Aspara Bacon (アスパラベーコン) is asparagus spears wrapped with a bacon strip and pan-fried.  It doesn’t sound like a very Japanese dish, but it is a popular side dish for different occasions.
Aspara Bacon is so simple to make with easy-to-find ingredients. It is great for a Bento lunch on a busy morning. It is also a popular appetizer at home or at Izakaya bars in Japan. It’s salty and somewhat meaty, and goes well with beer and other drinks.
The bacon typically used for the dish is not regular American bacon. Japanese bacon looks more processed, similar to turkey bacon here, which is what we used in this recipe. It’s less fatty and easier to cook when rolled. If you can’t find turkey bacon, just use ham. Aspara Bacon may not be a main entree for dinner, but it is a good side dish for any meal. You can easily find the ingredients at your local stores, or you may already have them in the fridge. Try it today, it’s good!
Instructions
- Remove hard bottom parts (about 1″-1.5″) of asparagus. Blanch for a couple of minutes but don’t overcook. Cool slightly and cut in half, lengthwise.
- Cut bacon strips in halves. Take 3 pieces of asparagus and roll with a piece of bacon. Pin with a toothpick in the end. Repeat and make 8 rolls.
- Heat oil in a frying pan at medium heat. Cook the rolls until browned. Turn off the heat, add Soy Sauce and coat.
- Remove toothpicks and serve.
