This easy rumaki recipe combines the classic flavors of bacon, water chestnuts, and soy sauce with a twist of sweet pineapple. Rumaki is a popular appetizer that originated in Polynesia and gained popularity in the United States in the 1950s. It is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions, you can whip up a plate of delicious rumaki with pineapple in no time.
Ingredients
- 12 strips of bacon
- 24 canned water chestnuts, drained
- 24 chunks of fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Toothpicks, for securing
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut each bacon strip in half crosswise to create 24 smaller strips.
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
- Take one bacon strip and place a chunk of pineapple and water chestnut on one end. Roll the bacon strip tightly around the pineapple and water chestnut, securing with a toothpick.
- Place the wrapped rumaki on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Brush the rumaki with the soy sauce and brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and browned.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Rumaki was originally created with chicken livers, but this version uses water chestnuts for a vegetarian option.
The name 'rumaki' is believed to be a combination of the words 'Rum' (an alcohol) and 'maki' (meaning 'roll' in Japanese).
Pineapple adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the traditional rumaki recipe, giving it a tropical twist.