Cured Streaky Bacon.
- Rachel-Jayne's Allotment
- Dec 16, 2024
- 4 min read
How to Make Your Own Cured Streaky Bacon at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Home Cooks
Cured streaky bacon is a culinary delight that can elevate your everyday dishes. Imagine the irresistible flavor of homemade bacon crafted with care and quality ingredients. For home cooks, making your own cured streaky bacon is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create your very own cured streaky bacon at home.
What You Will Need
Creating cured streaky bacon only requires a handful of ingredients and a bit of time. Here’s what you’ll need:
200g sea salt: This is essential for the curing process, providing flavor and inhibiting bacterial growth.
50g light brown sugar: This ingredient adds a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the saltiness of the bacon.
1kg skinless, boneless pork belly: The star ingredient that will yield delicious, crispy bacon. When selecting pork belly, look for cuts with a good balance of fat and meat for the best flavor and texture.
Once you have your ingredients gathered, you’re ready to begin. The quality of pork belly can greatly influence the final taste, so choose fresh, high-quality meat.
Preparing the Cure
To kick off the curing process, combine the sea salt and light brown sugar in a bowl. For those who prefer a less salty bite, you can reduce the salt to 150g and increase the sugar to 100g. This balance plays a significant role in crafting a distinct flavor profile that makes homemade bacon so savory.
After you have mixed the cure thoroughly, set it aside while you prepare the pork belly.
Curing the Pork Belly
Next, prepare the pork belly. Place the boneless, skinless pork belly in a container—preferably glass or food-safe plastic. Ensure the container is large enough to allow the pork belly to lay flat.
Take a generous handful of the curing mix and rub it thoroughly all over the pork belly, ensuring that all sides are coated evenly. This step is vital as it allows the salt and sugar to penetrate the meat effectively.
After applying the cure, place the pork belly back into the container, skin-side up. You can cover it with more of the curing mixture before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or securing the lid if using a container.
Refrigeration Time
Now comes the hardest part: the wait. Place the container in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days. The exact time depends on your preference regarding the bacon's saltiness and texture.
Every couple of days, turn the pork belly over. This helps distribute the curing mixture evenly and allows moisture to be extracted consistently. You might notice liquid accumulating at the bottom of the container, which is normal and indicates the cure is working effectively.
Rinsing and Drying
Once the curing period is over, remove the pork belly from the refrigerator. Rinse it under cold water to wash away the excess salt and sugar. This step is crucial to prevent your bacon from being too salty.
After rinsing, use paper towels to pat the pork belly dry, absorbing any remaining moisture. Excess moisture can impact the smoking or cooking process later on.
Optional: Cold Smoking or Cooking
At this point, you have two options: cold smoke your cured bacon or go ahead and cook it. If you choose cold smoking, you will use a cold smoker to infuse that rich, smoky flavor. This process usually takes between 4 and 6 hours, depending on how intense you want the smokiness to be.
If cold smoking isn't your plan, simply slice your cured streaky bacon and use it immediately or store it in the refrigerator. Ensure that it is kept in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Slicing Your Bacon
Once your bacon is cured and optionally smoked, it's time to slice it. A sharp knife or meat slicer works best. You can choose to slice it thin for crispy bacon strips, about 2-3mm, or thicker for a chewier bite, about 5mm.
If you have leftover bacon after slicing, consider freezing it in individual portions. This method allows you to easily grab the amount you need without thawing the entire batch.
Cooking with Cured Streaky Bacon
Now for the exciting part! You can incorporate your homemade cured streaky bacon into various dishes. Fry it up for a classic breakfast side, toss it into salads for a savory crunch, or wrap it around asparagus or jalapeños for tasty appetizers. The options are limitless!
Cooking times may vary based on how crispy you want your bacon. Frying it for 3 to 5 minutes on medium heat typically yields a great balance of crispness and flavor.
Wrapping Up
Making your own cured streaky bacon at home is a fulfilling project that boosts your culinary skills and enhances your meals. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can turn a pork belly into a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.
Feel free to experiment with your own variations, trying out different spices or herbs in the curing mix. The joy of this process lies in both the creation and the incredible flavors that come from your own hands. Enjoy the journey and happy cooking!
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