Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts (Pūpūs)

My mother lived on the Pacific island of Kwajalein for several years when she was growing up, and often ate bacon-wrapped water chestnuts for breakfast. Snacks and appetizers are called pupu. Since we eat this all the time, our family calls this dish pupu. It's a snack of snacks for us! The recipe has long been a family favorite and truly made with love! It starts with a simple but flavorful marinade that's sweet, savory, and has a little bite from the ginger and garlic. The combination of these flavors with the salty and crispy bacon is unbelievably delicious! But while the flavor is big and bold, you'll be happy to know that it takes very little effort to make.

What makes this version special is that I've tested different ingredients and techniques over the decades to nail down the best flavors and cooking methods. When we say this recipe is tried-and-true, we mean it! I tweaked the amounts here and there little by little: adding or reducing bits of garlic and ginger to find the perfect amount, trying more or less brown sugar, and swapping pineapple juice for citrus soda. Little by little, these combinations created a flavorful water chestnut marinade that is simply irresistible and so easy to make!

Material notes

• Bacon: Use thin strips of quality pork bacon to easily wrap around the water chestnuts. Don't try to swap with turkey bacon or cheap bacon that will fall apart.
• Water chestnuts: Leave them whole and don't try to slice them.
• I willow: Use regular or low sodium soy sauce. Feel free to swap in coconut aminos for a soy-free meal.
• Lemon Lime Soda: Any choice of brands like Sprite. You can use pineapple juice for a more tropical flavor, but we prefer soda.
• Brown Sugar: Light brown is best for a sweet but mild taste.
• Ginger and Garlic: Use fresh mince for the most flavor. In a pinch you can swap out the fresh garlic in this recipe for 1/8 teaspoon dried garlic.

Chef's Tips

Check before cutting the bacon. Usually strips of bacon are cut in half before being wrapped around the water chestnuts. But before slicing, first check the size of the chestnuts versus the length of the bacon. If the water chestnuts are on the small side, you may be able to cut the bacon strips into thirds.

When inserting the toothpick, Sometimes water can split chestnuts. Be sure to push the toothpick through the center, not the edges to prevent splitting. Try not to wiggle the toothpick too much and go straight. Watch your hands!

Use a lined baking sheet With parchment paper for quick and easy cleanup.

Use tongs on water chestnuts Halfway through cooking. This is important so that all sides of the bacon are crispy.

Keep your eyes on them. Crisping up the bacon will be the signal to know they are done. Remove from the oven quickly so they don't overcook.

Prepare ahead and marinate Water chestnuts for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Let the kids help! Show them once or twice how to wrap and secure the bacon, then let them be at it. The marinade comes together easily in a bowl and is poured over the pan. Everyone will have fun in the kitchen, and you can work on other dishes. (Or take a little well-deserved break!)

What to serve with pūpūs

Crispy water chestnuts wrapped in bacon are a delicious side or main dish that the whole family will love. Pair them with delicious island food Pork roast or Delicious pulled ham, Hawaiian BBQ Chickenor Spam fried rice. Highlight the sweetness of water chestnuts and also serve with a fruit saladfresh or sliced Roasted pineappleor mango slices.

They are always a hit as an appetizer for get-togethers, potlucks and parties. Really, no occasion! Serve crunchy, sweet and salty water chestnuts as other finger food snacks Cream cheese and avocado wontons And Crab Rangoon.