Bacon
Also called pork bacon
Cured, smoked pork belly that crisps in its own fat and perfumes the whole house.
Flavor profile
Aroma: umami, smoky
Good to know
Origin: Europe
Forms: smoked, unsmoked, cured
Storage: Refrigerate bacon in its packaging, or freeze if not using soon.
How to use bacon
Cold Start Crisp
Begin bacon in a cold pan to slowly render fat, ensuring even crisping.
Smoky Vegetables
Use bacon fat, which carries umami compounds, to impart a smoky depth to vegetables.
What goes with bacon
- Corn. Bacon's fat and smoky notes pair perfectly with corn's sweetness.
- Tomato. Salty, smoky bacon pairs with tomato's acid and sweetness, as in a BLT.
- Maple Syrup. Maple syrup's sweetness balances bacon's saltiness and adds contrasting texture.
- Avocado. Bacon's smoky saltiness contrasts the creamy richness of avocado.
- Green Bean. Rendered bacon fat coats green beans and adds smoky depth.
- Scallop. Smoky salt from bacon contrasts with scallop's sweet, tender flesh.
- Potato. Bacon adds crispy texture to soft potatoes.
- Leek. Bacon's fat and smoke amplify leek's sweet, oniony flavor.
- Brie. Bacon's fat dissolves brie's aroma compounds, boosting its savory profile.
- Kale. Bacon's fat and smoke soften kale's bitterness as it wilts.
Mistakes to avoid
- High heat from the start burns bacon, rendering fats unevenly.
- Overcooking results in pyrazines that overshadow flavor.
Ideas for tonight
- Crumble over salads for a smoky crunch.
- Wrap around vegetables or meats before roasting.
- Layer in sandwiches for a savory bite.
Bacon: questions
What does bacon taste like?
Cured, smoked pork belly that crisps in its own fat and perfumes the whole house. Its strongest notes are smoky, with an aroma that is umami, smoky.
What goes well with bacon?
Bacon pairs best with corn, tomato, maple syrup, avocado, green bean. Bacon's fat and smoky notes pair perfectly with corn's sweetness.
How do you use bacon in cooking?
Cold Start Crisp: begin bacon in a cold pan to slowly render fat, ensuring even crisping.
How should you store bacon?
Refrigerate bacon in its packaging, or freeze if not using soon.
What is the most common mistake with bacon?
High heat from the start burns bacon, rendering fats unevenly.
