Teresa's Recipes
Homemade Bacon
Experience the savory aroma and rich flavor of homemade bacon made from scratch. This recipe invites you to embark on a culinary journey, transforming simple pork belly into crispy, delicious bacon that will elevate any breakfast or brunch spread. Cured with a delightful blend of spices and seasonings, this homemade bacon is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a testament to the art of traditional curing methods that date back centuries. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or just on its own, this bacon is bound to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Kosher salt
- 5 pounds, skin-on or skinless Pork belly
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 10
- Dish Type: Breakfast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Curing Time: 7-10 days
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to create a flavorful dry rub.
- Place the pork belly on a large baking sheet. Generously coat all sides of the pork belly with the dry rub mixture, ensuring an even coverage for optimal flavor.
- Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 7-10 days. Flip the pork belly every 2 days to ensure even curing and absorption of flavors.
- After the curing period, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Carefully rinse the cured pork belly under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels to prepare for baking.
- Place the pork belly on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet to allow for air circulation during cooking.
- Bake for approximately 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork belly reaches 150°F (65°C).
- Once cooked, remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make slicing easier.
- Slice the homemade bacon to your desired thickness. For best results, cook the slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy the delightful crunch and flavor of your homemade bacon!
Tips
- For a sweeter bacon, consider adding maple syrup to the dry rub.
- Feel free to experiment with other spices, like cayenne pepper for a kick or herbs like thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Store any leftover bacon in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.