water chestnut bacon recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best water chestnut bacon recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – water chestnut bacon. I first discovered this recipe when I was on a health kick and looking for ways to incorporate more vegetables into our meals. The combination of the crispy, smoky bacon and the sweet, crunchy water chestnuts is absolute perfection. My kids love helping me make this recipe, and it’s become a staple in our household for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We love it as a side dish, or as a topping for salads, soups, and even pasta dishes. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. Simply cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then top it with sliced water chestnuts and your favorite seasonings.

It’s the perfect addition to any meal and has become a game-changer in our kitchen. I’ve been making this recipe for years now, and I’ve perfected the technique to ensure that every bite is a delight. The key is to cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then let it cool before adding the water chestnuts. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both healthy and delicious.

My family loves it when I serve this as a snack or appetizer – they can’t get enough of that sweet and smoky flavor combination. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. We’ve used it as a topping for salads, as a side dish for our favorite meals, and even as a snack on its own. The kids love helping me make this recipe because they get to be involved in every step of the process – from cooking the bacon to adding the seasonings.

It’s such a fun activity that we always look forward to doing together. If you’re looking for a new way to spice up your mealtime routine, give this water chestnut bacon recipe a try! It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

Water Chestnut Bacon

4.7 from 1944 votes

Crispy, savory water chestnut bacon is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional bacon. It’s perfect for breakfast, salads, or sandwiches.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Water Chestnut Bacon

1 can (14 oz) water chestnuts, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp liquid smoke
1 tbsp olive oil

For Serving

4 slices whole grain bread
4 eggs

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a mixing bowl, combine water chestnuts, soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and liquid smoke.
4Toss to coat evenly.
5Arrange the water chestnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
6Drizzle the water chestnuts with olive oil.
7Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
8Flip the water chestnuts halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
9The water chestnuts should be golden brown and crispy.
10While the water chestnuts are baking, toast the whole grain bread to your desired level of brownness.
11This will take approximately 2-3 minutes in a toaster or 5-7 minutes in an oven set to 350°F (180°C).
12In a frying pan, cook the eggs to your preferred doneness.
13This will take approximately 3-5 minutes for scrambled eggs, 2-3 minutes for sunny-side-up, or 4-5 minutes for over-easy.
14Remove the water chestnut bacon from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes.
15This will make them easier to handle and prevent burns.
16Serve the water chestnut bacon on top of the toasted bread with the cooked eggs.
17Enjoy your healthier bacon alternative.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Oven
Spatula
Frying pan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 10mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: Store any leftover water chestnut bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat it in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes.

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years now, and we just can’t get enough of it!

We love serving it at family gatherings or just as an easy snack on any given day.

One thing we always make sure to do is store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge – this way we can enjoy it again later in the week without worrying about food safety.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Water Chestnut Bacon

Q1: What is water chestnut bacon?

Water chestnut bacon is a type of cured meat that originated in Asia. It’s made by combining pork belly with water chestnuts and other spices.

Q2: How do you cook water chestnut bacon?

Cooking water chestnut bacon is relatively simple. First, you need to cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Then, you add sliced water chestnuts and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Q3: Is water chestnut bacon healthy?

Yes, water chestnut bacon can be considered healthy due to its low-fat content compared to traditional bacon.

Q4: Can I use different types of meat instead of pork belly?

While traditional pork belly works best for making water chestnut bacon, you can experiment with other types of meat like beef or lamb if you prefer.

Q5: How long does water chestnut bacon last in the fridge?

You can store cooked water chestnut bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q6: Can I freeze water chestnut bacon?

Yes, you can freeze cooked water chestnut bacon for up to 3 months.

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