Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Whether you prefer it crispy or chewy, on its own or as part of a sandwich, there’s no denying the deliciousness of this salty treat.
But when it comes to cooking with bacon, things can get a bit confusing.
How many grams are in a pound of bacon? And how do you accurately measure the weight of raw versus cooked bacon?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of bacon weights and calorie counts, providing you with easy-to-follow charts and information to help you cook and enjoy your bacon to perfection.
So grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started!
How Many Grams In A Pound Of Bacon?
Before we can answer this question, it’s important to understand the weight of bacon slices and the difference between raw and cooked bacon.
On average, an uncooked slice of supermarket streaky bacon weighs 15-16 grams (0.53-0.56 ounces), while an uncooked slice of back bacon weighs 32-34 grams (1.13-1.2 ounces).
However, once bacon is cooked, it loses a significant amount of weight due to the rendering of fat. On average, cooked bacon weighs about 28% less than its raw weight.
So, how many grams are in a pound of bacon? One pound is equal to 453.59 grams, which means that a pound of raw streaky bacon would contain approximately 28 slices, with each slice weighing around 16 grams. A pound of raw back bacon would contain approximately 14 slices, with each slice weighing around 34 grams.
It’s important to note that these are just averages and the weight of your bacon may vary depending on the brand and type of bacon you’re using.
Understanding Bacon Weights: Raw Vs Cooked
When it comes to bacon, understanding the difference between raw and cooked weights is crucial for accurate measurements and calorie counting.
As mentioned earlier, cooked bacon weighs about 28% less than its raw weight. This means that a pound of cooked bacon would only weigh around 326 grams.
To accurately calculate the weight of cooked bacon, it’s important to weigh the raw bacon before cooking and then weigh it again after cooking. Then, divide the cooked weight by the percentage of weight lost during cooking (28%) to get the equivalent raw weight.
For example, if you have 500 grams of cooked bacon and want to know the raw weight, you would divide 500 by 0.72 (100% – 28%) to get a raw weight of approximately 694 grams.
It’s also important to note that different types of bacon may have different weight loss percentages when cooked. Therefore, it’s always best to weigh your bacon before and after cooking to get the most accurate measurements.
The Calorie Count Of Bacon
While bacon is a delicious addition to any meal, it’s important to understand the calorie count and nutritional information before indulging in too much. On average, one medium slice of bacon contains about 40 calories. However, three slices of bacon cooked in a frying pan contain about 123 calories. In addition to calories, bacon also contains 3 grams of carbs, 9.3 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, and 9 grams of protein.
When it comes to counting calories, an average 8-gram slice of bacon will run you somewhere between 38 and 45 calories. Plain bacon will cost you a little less than seasoned bacon, and thicker bacon will have more calories. On average, four slices of bacon will come in at around 164 calories. It’s important to note that sweeter bacon varieties will contain more sugar and therefore more calories. So, if you’re looking to cut back on the calories in your diet, consider opting for a simple serving of unsweetened bacon.
While bacon does contain small amounts of vitamins B3, B6, and B12, as well as minerals like selenium and zinc which support a healthy immune system, it’s also high in sodium. One slice of pan-fried pork bacon alone has 194 milligrams of sodium. Eating too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to heart disease and stroke. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that most people over the age of 14 limit their sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams a day.
Tips For Cooking Bacon To Perfection
Cooking bacon to perfection requires some attention to detail and a little bit of patience. Here are some tips to help you cook bacon just the way you like it:
1. Bring the bacon to room temperature: Take the bacon out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking. This will help the bacon cook more evenly.
2. Choose your cooking method: There are three main ways to cook bacon: on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
3. Use a cold skillet: If you’re cooking bacon on the stovetop, start with a cold cast-iron skillet. This will help the fat render slowly, resulting in crispy and evenly cooked bacon.
4. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure not to overlap the bacon slices in the pan or on the baking sheet. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.
5. Cook over medium heat: Cooking bacon over medium heat will help it cook evenly without burning.
6. Turn as needed: If you’re cooking bacon on the stovetop, flip it as needed to ensure even cooking. If you’re cooking bacon in the oven, you don’t need to flip it.
7. Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your bacon as it cooks and remove it from the heat when it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
8. Drain excess grease: Once your bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan or baking sheet and place it on paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
By following these tips, you can cook bacon to perfection every time. Whether you prefer crispy or chewy bacon, these methods will help you achieve your desired texture and flavor.
Creative Ways To Use Bacon In Your Cooking
Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond the traditional breakfast and sandwich options. Here are some creative ways to incorporate bacon into your cooking:
1. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Wrap thin slices of bacon around asparagus spears and roast in the oven until crispy.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Stuff pitted dates with goat cheese, wrap them in bacon, and bake until crispy.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: Fill jalapenos with cream cheese and wrap them in bacon before baking until crispy.
4. Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add crumbled bacon to your favorite mac and cheese recipe for an extra savory twist.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, wrap it in bacon, and bake until cooked through.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts: Wrap halved Brussels sprouts in bacon and roast in the oven until crispy.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp: Wrap large shrimp in bacon and grill or bake until cooked through.
8. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Wrap chicken breasts or thighs in bacon and bake until cooked through.
9. Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin: Wrap pork tenderloin in bacon and roast in the oven until cooked through.
10. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Wrap large scallops in bacon and grill or bake until cooked through.
These are just a few examples of the many creative ways you can use bacon in your cooking. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things with this delicious ingredient!