Are you tired of the same old bacon routine?
Looking to switch things up and try something new?
Look no further than shoulder bacon!
This delicious cut of meat is packed with flavor and can be cooked in a variety of ways.
From searing to smoking, there are endless possibilities when it comes to preparing shoulder bacon.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking shoulder bacon and provide tips for getting the perfect crispy texture every time.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Shoulder Bacon?
There are several ways to cook shoulder bacon, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are some popular methods:
What Is Shoulder Bacon?
Shoulder bacon, also known as cottage bacon or Kansas City bacon, is a type of bacon that comes from the shoulder of the hog instead of the belly. This cut is meatier than traditional bacon slices and has a rich, savory flavor that many people enjoy. The meat is cured and smoked like regular bacon, but it is made from pork shoulder, which is also known as pork butt or Boston butt. Shoulder bacon is leaner than belly bacon, but it still has some marbling running through it for moisture and flavor. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, such as breakfasts, sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and pasta dishes. Some farmers raise heritage breeds of pigs that free-range in wooded areas and are allowed to root and forage for a species-appropriate, omnivore diet. They are supplemented with non-GMO grain and are not given preventative antibiotics or hormones. These pigs are allowed to be pigs, and the pastures and woodlots they inhabit are managed organically using holistic, regenerative farming practices to take care of the land for future generations.
Searing Shoulder Bacon: A Quick And Easy Method
Searing shoulder bacon is a quick and easy method that can be done on the stovetop. First, preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium/high heat. Place 5-6 pieces of bacon in the pan, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 4-5 minutes for a perfectly cooked piece of bacon, 2-3 minutes for rubbery bacon, or 5-6 minutes for a crispy piece of bacon. Flip the bacon over and let it cook for around 4-5 more minutes or until firm to touch and darker in color. Be sure not to overcook your bacon or it might burn. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Repeat until all of your bacon has been cooked.
This method is great for those who want to cook their bacon quickly and only have one pan to clean up. It’s important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the shoulder bacon slices, so it’s important to keep an eye on them while cooking. Also, using a splatter screen can help cut down on splattered grease when frying shoulder bacon. Overall, searing shoulder bacon is a great option for those who want a quick and easy way to cook this delicious cut of meat.
Smoking Shoulder Bacon: Adding A Smoky Flavor
Smoking shoulder bacon is a great way to add a delicious smoky flavor to your meat. To start, you will need a smoker and some wood chips. Hickory and pecan are popular choices for smoking bacon, but you can also experiment with other types of wood to find your favorite flavor.
Before smoking, you will need to cure the pork shoulder with a mixture of salt, sugar, and optional curing salt (sodium nitrite). You can also add other spices or flavorings to the cure mixture to create your own unique blend. Rub the cure mixture all over the pork shoulder and let it sit in the refrigerator for several days, flipping it over every day to ensure even curing.
After the curing process is complete, rinse off the cure mixture and pat the pork shoulder dry. Then, it’s time to smoke! Preheat your smoker to about 130-140F and add your wood chips. Once the smoke is thin and blue, add the pork shoulder to the smoker and let it smoke for several hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 158F.
Be sure to monitor the temperature of your smoker throughout the smoking process to ensure that it stays within the desired range. Also, be careful not to over-smoke your meat as this can cause it to become bitter and dry.
Once your shoulder bacon is finished smoking, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The result will be a deliciously smoky and flavorful meat that is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or any dish that calls for bacon.
Baking Shoulder Bacon: A Foolproof Method
Baking shoulder bacon is a great way to achieve perfectly crispy and evenly cooked bacon without any fuss or mess. This foolproof method is easy to follow and produces delicious results every time.
To start, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy clean-up. Place a wire rack on top of the lined baking sheet. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly around the bacon and prevent it from getting soggy.
Next, place the shoulder bacon on the wire rack, making sure not to overcrowd it. You want to give each slice enough space to cook evenly and crisp up nicely. If your bacon slices are thick, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Place the baking sheet with the bacon in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on the bacon towards the end of the cooking time to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Once the bacon is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on the wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This will allow any excess grease to drip off and prevent the bacon from getting soggy.
One of the great things about baking shoulder bacon is that you can customize it to your liking. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can leave it in the oven for a few extra minutes. If you like it slightly chewy, you can reduce the cooking time a bit.
Tips For Getting The Perfect Crispy Texture
Achieving the perfect crispy texture for shoulder bacon can be a challenge, but with a few tips and tricks, you can elevate your bacon game to the next level. Here are some tips for getting that crispy, savory taste:
1. Use the right type of bacon: When it comes to shoulder bacon, opt for the streaky type. This type of bacon has more fat, which helps it crisp up nicely in the oven or on the stovetop.
2. Line your baking sheet: To prevent spattering and ensure even cooking, line your baking sheet with parchment paper before placing the bacon on top. This will also make cleanup a breeze.
3. Weigh it down: To prevent the bacon from curling up during cooking, weigh it down with a second baking sheet or a heavy casserole dish or ovenproof frying pan. This will help ensure that every inch of your bacon gets crispy and delicious.
4. Use flour as a coating: If you want an extra-crispy texture, try dredging your bacon in flour before cooking. The flour will help absorb excess moisture and provide a protective coating to prevent overcooking.
5. Cook low and slow: For the best results, cook your shoulder bacon low and slow. This will help render the fat and crisp up the meat without burning it. If you’re using an oven, preheat to 400°F and bake until the bacon is crisped to your liking. If you’re using a stovetop, cook on medium heat until crispy on both sides.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly crispy shoulder bacon every time. Whether you’re using it in salads, crumbled over macaroni cheese or sprinkled on soups, your bacon dishes are sure to impress with this crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions For Shoulder Bacon
Shoulder bacon, also known as cottage bacon or buckboard bacon, is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to help you get the most out of your shoulder bacon:
1. Breakfast: Shoulder bacon is a great addition to any breakfast plate. Fry it up in a skillet until crispy and serve it alongside eggs, toast, and hash browns.
2. Sandwiches: Shoulder bacon is perfect for sandwiches. Layer it on top of your favorite bread with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise for a classic BLT sandwich. Or, try it on a grilled cheese sandwich for an extra savory twist.
3. Salads: Add some crunch and flavor to your salads by topping them with crispy shoulder bacon. It pairs well with greens, tomatoes, and croutons.
4. Pasta dishes: Use shoulder bacon as a substitute for pancetta or regular bacon in pasta dishes like carbonara or spaghetti alla carbonara. The smoky flavor of the shoulder bacon adds depth to the dish.
5. Appetizers: Use shoulder bacon as a topping for crostini or bruschetta. It pairs well with creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie.
No matter how you choose to serve it, shoulder bacon is sure to add a delicious and unique flavor to your dishes. Experiment with different recipes and enjoy the rich taste of this flavorful cut of meat.