Are you a fan of peameal bacon?
This lean and flavorful cut of meat is a popular breakfast choice, but do you know how long it takes to cook it?
Whether you prefer to fry it up in slices or roast a whole peameal bacon, the cooking time can vary depending on the method you choose.
In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to cook peameal bacon and provide tips for ensuring it stays moist and juicy.
So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into the delicious world of peameal bacon!
How Long Does It Take To Cook Peameal Bacon?
When it comes to cooking peameal bacon, the time it takes can vary depending on the method you choose.
If you’re pan-frying slices of peameal bacon, it typically takes around 5-7 minutes per side over low heat. This will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.
If you prefer to roast a whole peameal bacon, the cooking time can be longer. Preheat your oven to 375F and place the roast in a baking dish with the skin side facing up. Score the top of the pork roast with a sharp knife and brush some maple syrup on top for added sweetness and flavor. Cover the dish with foil and bake for one hour. After an hour, remove the foil and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165F. This can take around 2 hours depending on the size and shape of the roast. Once it’s done, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
If you want to smoke your peameal bacon, it can take several hours depending on your smoker and the size of the cut. It’s important to monitor the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked all the way through.
What Is Peameal Bacon?
Peameal bacon is a type of bacon that is made from cured boneless pork loin. Unlike traditional bacon, peameal bacon is a super lean cut of meat with very little fat. After the pork loin roast has been wet cured, it is rolled in cornmeal. The name “peameal” comes from the fact that decades ago, cured pork loins were rolled in ground dried yellow peas. However, the roast has been rolled in cornmeal for a long time now, while the name has still stayed the same.
Peameal bacon can be prepared in several different ways, including slicing it into 1/4-inch thick slices and grilling or pan-frying them over low heat. It can also be roasted as a whole piece in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F, or smoked for several hours depending on the size of the cut. Regardless of how you choose to cook it, peameal bacon is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional bacon that is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Cooking Peameal Bacon In A Frying Pan
Cooking peameal bacon in a frying pan is a quick and easy way to enjoy this flavorful meat. To start, preheat your frying pan over medium-high heat. If your peameal bacon isn’t pre-cut, slice it into 1/2-inch thick pieces. When the pan is hot, carefully lay out the slices, leaving about 1/2 an inch of space between each piece. Fry the bacon for about 5 minutes on each side or until it starts to turn a dark brown color.
It’s important to note that peameal bacon releases water at the beginning of cooking, so you may want to blot it dry with a paper towel before placing it in the pan. You can also add a small amount of oil to the pan to prevent sticking and help the bacon cook more evenly.
If you’re cooking a large batch of peameal bacon, it’s best to fry it in batches rather than overcrowding the pan. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
Peameal bacon is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or in a sandwich. Toast your favorite bun or roll and layer the peameal bacon onto it. You can eat it plain with butter or add some flavor with mustard and honey. The brown caramelized bits left in the pan after frying are full of flavor, so be sure to scrape them up and add them to your sandwich for an extra punch of taste.
Oven Roasting Peameal Bacon
Oven roasting a peameal bacon roast is a great way to cook a larger cut of meat that will feed several people. To begin, make sure you pat the meat dry before roasting to ensure it browns properly. Lay the roast on a rack over a baking sheet to allow the roast to cook more evenly. If you cover the baking sheet with foil, it’s a much easier clean up.
Preheat your oven to 400F and roast the peameal bacon uncovered for about 15 minutes. Then, turn the heat down to 350F and continue roasting for another half an hour. After 45 minutes, mix equal parts of jam and mustard and smear it all over the outer cornmeal crust. Return to the oven and roast for about 20 more minutes. You may need another 5-10 minutes depending on the size of the roast and how accurate your oven temperature is.
It’s important not to add the glaze at the beginning, otherwise, it will be quite burnt by the time the peameal is cooked. The glaze helps seal the meat which is important for cuts like this with little fat. Any kind of jam and mustard can be used, but grainy Dijon and raspberry jam are recommended for roasted peameal as they match well with the grainy cornmeal crust on the outside of the meat.
The outer crust holds the moisture inside so that the meat is really juicy when you slice it. Just like any roasted meat, it needs to be rested before slicing to allow time for the juices to move back into the center of the roast. This is perfect served with Mac and Cheese or any other side dish of your choice.
Grilling Peameal Bacon
Grilling peameal bacon is a delicious way to enjoy this Canadian delicacy. To start, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grease the grate well. Place the peameal bacon on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until grill-marked.
For added flavor, you can baste the bacon with maple syrup and cook for an additional minute until glazed. Alternatively, you can apply a seasoning rub before grilling or simply rub some oil, salt, and pepper on the bacon slices before placing them on the grill.
It’s important to keep an eye on the bacon while grilling and check for grill marks after 5-7 minutes. Once they appear on the bottom, flip the slices over and cook for another 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
Grilled peameal bacon is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy it for breakfast with eggs and toast or serve it on a bun with cheese, lettuce, and your favorite condiments for lunch or dinner.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Peameal Bacon
To ensure that your peameal bacon is perfectly cooked every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Use low heat: Whether you’re pan-frying or roasting, it’s important to use low heat to prevent the bacon from drying out. This will also ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
2. Score the top: When roasting a whole peameal bacon, make sure to score the top with a sharp knife. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and create a nice crispy crust on the outside.
3. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your peameal bacon is cooked all the way through, it’s important to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165F for safe consumption.
4. Let it rest: After cooking, let your peameal bacon rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it more tender and flavorful.
5. Experiment with flavors: While peameal bacon is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different flavors and spices to enhance its taste. Try brushing it with maple syrup, adding some herbs or spices, or serving it with your favorite condiments.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your peameal bacon is perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor every time you serve it.
Serving Suggestions For Peameal Bacon
Peameal bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to try:
1. Classic breakfast: Slice the peameal bacon into 1/4-inch thick slices and pan-fry them until crispy. Serve alongside scrambled eggs, toast, and hash browns for a classic breakfast meal.
2. Sandwiches: Peameal bacon makes a great addition to sandwiches. Try it on a bagel with cream cheese, on a BLT, or in a grilled cheese sandwich.
3. Salads: Add sliced or diced peameal bacon to your favorite salad for added flavor and protein. It pairs well with greens like spinach or arugula, as well as fruits like apples or pears.
4. Pizzas: Peameal bacon can be used as a topping on pizzas for a unique twist on a classic dish. Pair it with other toppings like mushrooms, onions, and peppers for a delicious combination.
5. Appetizers: Cut the peameal bacon into bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer with toothpicks. You can also wrap it around other ingredients like asparagus or dates for a tasty and easy appetizer option.
No matter how you choose to serve it, peameal bacon is a delicious and flavorful ingredient that can elevate any dish.
