Beef Bacon Recipe
This beef bacon recipe is a game-changer! With its smoky flavor and savory taste, beef bacon makes an excellent alternative to traditional pork bacon. Whether you're adding it to breakfast, sandwiches, or salads, this beef bacon brings a unique flavor to your dishes. It's easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and takes little time to cook. This homemade beef bacon is sure to impress anyone who loves a savory, crispy bite.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds of beef belly or brisket or another cut of your choice
- 1 tablespoon curing salt Prague Powder #1
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey optional, for sweetness
Instructions
- Prepare the Cure: In a bowl, mix the curing salt, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
- Apply the Cure: Rub the cure mixture all over the beef belly or brisket, ensuring it's evenly coated. Wrap the beef tightly in plastic wrap or butcher paper.
- Cure the Meat: Place the wrapped beef in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Make sure to turn it every day to ensure the cure is evenly distributed. The meat will absorb the flavor and start to firm up.
- Preheat the Smoker: On the day you’re ready to cook the beef bacon, set your smoker to 200°F (93°C). Choose a wood like apple, hickory, or mesquite for that smoky flavor.
- Smoke the Beef: Unwrap the cured beef and place it in the smoker. Let it smoke for about 2-3 hours until the internal temperature of the beef reaches 150°F (66°C).
- Cool & Slice: After smoking, let the beef bacon rest for 15-20 minutes. Then, slice it thinly against the grain. You can slice it thicker if you prefer a chewier texture.
- Cook the Beef Bacon: You can pan-fry, bake, or grill the sliced beef bacon to your desired level of crispiness. For pan-frying, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon for about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve the beef bacon with your favorite dishes, such as eggs, salads, sandwiches, or even on its own as a snack!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover beef bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.
- Optional Sweetness: If you like a touch of sweetness, drizzle maple syrup or honey over the bacon before smoking.
- Cut Choice: Beef belly or brisket works best, but you can experiment with other cuts like flank steak for a different texture.