Bacon, Shiso and Pepper Rolls
This year I succeeded to grow my beloved shiso (perilla) from seeds for the first time. After several years of total failure, in spite of different methods, I was quite pessimistic this spring too, so it was a shock to see dozens of seeds germinate and then the majority growing into beautiful big red and green plants (write to me if you also have problems germinating shiso; I’ll give you successful tips). Now, with a jungle of shiso on my balcony, I could enjoy it every single day, if I wanted, and, strangely, I don’t get tired of its beautiful strong aroma. Apart from the dishes I learnt throughout previous years, I obviously experiment and certainly will do it more throughout the summer.
Since shiso leaves are quite big (and can be as huge as your palm, if you grow them on your own), so they are perfect for wrapping around other ingredients and for being a part of different kinds of cute rolls I’m so fond of. This weekend I found some streaky smoked bacon in my freezer and decided to use it with shiso and sweet peppers. Instead of pan-grilling, as usually, I used my oven broiler and it worked even better, allowing me to eliminate more melted fat. Three ingredients, about ten minutes of grilling and the result was fantastic!
In case you wonder what to do with a big bunch of shiso:

or maybe some of these….











TIPS: These rolls taste wonderful with Japanese tangy ponzu sauce, but make sure you don’t buy the cheapest brand because the difference is huge. I can also advise my gochujang and sour cream /yogurt sauce, adding a Korean accent, but frankly these rolls are perfect on their own, if you use smoked meat.
The bacon slices must be really thin (like Parma ham), otherwise the rolls might become soft and soggy.
A tip for chilli pepper lovers: put some fresh chilli among the sweet pepper strips.
Preparation:
Ingredients (makes 10 rolls):
10 big shiso/perilla leaves (red or green)
10 super thin slices of smoked bacon
1 big bell pepper
Cut the bell pepper into thin strips and then cut them in two lengthwise.
Divide into ten equal portions.
Preheat the oven broiler or a grill.
Spread a slice of bacon, place the leaf, then strips of pepper and roll very tightly.
Grill on a grill or under an oven broiler or on a pan until golden brown.
Turn once for one-two minutes.
Place on paper towels to remove excess fat and serve as a snack or as a lunch (with rice for example or bread+salad).
I wish I could get my hands on fresh shiso leaves. I wonder if I could grown my own if I had the seeds.
The rolls look delicious.
Thank you, A_Boleyn. Write me an email with your address, I’ll be glad to send you some seeds!
Wow, that would be wonderful. I’m and sending you my snail mail address immediately. Thank you so much.
Oh my, look at these rolls! They are the picture of deliciousness Sissi (utterly tempting… streaky bacon for the win :d). What a great use of flavours. I like how you not only broiled the bacon but the entire contents of the roll — your red pepper looks scrumptious and the shiso steamed to perfection. Congratulations on growing your shiso from seed! I could only imagine the wonders you would perform in this climate… and, I could use your help ;d
Thank you so much, Kelly. I’m sure shiso would thrive in your garden! You should try growing it next year.
I have yet to experience the wonder you find in Shiso leaves. You must be over the top that you’ve been able to grow them on your balcony! These rolls are beautiful and look so fresh, and then there is the streaky bacon, a perfect summer dish. I haven’t turned on our oven all summer, opting for the barbecue, it has been oppressingly hot and humid.
Thank you so much, Eva for kind words. I realised I sometimes prefer broiling food in the oven for ten minutes than spending 30 minutes over a hot stovetop… unless it’s really really hot.
Bacon and chile with sweet peppers – how can you go wrong. I have no idea what shiso leaves taste like but since you like them enough to grow them, I can count on them being quite tasty. Send me a picture of your plants. I’d love to see what they look like. Another tasty little roll Sissi!
Thank you so much, MJ. I hope you will like shiso too when you grow it next year 😉
These rolls look utterly delicious Sissi! I love broiled bacon and veggies!
Thanks a lot, Katerina. Vegetables make it almost healthy 😉
Congrats on your success in growing shiso! You must be very proud of having been able to grow it at last!
Thank you so much, Hiroyukisan. It was the first time after so many years… but now I know exactly what I did wrong and why it didn’t work, so I predict a jungle of shiso every year on my balcony!