Crispy Asparagus and Bacon Tempura with a Tangy Mayo Dip
An Exciting Fried Delight: Asparagus and Bacon Rolls, Fried to Perfection with a Zesty Mayo Sauce
You already know asparagus and bacon are a fantastic pairing, right? We’ve taken this classic combination and transformed it into a delightful crispy tempura! If you love fried foods, you’ll adore this. And what’s tempura without a dipping sauce? We’ve elevated this dish with a perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and spicy mayonnaise sauce that cuts through the richness. This unique asparagus and bacon recipe is perfect as a snack for kids, a late-night treat, or an appetizer to enjoy with a cold beer. Experience the wonderful world of tempura with a fresh twist – how about tasting the delightful flavor of fried asparagus and bacon?
Ingredients for Frying- 5 stalks fresh asparagus
- 10 slices thinly sliced bacon
- 3 Tbsp tempura flour
- 2 fresh eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Tangy Mayo Sauce- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1.5 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup (or honey/agave)
- 10 slices pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1.5 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup (or honey/agave)
- 10 slices pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Trim off the tough woody ends of the asparagus stalks. Using a vegetable peeler, lightly peel the outer skin of the thicker stems. Once prepped, cut each asparagus stalk in half crosswise for easier handling.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk the 2 fresh eggs until well combined and slightly frothy. This will serve as your egg wash.
Step 3
Lightly coat the prepared asparagus pieces with tempura flour. This initial dusting helps the bacon adhere better later on.
Step 4
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around each floured asparagus half, starting from one end and rolling it to the other. Ensure the bacon overlaps slightly to secure it.
Step 5
Once wrapped in bacon, dip the asparagus rolls back into the tempura flour, ensuring an even coating all around. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 6
Next, immerse the flour-coated asparagus rolls into the beaten egg mixture, making sure they are fully coated in the egg wash.
Step 7
Immediately after the egg wash, generously coat the rolls in panko breadcrumbs. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the surface to ensure they stick well, creating a nice crispy texture.
Step 8
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To check the oil temperature, drop a pinch of tempura flour; it should sizzle and float immediately. Once the oil is ready, reduce the heat to medium-low before adding the asparagus rolls to prevent burning.
Step 9
Carefully place the breaded asparagus and bacon rolls into the hot oil. Fry them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Be mindful of the bacon, ensuring it cooks through without burning.
Step 10
Remove the perfectly fried asparagus rolls from the oil and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. This allows excess oil to drain off, keeping them wonderfully crispy.
Step 11
To make the dipping sauce, combine 2 Tbsp of mayonnaise, 1.5 Tbsp of lemon juice, and 1.5 Tbsp of corn syrup in a small bowl. Add the finely chopped pickled jalapeños (about 10 slices worth) and stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess if needed.
Step 12
Serve the crispy asparagus and bacon tempura immediately with the prepared tangy mayo sauce on the side for dipping. The delightful crunch of the tempura paired with the zesty, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce is a match made in heaven! Enjoy this unique and delicious appetizer or snack.
