Tip: Cook over medium heat to let the fat render slowly without burning the meat.
4. 4Add minced garlic

   

   Add finely minced garlic directly into the pan alongside the frying bacon pieces, stirring continuously to release the aromas.

   Tip: Add the garlic after the bacon has started rendering so the garlic does not burn in dry heat.
5. 5Add sliced chili

   

   Toss fresh sliced red chili peppers into the pan with the bacon and garlic mixture, stirring well to combine.

   Tip: Adjust the amount of chili slices depending on your preferred level of spicy heat.
6. 6Melt the butter

   

   Drop a small knob of butter into the pan with the bacon and aromatics, cooking over low heat until fully melted and fragrant.

   Tip: Keep the heat low after adding the butter to prevent it from separating or burning.
7. 7Toss the pasta in the bacon and butter sauce

   

   Transfer the freshly boiled pasta directly into the pan containing the sizzling bacon, garlic, chili peppers, and melted butter. Pour in a small splash of the starchy pasta water to help create a glossy, emulsified sauce that coats every single noodle.

   Tip: Always reserve some pasta water before draining; the starches are crucial for binding the butter and oil into a smooth sauce.
8. 8Add Pasta Water

   

   Pour a small splash of starchy pasta water directly into the pan containing the bacon and melted butter. This helps emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth, glossy coating that will cling evenly to the noodles.

   Tip: Save a bit more pasta water than you think youll need so you can adjust the consistency later if the sauce thickens too fast.
9. 9Season with Chili Powder

   

   Evenly sprinkle red chili powder over the spaghetti and sauce mixture in the pan to add a kick of heat and vibrant color.

   Tip: Adjust the amount of chili powder depending on your personal heat preference.
10. 10Drizzle Oyster Sauce

    

    Add a small drizzle of oyster sauce directly into the center of the pasta and sauce. This introduces a rich umami depth that complements the savory bacon and garlic flavors.

    Tip: A little oyster sauce goes a long way, so add it gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
11. 11Grind Black Pepper

    

    Grind fresh black pepper generously over the pasta and sauce mixture to add a sharp, aromatic bite.

    Tip: Freshly cracked black pepper yields a much stronger and more fragrant flavor than pre-ground pepper.
12. 12Toss and Coat the Pasta

    

    Use chopsticks or tongs to thoroughly toss and lift the pasta, ensuring every single strand is evenly coated in the rich garlic butter and bacon sauce.

    Tip: Tossing continuously over low heat helps the sauce bind smoothly to the noodles.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions