What is Turkey Bacon in Australia?

Turkey bacon has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pork bacon in Australia. But what exactly is turkey bacon and how does it compare to regular bacon? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this unique breakfast meat.

What is Turkey Bacon?

Turkey bacon is made from ground or sliced turkey thighs rather than pork belly. The turkey meat is cured, smoked, and sliced to resemble traditional bacon strips.

The curing process involves soaking the turkey in a brine solution, often with ingredients like salt, sugar, nitrites, and spices. This cures the meat while adding flavor. After curing, the turkey is cold smoked to further enhance the flavor and cook it gently

The final turkey bacon product has visual similarities to pork bacon, with a characteristic red/pink color and fat stripes. However, the flavor and texture is noticeably different.

How Turkey Bacon is Made in Australia

In Australia, turkey bacon is usually made from whole turkey thighs rather than ground or reconstituted meat. Quality turkey bacon uses all-natural ingredients in the curing brine and smoking process.

Here are the general production steps:

• Whole turkey thighs are trimmed of excess fat and skin.

• The thighs are submerged in a curing brine solution for several days. This brine contains water, salt, sugar, nitrites, and natural spices.

• After brining, the thighs are removed and rinsed. They are then moved to the cold smoker.

• The turkey thighs smoke for 8-12 hours at low temperatures using natural wood chips. This cooks and flavors the meat.

• Once smoked, the thighs are chilled in a blast freezer to firm them up for slicing.

• Finally, the smoked thighs are sliced lengthwise into thin strips to resemble bacon. They are then vacuum packed.

Nutrition Facts of Turkey Bacon

The nutrition profile of turkey bacon differs from pork bacon in a few key ways:

• Lower in fat and calories – Turkey bacon contains around half the calories and fat compared to regular bacon.

• More protein – Turkey bacon packs around twice as much protein as pork bacon per gram.

• Minimal saturated fat – Turkey bacon is far lower in artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol.

• No added preservatives – Quality turkey bacons avoid added chemical preservatives like nitrates and erythorbate.

So turkey bacon makes for a leaner, lighter breakfast choice with plenty of protein and fewer calories. Those watching their fat or cholesterol intake may find it more suitable than regular bacon. However, the sodium content is still similar to pork bacon.

How Does Turkey Bacon Taste Compared to Pork Bacon?

The flavors and textures of turkey bacon and pork bacon are noticeably different. Here’s how turkey bacon stacks up:

• Leaner taste – Turkey bacon has a lighter, slightly gamey flavor rather than the rich porkiness of regular bacon. The meat itself is more subtly flavored.

• Less crisp – Turkey bacon reaches a chewy, tender texture rather than crisping up like salted pork fat. It can also toughen quickly if overcooked.

• Subtler smokiness – The smoky notes are more muted in turkey bacon compared to traditional bacon.

• Thinner cuts – Turkey bacon slices are cut thinner to account for the leanness of the meat. Thick-cut turkey bacon is rare.

• Reddish color – Thanks to the curing process, turkey bacon gets a reddish-pink hue that resembles pork bacon visually. But the fat streaking is less pronounced.

Fans of pork bacon often find the turkey version overly mild. However, the taste makes turkey bacon versatile for recipes where bacon flavor doesn’t need to dominate, like breakfast sandwiches. It also suits those who find pork bacon too rich or salty.

How To Cook Turkey Bacon

Cooking turkey bacon is slightly different than pork bacon due to the leanness of the meat. Here are some turkey bacon cooking tips:

• Use medium to medium-low heat to avoid overcooking. Turkey bacon can toughen and dry out quicker than pork.

• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, adjusting the time based on thickness. Watch it closely instead of walking away.

• Consider baking turkey bacon in the oven on a rack at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. This allows even cooking.

• Microwave turkey bacon between paper towels for 1-2 minutes per two slices to reduce greasiness.

• Fry turkey bacon in just a small amount of oil, or use a nonstick pan coated with cooking spray.

• Mix turkey bacon into egg scrambles, frittatas, and omelets rather than trying to achieve bacon crispness.

• Chop turkey bacon into small bits for use in sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, etc. where crispness is not needed.

With some trial and error, you can find the right cooking method for your preferences. Turkey bacon should be cooked until lightly browned but still tender.

Popular Ways to Eat Turkey Bacon in Australia

Here are some favorite ways Australians enjoy turkey bacon:

• Breakfast sandwiches – Turkey bacon, egg, and cheese on an English muffin is a go-to brekky combo.

• Burgers and wraps – Crisped turkey bacon makes a tasty topper for beef burgers and chicken or veggie wraps.

• Salads – Chopped turkey bacon is a nice alternative to pork bacon bits on leafy or grain-based salads.

• Appetizers – Turkey bacon-wrapped dates, scallops, or smokies are crowd-pleasing finger foods.

• Soups and chilis – Add turkey bacon crumbles to bean chili, potato soup, or chicken noodle for a smoky accent.

• Pasta – Toss crisped turkey bacon into carbonara, creamy mushroom pasta, or pesto spaghetti.

• Pizza – Scatter turkey bacon across pizzas as a lower-fat alternative to pepperoni or pork bacon crumbles.

• Quiches and frittatas – Mix diced turkey bacon into egg bakes for breakfast or light dinner.

The uses for turkey bacon are nearly endless! It adds excellent umami flavor in recipes without being as overpowering as pork bacon.

Where to Buy Turkey Bacon in Australia

Turkey bacon has grown from a specialty to a mainstream item you can find at most major supermarkets in Australia, often alongside regular bacon. Some major turkey bacon brands include:

• Primo
• Barbeques Galore
• Holy Smoke
• Maple Leaf
• Villani (Aldi stores)
• Woolworths Essentials
• Coles

Free-range and organic turkey bacon options are also available for a small premium at health food stores and delis like Harris Farm.

You can find turkey bacon sold in strips, slices, or diced formats. Prices range from about $5-8 AUD for a 200g package, on par with quality pork bacon. It makes an affordable and healthier bacon substitute.

Is Turkey Bacon Better Than Pork Bacon?

Whether turkey bacon is “better” than pork bacon really depends on your needs and preferences:

Benefits of turkey bacon:

• Lower in calories and fat
• Higher in protein
• Minimal saturated fat
• Easier for some diets

Benefits of pork bacon:

• More bacon-y rich flavor
• More unctuous fat and crispiness
• Wider cuts available
• Easier to find

Turkey bacon suits diets like keto and paleo, or health-conscious eaters looking for an occasional bacon fix. For bacon purists who savor strong pork flavor and greasy crispness, pork may still reign supreme.

But the two types of bacon don’t have to be mutually exclusive! Turkey bacon can provide a nice change of pace from pork while still delivering tasty umami flavor. Mix up your weekend breakfasts by enjoying both.

Tips For Cooking With Turkey Bacon

• Start with thin, good quality turkey bacon rather than thick cut.

• Adjust heat lower and watch closely to prevent overcooking and drying out.

• Consider oven-baking for even cooking without constant monitoring.

• Chop or dice turkey bacon for recipes where crispness is not necessary.

• Add extra smoke, saltiness, or richness by pairing with spices, cheese, etc.

• Embrace the mildness and use turkey bacon in recipes that don’t rely just on bacon flavor.

• Don’t expect the same level of crispness and fat as pork bacon. Adjust cooking techniques and applications accordingly.

Turkey Bacon is a Healthy, Delicious Option

Turkey bacon has emerged as an excellent alternative to regular pork bacon for the health conscious. With a mild, tender taste of its own, turkey bacon works wonderfully in all types of recipes from breakfast classics to hearty sandwiches and savory dinners. Australians can feel good enjoying the smoky, salty flavors of turkey bacon as part of a balanced diet.