How is Bacon made? This is your step-by-step

Since all of us are curious by nature, and we want to know how is bacon made? Here is the knowledge on that. We could not have let it pass by us and not write about how bacon is being made. Truly. That would have been just sad. So, here we go. Just to clarify, we don’t know who invented bacon, but we agree that is one of the most delicious inventions ever! Ever! Alright, now with that out of question, here is what you need to have and do.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of pork belly (skin-on or skinless)
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by trimming the pork belly if needed. Remove any skin or excessive fat, leaving a relatively even thickness of meat.
2. In a bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder (if using). Mix well to create a dry rub.
3. Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels and place it in a large zip-top bag or a container that’s large enough to hold it flat.
4. Rub the dry rub mixture all over the pork belly, making sure to cover all sides. If using a zip-top bag, seal it and place it in the refrigerator. If using a container, cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
5. Allow the pork belly to cure in the refrigerator for 7-10 days. During this time, the salt will draw out moisture and help preserve the meat. Flip the pork belly every day to ensure even curing.
6. After the curing period, remove the pork belly from the bag or container. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt and pat it dry with paper towels.
7. Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).
8. Place the pork belly on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet or a roasting pan, ensuring that there’s space for air circulation around the bacon.
9. Roast the pork belly in the preheated oven for approximately 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C).
10. Remove the bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. It will firm up as it cools.
11. Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, slice it into desired thickness. If you prefer crispy bacon, you can further cook the slices in a skillet over medium heat until they reach your desired crispiness.
12. Enjoy your homemade bacon in sandwiches, breakfast dishes, salads, or any other recipes that call for bacon!

Note: Homemade bacon may have a slightly different texture and flavor compared to store-bought bacon, but it allows you to customize the seasoning and control the quality of the ingredients.