For ➍ (4 bites per person)8 slices bacon
16 fresh (green) asparagus (or thawed)*
1 tbs soy sauce
1 tbs vegetable oil
Wash asparagus and boil lightly. Cut them in thirds.
Cut bacon slices in half. Place 3 pieces of asparagus on a bacon piece and roll the bacon around the asparagus. Secure the roll with a toothpick. Repeat the process to make more rolls.
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan. Saute bacon rolls in the pan on medium heat. Put a lid on the frying pan and steam-cook for 1 m. Pour soy sauce over the rolls and stop the heat.
Asparagus bacon rolls are popular bites in Japanese izakaya bars. It makes a great appetizer. It is also suitable for bento lunch boxes.
An izakaya is a Japanese drinking establishment which also serves food to accompany the drinks. The food is usually more substantial than that offered in other types of drinking establishments. The name stems from 'i' (to sit) and 'sakaya' (sake shop), a sake shop which allowed customers to sit. Sometimes they are called 'akachōchin' (red lantern) in daily conversation, after the lanterns traditionally found in front of an izakaya.
The variation with enoki mushrooms, baked in the oven, has become a Western favourite.
Try another izakaya favourite, kara-age chicken.
Read microwave or steaming tip on cooking asparagus.
