Asparagus Nikumaki (Wrapped in pork belly)

Asparagus Nikumaki: Healthy & Juicy Spring Flavors Finished in the Oven

What is Asparagus Nikumaki?

This dish features thinly sliced pork belly wrapped around fresh asparagus and roasted to perfection. Preparation takes only 5 minutes, and after 20 minutes in the oven, your main dish is ready. It is an incredibly versatile menu item, perfect for bento lunch boxes, a main dinner course, or even as a savory snack to pair with drinks.

The highlight of this recipe is the oven-roasting method. By using the oven, excess fat from the pork belly drips away, making the dish light and healthy. Meanwhile, the rich umami flavor of the pork permeates the asparagus, ensuring it tastes wonderfully flavorful with just a simple seasoning of salt and pepper.

💚 Nutritionist’s Advice: Preparing the Asparagus

Asparagus is a very fibrous vegetable. To enjoy it at its best, a small amount of prep work makes a world of difference.

Use a Peeler: The skin near the base of the stalk is tough. Peeling the bottom third of the asparagus significantly improves the texture and makes it much more pleasant to eat.
Asparagus Nutrition: Asparagus contains “aspartic acid,” which is effective for recovering from fatigue. When paired with the Vitamin B1 found in pork, it’s a great combination for boosting your stamina!

INGREDIENTS (Easy-to-make quantity)

Asparagus: 9 spears
Thinly Sliced Pork Belly: 9 sheets (approx. 23g per sheet)
Salt: 2g
Pepper: To taste

Note: You can also substitute asparagus with okra, eggplant, carrots, green beans, or myoga ginger!

**In this photo, I used myoga ginger instead of asparagus.　You can also substitute asparagus with okra, eggplant, carrots, kidney beans, etc. (*ˊᵕˋ)♡‧₊**

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Asparagus

Trim off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus. Then, use a peeler to thinly peel the skin from the bottom third of the stalk. This removes the stringy fibers and ensures a tender bite.

2. Wrap the Meat

Wrap a slice of pork belly around each asparagus spear.

💡 Pro Tip: Gently pull the meat as you wrap it to ensure it sticks tightly to the asparagus. This prevents the meat from unraveling during the roasting process.

3. Seasoning

Arrange the meat-wrapped spears on a baking tray and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Note: If cooking in a frying pan, start by placing them seam-side down to keep them from falling apart.

4. Roast in the Oven

Place the tray on the middle rack of an oven preheated to 230°C and grill for approximately 20 minutes. The high heat of the oven makes the surface of the meat crispy while keeping the asparagus inside juicy and tender—almost like it was steamed!

📊 Nutrition Facts (Total Value)

Calories: 869 kcal
Protein: 32.4 g
Total Fat: 83.2 g
Total Carbohydrates: 8.3 g
Salt Equivalents: 2.2 g

You Might Also Like: Discover more recipes that highlight the aroma and texture of fresh asparagus! 👉 Recommended Asparagus Recipes

**Here are some recipes that make the most of the aroma and texture of fresh asparagus. Each article provides a detailed explanation, so be sure to check it out**.　👉　Recommended recipes using Asparagus

If you see some beautiful asparagus at the supermarket, give this “Nikumaki” a try. It’s a wonderful dish that lets you experience the raw power of seasonal ingredients!

#アスパラガス #おうちごはん #今日のおかず #春の味覚 #asparagus #healthyrecipes

naokoan

Hi, I’m Naoko! I am a licensed Registered Dietitian in Japan, currently working in a hospital setting. My daily mission is to provide nutritious, healing meals to patients, ensuring that every dish supports their health and brings a smile to their face. My recipes are more than just cooking guides—they are built on scientific nutritional balance and clinical experience. Why I provide ingredients in grams (g): You might notice that all my recipes use precise gram measurements. This is because, as a dietitian, I believe that accuracy is the key to true health management. Whether you are tracking calories, managing salt intake, or simply want to recreate the exact flavor of a professional hospital kitchen, these measurements ensure your success and well-being. My Specialty: I specialize in high-pressure cooking and oven recipes that save time without sacrificing nutrition. My goal is to introduce the world to “Real Japanese Home Cooking”—dishes that are simple, budget-friendly, and body-friendly. I’m thrilled to share the wisdom of Japanese nutrition with you. Let’s cook our way to a healthier life!