Are you a fan of peameal bacon but unsure how to cook it in your Instant Pot?
Look no further!
This lean and affordable cut of pork can be a delicious addition to your dinner table, but cooking it in the Instant Pot can be a bit tricky.
With conflicting advice online, it can be hard to know where to start.
In this article, we’ll explore the best methods for cooking peameal bacon in the Instant Pot and provide you with some helpful tips and tricks along the way.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook Peameal Bacon In Instant Pot?
When it comes to cooking peameal bacon in the Instant Pot, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The cooking time will depend on the size of your roast and your personal preference for doneness.
However, a good rule of thumb is to cook your peameal bacon roast for 12-15 minutes on high pressure with a natural release of 8 minutes. This should result in a tender and juicy roast with a nice crust on the outside.
It’s important to note that if your peameal bacon roast is covered in cornmeal, you’ll want to wash that off before cooking. This will prevent the cornmeal from burning and sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot.
What Is Peameal Bacon?
Peameal bacon is a type of Canadian bacon that is made from pork loin. It is wet-cured or brined, then rolled in cornmeal, which helps to preserve the meat and give it a crispy exterior when cooked. Originally, it was rolled in ground dried peas, but this was later replaced with cornmeal. Unlike traditional bacon, peameal bacon is trimmed of fat and is not smoked, giving it a milder flavor once cooked. This lack of fat also means that it stays juicy and tender when cooked, rather than becoming crispy and dry. Peameal bacon is a Canadian specialty that likely originated in Toronto, where it is still beloved today. It is considered a versatile meat that can be served on its own for breakfast or cooked as a roast for dinner. In fact, peameal bacon on a roll was declared Toronto’s signature dish in 2016.
Why Cook Peameal Bacon In An Instant Pot?
Cooking peameal bacon in an Instant Pot has many benefits. Firstly, it’s a quick and easy way to cook your roast without having to constantly monitor it on the stove or in the oven. The Instant Pot allows for hands-free cooking, which is especially convenient if you’re busy with other tasks.
Secondly, cooking peameal bacon in the Instant Pot ensures that your roast will be evenly cooked throughout. The high-pressure cooking method helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. This is especially important for lean cuts of meat like peameal bacon, which can easily become dry and tough if overcooked.
Lastly, cooking peameal bacon in the Instant Pot results in less mess and clean-up. The high sides of the Instant Pot prevent splattering and contain any excess liquid or grease that may be released during cooking.
Choosing The Right Instant Pot Setting For Peameal Bacon
When it comes to choosing the right Instant Pot setting for cooking peameal bacon, there are a few options to consider. The first option is to use the manual setting, which allows you to set the cooking time and pressure level manually. This can be useful if you have a specific cooking time in mind or if you prefer to have more control over the cooking process.
Another option is to use the meat/stew setting, which is designed for cooking meats and stews. This setting uses high pressure and a longer cooking time to ensure that the meat is cooked through and tender. If you’re not sure which setting to use, this is a good default option.
If you want to add some flavor to your peameal bacon, you can also use the sauté function to brown the meat before pressure cooking it. This will give it a nice crust on the outside and help to seal in the juices.
Preparing Peameal Bacon For Cooking In The Instant Pot
Before cooking peameal bacon in the Instant Pot, there are a few steps you should take to ensure the best results. First, remove the roast from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Then, pat the roast dry with a paper towel and season it with kosher salt.
Next, turn your Instant Pot to saute mode and add 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Once the oil begins to shimmer, brown the roast on all sides for about 4 minutes each. Remove the roast and set it aside.
If you plan on using a glaze, now is the time to apply it to the roast. Maple or mustard glazes work particularly well with peameal bacon. Once the glaze is applied, put the roast on a trivet inside the Instant Pot.
Set the Instant Pot to manual mode for 12-15 minutes on high pressure with a natural release of 8 minutes. This will ensure that your peameal bacon is cooked thoroughly while retaining its moisture and flavor.
After cooking, remove the roast from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. If desired, you can also reduce any remaining liquid in the Instant Pot by adding cornstarch to chicken stock and simmering until it thickens.
By following these steps, you can prepare your peameal bacon roast for cooking in the Instant Pot and achieve a delicious and tender result every time.
Quick Release Vs. Natural Release: Which Is Best For Peameal Bacon?
When it comes to releasing pressure in your Instant Pot after cooking peameal bacon, the choice between quick release and natural release will depend on your desired outcome.
If you opt for a quick release, the pressure will be released rapidly, which can cause the meat fibers to compress and toughen the meat. This is not ideal for peameal bacon, as you want it to be tender and juicy. However, if you are short on time or prefer a firmer texture, a quick release may be a good option.
On the other hand, a natural release will allow the pressure to dissipate gradually, which can help the meat retain its juices and tenderness. This method is ideal for longer-cooking foods, like peameal bacon, as it allows for a gentle cooking process that results in a more flavorful and tender roast.
To use natural release for peameal bacon in your Instant Pot, simply let the pressure release on its own for 8 minutes after cooking. This will ensure that your peameal bacon is cooked to perfection and ready to serve.
