Homemade Canadian Bacon The Bearded Hiker from www.thebeardedhiker.com
Introduction
Canadian bacon, also known as back bacon, is a delicious meat product that is a staple in many breakfast dishes. It is a lean cut of pork that is cured, smoked, and then sliced into round pieces. While it is readily available in stores, making your own Canadian bacon at home is easy and much more cost-effective. In this article, we will show you how to make homemade Canadian bacon that is savory, delicious, and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
To make homemade Canadian bacon, you will need the following ingredients:
1 boneless pork loin (3-4 pounds)
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork loin. You want the pork loin to be as lean as possible. Once trimmed, rinse the pork loin under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Cure
In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will be your dry cure.
Step 3: Apply the Dry Cure
Rub the dry cure all over the pork loin, making sure to coat it evenly. Place the pork loin in a large resealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible. Place the bag in the refrigerator for 7-10 days, flipping it over once a day.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Pork Loin
After 7-10 days, remove the pork loin from the bag and rinse it under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
Step 5: Smoke the Pork Loin
Preheat your smoker to 225°F. If you don't have a smoker, you can use an oven. Just set it to 225°F and place the pork loin on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Smoke the pork loin until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, about 3-4 hours.
Step 6: Optional Maple Syrup Glaze
While the pork loin is smoking, you can make a maple syrup glaze. In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of maple syrup over low heat. Brush the maple syrup glaze over the pork loin during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Remove the pork loin from the smoker and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Slice the Canadian bacon into rounds and serve.
Nutrition
One serving of homemade Canadian bacon (3 slices) contains approximately:
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 620mg
Total Carbohydrates: 6g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 17g
Tips and Tricks
You can add different spices and herbs to the dry cure to give your Canadian bacon a unique flavor.
Make sure to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the pork loin.
Let the Canadian bacon cool before slicing it to prevent it from falling apart.
Store leftover Canadian bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Homemade Canadian bacon can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Making your own homemade Canadian bacon is a fun and rewarding experience that yields delicious results. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a flavorful and lean meat product that can be used in a variety of dishes. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious it is to make your own Canadian bacon at home?