Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Flavor Twists
Hey there, veggie lovers! Looking for a way to take your asparagus from basic to bam? Look no further than these Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus bundles – a simple yet incredibly satisfying side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or fancy potlucks.
We all know asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, fiber, and all sorts of good-for-you stuff. But sometimes, healthy doesn’t have to be, well, boring. That’s where the magic of bacon comes in. Crispy, salty bacon adds a delightful layer of flavor and texture to the tender asparagus spears, making them practically irresistible.
Plus, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility. We’ll walk you through the basic steps, but feel free to get creative with your seasonings! A sprinkle of garlic powder here, a drizzle of balsamic glaze there – the possibilities are endless. So, ditch the bland and embrace the flavorful with these dressed-up asparagus spears!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh asparagus spears (thinner spears work best)
- 10 slices thin-cut bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional additional flavors: balsamic glaze, sriracha mayo, lemon zest
Serving Size: 4-6 people Cook Time Duration: 15-20 minutes
Let’s Get Wrapping!
- Prep the Asparagus: First things first, wash and trim the asparagus spears. Snap off the woody ends – you can usually just bend the spear until it breaks naturally at the weakest point.
- Bacon Me Crazy: Pat the bacon slices dry with paper towels. We want crispy bacon, not soggy bacon! Now, depending on the thickness of your asparagus spears, you might need to use one or two slices of bacon per spear. Lay a bacon slice flat on a cutting board and place an asparagus spear at the end. Roll the bacon up diagonally around the asparagus, creating a neat little bundle. Repeat this process with all the asparagus spears and bacon slices.
- Heat Up the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles. Don’t crowd the pan – you want to give them enough space to brown evenly.
- Searing for Perfection: Cook the asparagus bundles for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp. You can use tongs to gently turn them over for even cooking.
- Flavor Frenzy: Here’s where you can get creative! While the asparagus is cooking, whisk together the oregano and garlic powder in a small bowl. Once the asparagus is browned and cooked through, sprinkle it with this seasoning mixture. For an extra flavor kick, you can also drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze, sriracha mayo, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Plate and Devour! Carefully transfer the bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles to a plate. Let them cool slightly before digging in – hot asparagus can burn your tongue! Serve them immediately as a delicious side dish or healthy appetizer.
Tips and Tricks:
- Thinner is Better: For this recipe, thinner asparagus spears work best. They’re easier to wrap with the bacon and cook more evenly.
- Don’t Overcook! Asparagus cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Overcooked asparagus can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color.
- Pre-Cook Option: If you’re short on time, you can parboil the asparagus for a few minutes before wrapping it with bacon. This will help ensure it cooks through evenly. Just be sure to pat the asparagus dry before wrapping to prevent the bacon from becoming soggy.
- Oven Option: Don’t have a stovetop? No problem! You can also cook these bacon-wrapped asparagus bundles in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the bundles on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
So there you have it! A simple side dish that’s both delicious and versatile. With a little creativity and these easy-to-follow steps, you can transform ordinary asparagus into an extraordinary treat. Now get out there and wrap, season, and devour!
