Is Uncured Turkey Bacon Raw? Get the Facts Before You Fry

Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat alternative to traditional pork bacon With flavors ranging from maple to hickory smoked, it offers the salty, savory taste of bacon without the high saturated fat of pork But when you see “uncured” on the label, it raises the question – is uncured turkey bacon actually raw?

Let’s take a closer look at what uncured turkey bacon is, whether it requires cooking, and how to cook it safely at home.

What is Uncured Turkey Bacon?

Most turkey bacon on the market today is “cured” using a process similar to traditional pork bacon. Curing involves salting, smoking, and adding preservatives like sodium nitrite to preserve the meat and add flavor.

Uncured turkey bacon skips this curing step. Without curing:

• It has no added nitrates/nitrites.
• It relies only on natural preservatives like celery powder.
• It has fewer ingredients and often no MSG.
• It is often touted as a “healthier” bacon option.

Despite the name, uncured turkey bacon is still processed and cooked before packaging. It simply lacks the salts and preservatives used in cured bacon.

Is Uncured Turkey Bacon Raw?

This is where things get confusing. While uncured turkey bacon skips the curing process, it is still fully cooked during processing. It is not raw.

The “uncured” label refers to the lack of chemical curing not the doneness of the meat. Uncured turkey bacon has still been

• Pre-cooked to safe eating temperatures.
• Smoked and seasoned to add flavor.
• Packaged while fully cooked through.

So while the word “uncured” sounds like it’s raw, rest assured all turkey bacon is pre-cooked before packaging, whether cured or uncured. There is no such thing as raw, fresh turkey bacon sold in stores.

Does Uncured Turkey Bacon Require Cooking?

Since uncured turkey bacon is already fully cooked when purchased, it technically doesn’t require additional cooking. However, for best taste and texture, it should be cooked before eating.

Reasons you’ll still want to cook uncured turkey bacon:

• Food safety – Cooking provides an extra layer of protection against bacteria.

• Texture – Light cooking makes the bacon crispy.

• Flavor – A quick sear enhances the smoky, savory flavors.

• Warmth – Serving it warm makes the flavors come alive.

So while safe to eat right out of the package, searing uncured turkey bacon briefly in a hot pan or baking in the oven takes it from dull to delicious crunch.

How to Cook Uncured Turkey Bacon Safely

Cooking uncured turkey bacon is quick and easy. Here are some tips:

• Use medium-high heat – Fry in a pan over medium-high heat to make it crispy without burning.

• Cook in batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan which can lead to soggy strips.

• Flip frequently – Flip every minute or so for even browning.

• Watch closely – The low fat content means it can go from done to burnt quickly.

• Blot grease – Drain on paper towels after cooking to remove excess fat.

• Internal temp of 165°F – Use a food thermometer if unsure it’s fully heated through.

Follow this simple stovetop method for foolproof uncured turkey bacon every time.

Oven-Baked Uncured Turkey Bacon

For a hands-off approach, oven-baked turkey bacon is just as easy:

• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment
• Arrange strips in a single layer, evenly spaced
• Bake 10-14 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway
• Blot grease and serve

Baking gives great consistent results for meal-prep or feeding a crowd.

Storing and Handling Uncured Turkey Bacon

To keep uncured turkey bacon fresh after opening:

• Refrigerate unused portions promptly.
• Use within 7-10 days for best quality.
• Keep raw meats separate to avoid cross-contamination.
• Cook to 165°F internal temperature before eating.
• Discard if it ever has an off odor, flavor or appearance.

With proper storage and cooking, you can safely enjoy the full smoky bacon flavor of uncured turkey.

Is Uncured Healthier Than Cured?

The terms “uncured” and “no nitrates added” appeal to consumers seeking healthier bacon options. But is uncured truly better?

Potential benefits of uncured turkey bacon:

• No added cancer-linked nitrates
• Shorter ingredients list
• No MSG or artificial flavors
• Perceived as more natural

However, both uncured and cured turkey bacon are processed products. Neither is truly “healthy,” with high sodium content and low nutritional value.

For the occasional treat, uncured provides bacon flavor without some of the additives found in cured bacon. But limiting all processed meats is still best for your health.

The Takeaway

While the name sounds misleading, uncured turkey bacon is fully cooked during processing. It simply lacks the chemical curing used in most bacon. For food safety and the best texture, you’ll still want to sear, fry or bake uncured turkey bacon before eating. Follow safe handling tips and enjoy it as an occasional lower-fat bacon fix.