Chinese Hors D'Oeuvres
Crispy bacon-wrapped water chestnuts glazed with teriyaki sauce create a savory, sweet appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings, appealing to a variety of tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut each bacon slice into thirds.
- Cut water chestnuts in half.
- Wrap each water chestnut half with a bacon piece and secure with a toothpick.
- Dip each wrapped water chestnut in teriyaki sauce.
- Arrange 12 appetizers in a circle on a glass or plastic cooking grill.
- Cover with a paper towel.
- Cook on full power for 3 to 5 minutes or until bacon is as crisp as desired.
- Repeat with remaining appetizers.
- Dip each in additional heated teriyaki sauce when serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the water chestnuts in teriyaki sauce for about 15 minutes before wrapping them in bacon. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used, although it may not crisp up as well. Make sure to keep an eye on the appetizers while cooking, as microwave power levels can vary significantly.
Serving Suggestions
These bacon-wrapped water chestnuts are perfect as an appetizer at parties or family gatherings. Serve them alongside a dipping bowl of heated teriyaki sauce for added flavor. For a complete meal, consider pairing with Pork Tenderloins With Spicy Chinese Sauce or a side of Stir-Fry Cabbage And Shredded Meat Or Poultry to create a delightful Asian-inspired spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the appetizers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a paper towel to prevent splattering. Heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Hors D'Oeuvres contains roughly 9 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these appetizers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts a few hours ahead of time. Once wrapped, store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they're cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce?
If you don't have teriyaki sauce, you can use soy sauce mixed with a bit of honey or brown sugar to mimic the sweetness and flavor. Alternatively, a homemade glaze using soy sauce, ginger, and garlic can also work well.
Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, try using marinated tofu or smoked tempeh instead of bacon. Wrap the tofu or tempeh around the water chestnuts and bake or grill them for a delicious plant-based alternative that still captures the essence of this dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).