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Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe Easy Perfect Party Appetizer with Sweet Soy Glaze

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A crowd-pleasing appetizer combining crunchy water chestnuts wrapped in crispy bacon, glazed with a sweet and savory soy sauce mixture. Perfect for parties and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (about 16 ounces each) water chestnuts, drained and patted dry
  • 1 pound bacon, thin or regular cut
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Thinly sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little oil.
  2. Drain the canned water chestnuts thoroughly, then pat them dry with paper towels to ensure crisp bacon.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to get manageable strips. Wrap a piece of bacon around each water chestnut, securing it with a toothpick through the center.
  5. Place the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts in a mixing bowl and drizzle about half the sweet soy glaze over them. Toss gently to coat evenly without soaking.
  6. Arrange the glazed bites on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Bake for 10 minutes, then turn them over using tongs or a fork. Brush or drizzle the remaining glaze on the cooked side, then bake another 10 minutes until bacon is crispy and caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  7. Remove from oven and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat water chestnuts dry to ensure crispy bacon. Soak toothpicks in water before baking to prevent burning. Thin bacon works best for crispiness. Watch glaze carefully to avoid burning. Make ahead by wrapping and refrigerating up to 4 hours before baking, adding extra baking time if cold. Variations include adding red pepper flakes for spice or substituting maple syrup for brown sugar. Use tamari for gluten-free. Vegetarian option: substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped water chestnuts, party appetizer, sweet soy glaze, easy appetizer, holiday party food, bacon appetizer

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/bacon-wrapped-water-chestnuts-recipe-easy-perfect-party-appetizer-with-sweet-soy-glaze/