Water Chestnut Wraps
A classic savory appetizer featuring crunchy water chestnuts marinated in soy sauce and wrapped in crisp bacon. Simple to prepare, these bites offer a satisfying combination of salty, smoky, and umami flavors with a delightful texture contrast.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 31 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 357 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten, nuts, and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
- 140 gwater chestnut, canned, whole, drained
- 120 mlsoy sauce
- 227 gbacon, sliced
Equipment
toothpicks · baking sheet · knife · cutting board · small bowl · aluminum foil
The method
Step by step
- 1
Place the drained water chestnuts in a small bowl and pour the soy sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
About 2 min
- 2
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least two hours, or up to four for a deeper flavor.
Cook’s note: This step is crucial for infusing the water chestnuts with umami flavor.
- 3
When ready to cook, preheat your broiler to high and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Lining the baking sheet makes cleanup much easier, as the bacon grease can be messy.
- 4
Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
About 1 min
- 5
Broil for 3-4 minutes until the bacon is partially cooked but still very pliable.
About 4 min
Cook’s note: Don't let the bacon get crisp at this stage, or you won't be able to wrap it.
- 6
Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cool enough to handle, cut each slice in half crosswise.
About 3 min
- 7
Drain the excess soy sauce from the marinated water chestnuts.
About 1 min
- 8
Wrap one half-slice of bacon around each water chestnut and secure it by piercing through the bacon and chestnut with a toothpick.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Push the toothpick all the way through so it holds securely during broiling.
- 9
Arrange the wrapped water chestnuts on the foil-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
About 2 min
- 10
Broil for 4-6 minutes, watching closely, until the bacon is browned and crisp to your liking.
About 6 min
Cook’s note: The broiler works fast, so stay near the oven to prevent burning.
- 11
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven, let the wraps cool for a minute, and serve warm.
About 1 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 356.9kcal
- Protein
- 23.3g
- Carbs
- 10.7g
- Fat
- 23.9g
- Fibre
- 1.3g
- Sugar
- 1.9g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 175°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes until hot and crisp.