Simply put, beef bacon is a variation of regular bacon made from beef rather than pork. Pork bacon is generally made from sliced pork belly. Like traditional bacon, beef bacon can also be made from the beef belly. However, it can also be made from the brisket or round for leaner options.
Why Choose Beef Bacon?
If you're like most people, the word "bacon" probably makes your mouth water. But have you tried beef bacon? Beef bacon is a delicious alternative to traditional pork bacon. It can be made from different cuts of beef and has a smoky, salty flavor! Learn about how beef bacon is made and its benefits.
How Is Beef Bacon Made?
As previously mentioned, beef bacon can be made from various cuts, including the belly, brisket, and round. Pederson's Natural Farms makes its Uncured Hickory Smoked Beef Bacon from the round, a cut from the hind, and one of the leanest cuts, making beef bacon lower in fat than traditional bacon.
Another way Pederson's beef bacon deviates from the norm is by choosing not to cure the beef with any artificial nitrates or nitrites. Instead, celery powder is used as a natural aid to extend shelf life. It's then seasoned with a mixture of brown sugar, salt, and vinegar before being smoked over real hickory wood chips.
This makes the beef bacon taste as one would expect. It has that distinct smoky, salty flavor of traditional bacon, but without oink.
What Are The Benefits Of Beef Bacon?
There are many benefits to beef bacon, depending on your goal. For example, if you are a person that doesn't eat pork, then beef bacon offers the option to indulge in recipes that call for bacon without compromising your personal choices or values.
In addition to being lower in fat, if that's what you are after, beef bacon packs a powerful punch of protein per slice. A quick comparison of the nutritional facts shows that Pederson's bacon made from pork contains 2 grams of protein for each slice, while the beef bacon contains 6 grams of protein per slice.
On another note, the nutritional facts on Pederson's labels provide insight into another benefit of choosing beef bacon over its pork partner: though they start at the same weight before cooking, the pork bacon weighs just 11 grams after the fat has melted down. Beef bacon is the belly-filling champ, weighing 28 grams per cooked slice thanks to its lower fat content.
Beef bacon is the clear winner if you want to fill up on protein while keeping your fat content to a minimum. It also maintains a good crisp without the need to overcook.
How Do You Cook Beef Bacon?
There are plenty of cooking options for beef bacon. You can prepare as you would any other bacon. Some people prefer to cook it on the stove. Others like to crisp it in the oven. And yes, you can even prepare your bacon slices in the microwave. Check out some tips on cooking the best beef bacon, regardless of which method you choose, here.
Beef bacon can be used in the same ways that you would use pork bacon. It's delicious on sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and more. High protein, lower in fat, and full of flavor, beef bacon is an excellent addition to any menu or alternative to traditional pork bacon.
Try beef bacon in your next recipe!