How to Craft Uncured Bacon- A Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade, Healthier Bacon Preparation
How to Prepare Uncured Bacon
Uncured bacon has become increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers who are looking for a way to enjoy the savory flavors of bacon without the added preservatives commonly found in traditional cured bacon. Preparing uncured bacon is a straightforward process that requires a few key ingredients and some patience. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to prepare uncured bacon, ensuring that you end up with a delicious and preservative-free product.
Ingredients
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of pork belly
– 1 teaspoon of pink curing salt (also known as Prague powder 1)
– 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon of mustard powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of celery seed
– 1/4 teaspoon of coriander
Preparation
1. Begin by cutting the pork belly into strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick. This will make the curing process more even and ensure consistent results.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the pink curing salt, coarse salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, mustard powder, celery seed, and coriander. This mixture will be your cure, which will infuse the pork belly with flavor and help preserve it.
3. Sprinkle the cure evenly over the pork belly strips, making sure to coat each side. Gently rub the mixture into the meat to ensure that it is well distributed.
4. Place the pork belly strips in a glass dish or a resealable plastic bag. If using a plastic bag, make sure it is completely sealed to prevent any leaks.
5. Cover the dish or bag and refrigerate the pork belly for 1-2 days. Flip the strips once a day to ensure even curing.
6. After the curing process is complete, remove the pork belly strips from the refrigerator and rinse them under cold water to remove any excess cure. Pat the strips dry with paper towels.
7. Next, prepare a smoking mixture using your preferred wood chips. You can use applewood, hickory, or cherry wood chips. Soak the chips in water for at least 30 minutes before using them.
8. Preheat your smoker to 200°F (93°C) and add the wood chips to the smoker. Place the pork belly strips on the smoker racks and let them smoke for 2-3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C).
9. Once the smoking process is complete, remove the pork belly strips from the smoker and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, you can slice the bacon strips to your desired thickness and enjoy them in your favorite recipes.
Preparing uncured bacon is a rewarding and satisfying endeavor that allows you to control the ingredients and flavors in your bacon. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, preservative-free bacon in no time.
