Kentucky Legend Artisan Crafted Series Hickory Bacon 20oz from www.walmart.com
Introduction
Bacon is a delicious and versatile meat that can be used in many different dishes. Kentucky bacon is a special type of bacon that is cured with a combination of salt, sugar, and spices. It has a unique flavor that is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a topping for salads. This recipe is easy to follow and will show you how to make your own Kentucky bacon at home.
Ingredient
To make Kentucky bacon, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 pound of pork belly - 1/4 cup of kosher salt - 1/4 cup of brown sugar - 1 tablespoon of black pepper - 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon of garlic powder - 1 tablespoon of onion powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
Start by rinsing the pork belly under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat or skin, leaving only the meat. Cut the pork belly into strips that are about 1 inch wide.
Step 2: Make the Cure
In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the cure mixture all over the pork belly strips, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Refrigerate the Pork Belly
Place the pork belly strips in a large resealable plastic bag and seal it tightly. Refrigerate the pork belly for at least 7 days, turning the bag over every day to redistribute the cure.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Pork Belly
After 7 days, remove the pork belly from the plastic bag and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess cure. Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour to dry.
Step 5: Smoke the Pork Belly
Preheat your smoker to 200°F. Place the pork belly strips on the smoker rack and smoke them for 2-3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 150°F. You can use any type of wood chips you like, but hickory or applewood are good choices.
Step 6: Cool and Store the Kentucky Bacon
Remove the pork belly strips from the smoker and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, slice the bacon into thin strips and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Making your own Kentucky bacon is a fun and rewarding experience that will leave you with a delicious and unique meat that can be used in many different dishes. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make your own Kentucky bacon at home and enjoy it for weeks to come. Experiment with different spices and flavors to create your own custom blend of Kentucky bacon that is perfect for your taste buds.