I love peameal bacon. If I’m out to breakfast and the waiter asks if I want bacon, sausage, ham, or peameal, I almost always pick peameal bacon. Not only does this cut of meat taste great, but it is also better for you than regular bacon. Peameal bacon slices is just amazing on eggs benedict. So good!.
Peameal bacon, also known as Canadian bacon, is a beloved breakfast meat with a sweet, smoky flavor and signature cornmeal coating. While you may be familiar with peameal bacon sandwiches, have you tried cooking up slices at home?
With just a few simple tricks, you can make peameal bacon slices that are tender and full of flavor This easy cooking guide will walk you through preparing and cooking peameal bacon for breakfast, lunch, dinner or anytime snacking Let’s get sizzling!
What is Peameal Bacon?
Peameal bacon comes from the lean boneless pork loin. It is cured using a wet-brining process that gives it a hint of sweetness and tender texture The pork loin is then rolled in ground cornmeal (historically dried yellow peas) which adheres to form the iconic peameal crust.
Unlike smoked bacon, peameal bacon is unsmoked. It has a milder pork flavor with less saltiness compared to other bacon varieties. When cooked properly, it stays succulent and juicy rather than dry and crispy
Benefits of Cooking Your Own Peameal Bacon
Cooking peameal bacon at home has many advantages:
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Flavor control – Cook to your preferred level of crispness.
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Customize ingredients – Add own glazes, spices, etc.
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Cooking versatility – Pan fry, bake, grill for different textures.
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Cost savings – Buying peameal bacon slices in bulk is cheaper.
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Ingredient transparency – Know exactly what’s in your food.
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Fun weekend activity – Great for leisurely weekend breakfasts.
How to Cook Peameal Bacon Slices
Preparing peameal bacon is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- Peameal bacon slices, about 1⁄4 inch thick
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil
- Maple syrup, brown sugar, spices (optional)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F if baking.
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Pat peameal bacon slices dry with paper towel.
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Arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate.
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If baking, cook for 55-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. If pan frying, cook each side for 2-5 minutes over medium-high heat until browned.
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If desired, brush with maple syrup or sprinkle with brown sugar in the last 5 minutes of cooking for caramelized flavor.
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Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips
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Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch drippings if baking.
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Don’t overlap slices to allow even crisping.
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Add spices like pepper or rosemary for flavor.
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Cook times vary based on slice thickness.
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Microwave for 1 minute to speed up cooking if pan frying.
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Blot grease after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Peameal bacon slices add hearty flavor to:
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Breakfast sandwiches – with egg, cheese, tomato, lettuce on an English muffin.
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Baked potatoes – crumble on top with sour cream.
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Salads – dice up for a tasty topping.
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Appetizers – wrap around asparagus spears.
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Burgers or sandwiches – layer on any kind for a flavor boost.
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Pizza – sprinkle over your favorite toppings.
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By itself – as a quick, high-protein snack!
With its signature cornmeal coating and succulent texture, peameal bacon is a cherished Canadian specialty. For best results when cooking it at home, choose uniform slices, pan fry or bake until lightly crisped on the outside and hot and juicy inside. Add seasonings to taste. Enjoy this versatile meat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Brush With Maple Syrup
The roast can be cooked the way it is, but I like to add maple syrup to the top. This sweetens the meat and creates a nice glaze on the outside of the meat. Use a light touch to cover the meat with maple syrup so that the peameal doesn’t come off. I only use maple syrup, but you could also add some spices.
Expert Tip! It is possible to rub the roast down with different seasonings, mustard, brown sugar and honey. You could use some seasoning like chipotle powder, paprika, black pepper, a hint of cinnamon, and more. There are so many possibilities.
What Is Peameal Bacon?
Peameal bacon is a cured boneless pork loin. When compared to what we usually call bacon, this very lean cut of meat has very little fat.
After the pork loin roast has been wet cured, it is rolled in corn meal. Peameal got its name from the fact that cured pork loins used to be rolled in ground dried yellow peas many years ago. The name has stayed the same, but the roast has been rolled in corn meal for a long time now.
Peameal Canadian Bacon Roast
FAQ
How to fry up peameal bacon?
How do you know when peameal bacon is done?
Do you need oil for peameal bacon?
What is peameal bacon called in the US?
How do you cook peameal bacon?
Using a sharp knife, score the top of your peameal bacon slices about 1/2 inch deep. Make the cuts diagonally, and then cut the same lines at a 90-degree angle. This will help the bacon cook evenly and allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Step 4: Brush With Maple Syrup Brush the top of your peameal bacon slices with maple syrup.
How do you cook peameal bacon in a rotisserie?
Here are some suggestions: Slice it into 1/4-inch thick slices and grill them over low heat. Slice into 1/4-inch thick slices and pan-fry them. You can roast a whole peameal bacon at 350-F until it reaches 145-F, then rest for 5 minutes, slice, and serve. You can pop the whole thing onto the rotisserie. You can also smoke peameal bacon.
How do you eat peameal bacon?
Here are some serving suggestions to try: 1. Breakfast Sandwich: Toast a English muffin and layer peameal bacon slices with a fried egg and a slice of cheese for a delicious breakfast sandwich. 2. Salad Topper: Cut peameal bacon slices into small pieces and sprinkle over a salad for added flavor and protein.
How do you cut peameal bacon?
Place them on a cooling rack set on top of a large rimmed baking sheet lined with foil to prevent sticking. Using a sharp knife, score the top of your peameal bacon slices about 1/2 inch deep, making diagonal cuts and then cutting the same lines at a 90-degree angle.