If you want to make fresh bacon at home, this method is easy and relatively quick. The recipe transforms whole pork belly into slices of seasoned bacon, and theres no curing or smoking required. The best part is that you can make sure the bacon isn’t too salty because you choose all the ingredients.
Curing and smoking bacon can take up to two weeks and needs to be done safely, so you need to know how to do it. You can easily make bacon that hasn’t been cured or smoked in the oven. The next day, it’s ready to fry up. A mixture of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper is used to season the fresh pork belly in this recipe. It is then roasted in foil for a few hours. After letting it cool, refrigerate it overnight, and your bacon is ready to fry and eat. It’s a great way to start making your own bacon, and you can try out different seasonings without having to wait weeks to see how they taste.
You can make your own fresh bacon for a BLT or to serve with eggs for breakfast. It’s a fun and tasty project. You should eat uncured bacon as soon as possible after making it, so make small amounts and do it often.
Uncured bacon has been gaining popularity as a delicious and natural alternative to traditional cured bacon Without artificial preservatives like nitrates and nitrites, uncured bacon offers a cleaner pork flavor However, cooking uncured bacon requires some special considerations to achieve ideal texture and taste.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about cooking uncured bacon, from choosing the right type to proper cooking methods for perfect results every time. Let’s dive in!
What is Uncured Bacon?
Uncured bacon is pork bacon that has been preserved naturally without the use of artificial preservatives known as curing salts. Typical cured bacon contains sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate to extend shelf life, stabilize color, and add distinctive flavor.
To cure, uncured bacon uses natural ingredients like sea salt, vinegar, cultured celery extract, and celery powder. This makes bacon that tastes more meaty and has a tender texture when it’s cooked.
Benefits of Cooking with Uncured Bacon
Cooking with uncured bacon has several advantages:
- No artificial preservatives like nitrates/nitrites
- Allows natural pork flavor to shine through
- Tend to be ethically sourced from humanely raised pigs
- Often contain no added hormones or antibiotics
- Tender and delicate texture when cooked
- Subtler smoky and salty flavor notes
Choosing Quality Uncured Bacon
When selecting uncured bacon, look for high-quality sources and minimal added ingredients:
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If you can, choose bacon from heritage pig breeds for the best taste and the most humane farming methods. Berkshire, Mangalitsa, Red Wattle are great options.
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Look for organic and humanely raised certifications. This indicates minimal processing.
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Avoid brands with excessive ingredients. Quality uncured bacon contains pork, sea salt, vinegar, and celery powder or juice.
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Seek out local bacon makers and butchers for small-batch flavor.
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Examine the color and fat marbling. Good uncured bacon should be rosy pink with streaks of white fat.
Proper Handling and Storage
To maintain freshness and quality, properly handle and store uncured bacon:
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Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below and use within 1 week of opening.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or butcher paper to prevent drying out.
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Freeze for up to 2 months to prolong shelf life. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
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Once cooked, store leftover bacon wrapped in the fridge and consume within 5 days.
Cooking Methods for Uncured Bacon
Uncured bacon requires slightly different techniques to develop crispy texture without overcooking. Here are some top cooking methods:
Skillet-Fried
The classic stovetop approach works great. Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add bacon slices in a single layer. Cook slowly, about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping occasionally until desired crispness. Pour off excess grease as needed.
Oven-Baked
For easy hands-off cooking, bake uncured bacon. Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange slices on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp.
Microwave
For speed, microwave uncured bacon between paper towels in 30 second bursts until done. This won’t yield crispy texture but works in a pinch.
Grilled
For smoky flavor, grill uncured bacon over indirect medium heat, rotating occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Air Fried
Air frying yields crispy uncured bacon with little splatter. Air fry at 370°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Cook Time and Doneness Tips
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Uncured bacon takes longer to cook than cured. Be patient and use medium-low to medium heat.
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Cook times range from 8-18 minutes depending on thickness. Thinner bacon will cook faster.
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Look for bacon slices to turn opaque and slightly shrivel lengthwise when fully cooked.
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For crispy bacon, cook until slices are browned and rigid. For tender texture, stop just before very crispy.
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Use tongs or bacon turner to flip to prevent sticking. Only flip once if you can.
Seasoning and Flavoring Hacks
One benefit of uncured bacon is that the milder pork flavor lends itself well to added seasonings. Try these ideas:
- Fresh cracked black pepper and thyme
- Chili powder and lime zest
- Maple syrup or honey for sweetness
- Coffee rubs
- Smoked paprika and garlic powder
What to Do with Uncured Bacon Fat
The rendered fat from uncured bacon is delicious for cooking. Save it in the fridge or freezer to use for:
- Frying or roasting potatoes
- Sautéing greens like kale or spinach
- Adding rich flavor to soups, stews, and beans
- Making salad dressings and vinaigrettes
Dishes to Make with Uncured Bacon
The versatile flavor of uncured bacon enhances all kinds of savory dishes:
- Breakfast sandwiches with eggs
- Hearty salads like spinach and warm bacon
- Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Grilled cheese with bacon
- Bacon onion jam
- Split pea soup with bacon
Uncured bacon requires a slightly different approach to achieve crispy, naturally flavored results. With proper handling, cooking method, and seasoning, you can enjoy the tender pork goodness of uncured bacon for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between!
Steps to Make It
- Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 200 F.
- Mix the spices together and coat the pork belly all over with them. Wrap snugly in 2 layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Take it out of the oven and roast it for 3 1/2 hours. Leave the pork in the oven for 1 1/2 hours to cool down after turning it off. Remove and refrigerate overnight.
- Unwrap the pork belly and scrape off any gelatinous juices. It should be cut into thick slices and browned in a pan like bacon. You can add some of the extra fat from the foil to the pan to help things get going.
- Drain on paper towels, and if you think you need more salt, sprinkle it on top.
How to Cook Bacon So It’s Crispy, Tender, and the Most Perfect Ever
How do you cook uncured bacon?
Step 1. Lay out uncured bacon slices on a baking sheet (Covered with foil or parchment paper for an easy cleanup). Step 2. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add any other spices you might like. We like to also use paprika on ours Step 3. Bake in the oven at 425 degrees until crisp enough to your taste.
How do you cook bacon in a oven?
Oven cooking bacon is truly so simple. I’ve done it this way forever, and its always less mess. Step 1. Lay out uncured bacon slices on a baking sheet (Covered with foil or parchment paper for an easy cleanup). Step 2. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add any other spices you might like. We like to also use paprika on ours Step 3.
What is the best way to cook bacon?
According to Food Network Kitchen, the best way to cook bacon is in the oven. This technique is hands-off, preventing your kitchen from getting splattered with grease, and eliminates the need to cook bacon in batches.
How do you cook bacon on a baking sheet?
To cook bacon on a baking sheet without the slices overlapping, arrange them in a single layer on top of the foil, ensuring they touch but do not overlap. Alternatively, you can fit the baking sheet with an oven-safe cooling rack and arrange the bacon on top of that to allow extra grease to drain away while the bacon cooks.