How to Make Hampen Bacon Wrapped ハンペンベーコン巻き

Have You Ever Tried Wrapping Fluffy Fish Cake in Bacon?

Sounds surprising, right? When you think of bacon, you might picture it sizzling in a pan beside eggs. And fish cake? Maybe something soft in a soup. But what happens when you bring them together?

That’s where the magic of Hampen Bacon Wrapped (ハンペンベーコン巻き) comes in. This easy Japanese dish combines the savory taste of bacon with the light fluffiness of hampen—a white, square-shaped fish cake made from ground white fish and yam. Add a touch of melted cheese and fragrant green shiso, and you’ve got a bite-sized flavor bomb that’s perfect for snacking, lunch boxes, or entertaining guests.

Now, let’s dive into how you can easily create this tasty favorite in your own kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why This Recipe Is Special

Hampen Bacon Wrapped ハンペンベーコン巻き stands out for its simplicity, taste, and texture. In just 20 minutes, you can make something that looks fancy, tastes amazing, and doesn’t require professional cooking skills. It’s soft inside, crispy outside, and filled with cheesy, herby goodness.

• Time requirement: About 20 minutes total (10 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook)
• Difficulty level: Easy – great for beginners or kids to help with
• Cooking method: Pan-fried

Hampen Bacon Wrapped ハンペンベーコン巻き @JapanDishes

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Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this recipe and why each component matters:

Ingredients List:

• 1 piece fluffy fish cake (90g) – Use Japanese “hampen” like Ichimasa Kamaboko’s Funwari Hanpen. It’s light and airy.
• 4 slices of bacon – Cut in half lengthwise. Choose regular sliced bacon (not thick cut) for easy rolling and even cooking.
• 2 slices of processed cheese – Adds creamy richness inside.
• 4 green shiso leaves – Offers a unique, refreshing herbal flavor.
• Cake flour (appropriate amount) – Helps bind the hampen to the bacon.
• 1 tablespoon potato starch – Creates a crisp coating.
• 3 tablespoons salad oil – Used for pan-frying.
• Lemon slices (for garnish) – Optional, but adds freshness.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Hampen substitute: If you can’t find hampen, you can try firm tofu (pressed and dried), though the texture will be different.
• Cheese options: Use mozzarella, cheddar, or cream cheese cubes.
• Shiso substitute: Basil or mint leaves can offer a fresh twist.
• Potato starch: Cornstarch or rice flour also works for a crispy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process together. This recipe is fun to assemble and even more fun to eat!

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

• Crush the hampen inside its plastic pouch with your hands. This softens it and makes it easy to spread.
• Cut bacon slices in half lengthwise.
• Slice processed cheese into four thin, long pieces.
• Cut shiso leaves in half lengthwise.

Step 2: Build the Wrap

• Lightly dust the surface of each bacon strip with cake flour. This helps the fillings stick and prevents slipping.
• Spread 1/4 of the crushed hampen on each slice.
• Lay down a piece of green shiso.
• Add a strip of cheese on top.
• Roll the bacon tightly and secure it with a toothpick.

Step 3: Coat the Wraps

• Gently roll each piece in potato starch, covering all sides. This helps create a crispy finish when fried.

Step 4: Cook

• Heat 3 tablespoons of salad oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
• Place the rolls in the pan, seam side down.
• Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Step 5: Serve

• Transfer to a serving plate.
• Garnish with lemon slices if desired.
• Serve hot or room temperature.

Secrets to Success and Expert Tips

• Crushing the hampen: Don’t skip this step! It helps the texture become soft and spreadable. Do it while it’s still in the bag to keep your hands clean.
• Use thin bacon: Thinner bacon rolls easier and cooks evenly.
• Don’t overstuff: Keep the fillings light so you can roll tightly without bursting.
• Toothpicks: Always remove them before serving, especially for kids.
• Cook slowly: Medium heat ensures the bacon crisps without burning and the cheese melts just right.

Assembly: How to Present Hampen Bacon Wrapped Beautifully

After cooking, arranging these rolls can turn your dish into a visual treat. Here’s how to assemble and plate them with care:

Plating Tips:

• Place rolls on a white ceramic plate or Japanese-style dish to enhance visual contrast.
• Add a side of shredded cabbage or lettuce for color.
• Garnish with lemon wedges or a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
• Serve with dipping sauces like soy sauce, ponzu, or spicy mayo.

Hampen BacoHampen Bacon Wrapped (ハンペンベーコン巻き) @JapanDishes

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Want to prepare ahead or save leftovers? No problem.

• Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days for the best texture and flavor.
• Reheat: Use a microwave or lightly pan-fry to restore crispiness.
• Freezing is not ideal, as hampen tends to lose its soft, fluffy texture—it’s best enjoyed freshly made.
• Make-ahead: You can prepare the rolls in the morning, store them uncooked in the fridge, and fry them just before serving.

Recipe Variations

Want to get creative? Here are some ideas to customize this recipe:

• Spicy kick: Add a touch of chili oil or spicy mayo inside before rolling.
• Seafood twist: Mix small shrimp bits with hampen for extra seafood flavor.
• Teriyaki glaze: After cooking, brush with teriyaki sauce for a sweet-savory finish.
• Vegetable version: Add thin asparagus or bell pepper strips inside the roll.
• Egg wrap: Instead of bacon, use a thin egg crepe for a lighter version.

If You Like This Recipe Try These Too:

If you enjoyed making Hampen Bacon Wrapped (ハンペンベーコン巻き), you’ll love exploring more Japanese dishes that blend tradition with modern flair. Try our refreshing and elegant Hamachi Crudo (ハマチのクルード) a light and citrusy sashimi-style dish perfect for warm days or special occasions. Or dive into something more playful like the Dragon Roll (ドラゴンロール), a sushi roll packed with bold flavors, creamy avocado, and a satisfying crunch. Both are fun to make and guaranteed to impress!

Conclusion

Hampen Bacon Wrapped ハンペンベーコン巻き is a simple yet impressive dish that brings together soft, savory, and crispy textures in one satisfying bite. With minimal ingredients and short prep time, it’s a fantastic choice for quick snacks, side dishes, and lunchbox meals.

The combination of fluffy fish cake, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and aromatic shiso is a celebration of Japanese flavors with a Western twist. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this recipe offers room for creativity and enjoyment.

So why not give it a try? You might discover your new favorite way to enjoy fish cake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is hampen made of?

Hampen is a traditional Japanese fish cake made from white fish (usually cod or shark) and grated yam. It’s steamed, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture. It’s low in fat and high in protein.

Is Hampen Bacon Wrapped healthy?

Yes, relatively. Hampen is low-fat and protein-rich. Bacon adds some fat, but you can use turkey bacon or lean versions for a healthier take. Shiso adds antioxidants, and cheese provides calcium.

Can I make this vegetarian?

While hampen and bacon are not vegetarian, you can use pressed tofu or mashed chickpeas as a filling and wrap with grilled eggplant or egg crepes instead.

Can I air-fry the rolls?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F), lightly spray the rolls with oil, and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through. They’ll come out crispy without excess oil.

What does shiso taste like?

Shiso has a unique flavor—it’s a bit minty, a bit herbal, and very refreshing. It pairs well with rich foods like cheese and bacon.

Can I use other fillings?

Definitely. Try mushrooms, mashed sweet potato, or chopped pickles for different flavors.

If you’re curious about other easy Japanese snacks or bento-friendly dishes, this is a great place to start. Try it today and bring a taste of Japan into your home!

Planning a Trip to Japan?

If this delicious snack has sparked your interest in Japanese culture and cuisine, why not explore the country itself? Relax and unwind at a traditional hot spring inn like Yufuin Onsen Hinoharu Ryokan in Oita Prefecture. It’s a serene getaway known for its private baths, tranquil views, and authentic ryokan hospitality—perfect for recharging after a day of culinary adventures.