Marinating Bacon – Tips, Tricks, and Favorite Flavor Combinations

Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple, but it can get boring eating plain old bacon every day. Why not kick the flavor up a notch by marinating your bacon before cooking? Marinating adds exciting new dimensions of taste that make bacon even more crave-worthy.

Marinating works wonders on bacon. The curing process lets the meat soak up flavors deeply, making tender meat with strong flavors. A marinade can make your bacon taste even better, whether you like it sweet, savory, spicy, or herb-filled.

Read on for everything you need to know about marinating bacon including tips, recommended marinade recipes and serving ideas to try. Let’s dive in!

Can You Marinate Bacon?

Absolutely! Bacon can be marinated just like other meats The salty curing process actually helps the bacon better absorb flavors from a marinade

The ideal marinating time for bacon is 12-24 hours This gives the flavors time to deeply permeate the meat. Marinating longer than 24 hours runs the risk of the bacon becoming too salty.

It’s best to marinate bacon in the fridge, as the cool temperature helps the marinade absorb. Make sure bacon is fully submerged in the liquid marinade. Place bacon in a zip-top bag and pour in the marinade, releasing air before sealing.

Tips for Marinating Bacon

Follow these tips for getting the most out of marinating your bacon:

• Choose thinner sliced bacon, which absorbs flavor more quickly. Thick slices may need longer marinating time.

• Remove bacon from packaging and pat dry before marinating. This helps the marinade adhere.

• Flip the bag of marinating bacon a few times to evenly distribute flavors.

• For safety, marinate in the back of the fridge away from fresh produce.

• Discard used marinade after marinating to avoid cross-contamination.

• Pat marinated bacon dry before cooking to prevent splattering.

With the right techniques, you can infuse bacon with incredible flavors through marination.

5 Delicious Bacon Marinade Recipes

The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavorful bacon marinades. Here are 5 delicious recipes to try:

Sweet and Smoky Bacon

• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1⁄4 cup bourbon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Savory Herb Bacon

• 1⁄2 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Spicy Sriracha Bacon

• 1⁄2 cup sriracha
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Teriyaki Bacon

• 1⁄2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1⁄4 cup mirin or dry sherry
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Coffee Bacon

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon coffee grounds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Get creative and whip up your own signature bacon marinades too. The options are endless!

How to Cook Marinated Bacon

The best cooking methods for marinated bacon are baking and grilling. These techniques allow the bacon to caramelize while retaining maximum flavor.

To bake, arrange bacon slices in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

For grilling, place bacon directly on a hot grill and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Watch closely to avoid burning.

You can also pan-fry marinated bacon for a quick breakfast. Just be sure to pat it very dry first to minimize splattering.

No matter how you cook it, the marinade will add incredible flavor to everyday bacon.

Serving Ideas for Marinated Bacon

Marinated bacon is delicious eaten on its own, but here are some ideas for incorporating it into meals:

• Crumble marinated bacon on salads or baked potatoes.

• Make blt sandwiches with marinated bacon, lettuce, tomato and aioli.

• Wrap marinated bacon around steak, chicken or shrimp before grilling.

• Top burgers or hot dogs with marinated bacon for a flavor boost.

• Skewer alternated marinated bacon, pineapple and bell pepper for kabobs.

• Toss marinated bacon into pasta dishes, risottos or fried rice.

With its robust flavor, marinated bacon can take just about any dish to the next level!

FAQs About Marinating Bacon

Here are answers to some common questions about marinating bacon:

How long does bacon marinade last in the fridge?

Properly stored, bacon marinade will last 3-5 days refrigerated. Discard if any off smells or textures develop.

Can you freeze marinated raw bacon?

It’s best to cook bacon fully before freezing. The marinade ingredients may alter the freezing properties.

What’s the difference between marinating and brining bacon?

Marinades add flavor while brines help retain moisture. Marinating times are shorter. Both techniques can be used together.

Is it safe to marinate bacon at room temperature?

For food safety, it’s best to marinate bacon chilled in the refrigerator. Room temp allows bacterial growth.

Can you marinate bacon in olive oil?

Yes, olive oil makes a fine marinade base for bacon. Combine it with spices, herbs and acid like lemon juice.

The Takeaway

Marinating transforms ordinary bacon into a flavor powerhouse. With just a little hands-off prep, you can enjoy gourmet-tasting sweet, spicy or herby baconany day of the week.

Keep a range of marinades like maple bourbon, coffee and Sriracha on hand to satisfy any bacon craving. Marinated bacon adds incredible flavor to everything from burgers to BLTs.

So grab some bacon on your next supermarket run and get marinating! Your mornings will never be the same.