Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus is enjoyed around the world, but try it Japanese-style as well. The texture of asparagus pairs well with the savory saltiness of bacon, creating a delightful dish.
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What is Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus?
Japanese-style Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus is a dish made by wrapping asparagus with bacon and sautéing it. Some characteristics of the Japanese style include using bacon with a tender texture, similar to ham even after cooking, and cutting the asparagus into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
The most common seasoning is a simple one, which takes advantage of the salty taste of the bacon itself and is just sprinkled with black pepper. However, if you would like to add a Japanese twist to the flavor as well, feel free to incorporate a small amount of mirin and soy sauce toward the end of the cooking process.
In Japan, this dish is commonly served not only as a side dish but also in bento (lunch boxes).
Differences in bacon
The bacon commonly enjoyed in Japan is pre-cooked and has a ham-like texture rather than being crispy. Therefore, it may differ slightly from the one sold in your local area.
By using bacon with a tender texture, you can enjoy the flavor and texture of asparagus even more. It provides a different appeal compared to the crispy variety, so I recommend trying tender bacon (or ham instead) for this Japanese-style dish.
Other bacon-wrapped dishes
In addition to bacon-wrapped asparagus, there are other popular bacon-wrapped dishes in Japan. These include "Bacon-Wrapped Vegetables" and "Bacon-Wrapped Enoki Mushrooms."
To make bacon-wrapped vegetables, you can replace asparagus with your favorite vegetables, cut into sticks similar to asparagus. For the recipe of bacon-wrapped enoki mushrooms, please refer to this linked page. Both are popular dishes in Japan.
Ingredients
- 8 asparagus spears
- 8 slices half-sized Japanese bacon
- 1 Tbsp sake
- pinch of ground black pepper
Step-by-step instructions
🕒 Total 15 mins
Step 1
Trim the tough ends of the asparagus by about 0.8 inch (2cm), and then cut the remaining stalks to one-third of their original length. If the asparagus skin is tough, use a knife or peeler to remove it.
Step 2
Place the three cut asparagus spears on a slice of bacon and roll them up. Secure the end of each bacon slice with a toothpick to prevent them from falling apart. Repeat the same process for all the asparagus and bacon.
Step 3
Heat oil in a pan, then add the bacon-wrapped asparagus and sauté over medium heat. When they have browned, flip them over and cook on all sides.
Step 4
Add sake to the pan, cover with a lid, and let it steam over low heat for a few minutes until the asparagus becomes tender.
Step 5
Turn off the heat, remove the lid, and sprinkle black pepper over the bacon-wrapped asparagus.
To Store
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe Card
Japanese-style Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
- 8 asparagus spears
- 8 slices half-sized Japanese bacon
- 1 Tbsp sake
- pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions
- Trim the tough ends of the asparagus by about 0.8 inch (2cm), and then cut the remaining stalks to one-third of their original length. If the asparagus skin is tough, use a knife or peeler to remove it.
- Place the three cut asparagus spears on a slice of bacon and roll them up. Secure the end of each bacon slice with a toothpick to prevent them from falling apart. Repeat the same process for all the asparagus and bacon.
- Heat oil in a pan, then add the bacon-wrapped asparagus and sauté over medium heat. When they have browned, flip them over and cook on all sides.
- Add sake to the pan, cover with a lid, and let it steam over low heat for a few minutes until the asparagus becomes tender.
- Turn off the heat, remove the lid, and sprinkle black pepper over the bacon-wrapped asparagus.
Notes
- You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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