Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that can come in various shapes and sizes. But have you ever wondered how much a single rasher of streaky bacon weighs?
It may seem like a trivial question, but knowing the weight of your bacon can be helpful when cooking or counting calories. In this article, we’ll explore the different weights of streaky bacon, both cooked and uncooked, and provide you with easy-to-follow charts and images to help you calculate your weights and calorie counts accurately.
So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into the world of bacon weights!
How Much Does A Rasher Of Streaky Bacon Weigh?
The weight of a single rasher of streaky bacon can vary depending on the thickness and size of the slice. On average, an uncooked supermarket streaky bacon slice weighs around 15-16 grams (0.53-0.56 ounces). However, this weight can change once the bacon is cooked.
When bacon is cooked, it loses moisture and fat, causing it to shrink in size and weight. On average, a cooked rasher of streaky bacon weighs around 7-8 grams (0.25-0.28 ounces). This means that if you’re trying to calculate the weight of your cooked bacon for calorie counting or recipe purposes, you’ll need to take this shrinkage into account.
It’s important to note that the weight of your bacon can also depend on the brand and type of bacon you’re using. For example, some artisanal or thick-cut bacon slices may weigh more than your standard supermarket variety.
What Is Streaky Bacon?
Streaky bacon, also known as side bacon, is a popular type of bacon that comes from the belly or side of the pig. It is distinctively different from other cuts because of its ‘streaky’ layers of fat that run parallel to the rind. This high fat-to-meat ratio gives streaky bacon its unique flavor and makes it easier to get crispy when cooked.
Streaky bacon is produced using pork belly, which is the fattiest part of the pig. It is shaped more like a ruler and often referred to as bacon strips. Streaky bacon is the perfect type of bacon to wrap around almost any meat, drape over your Christmas turkey, or pop on a sandwich with barbecue sauce. It’s also a popular choice for making Pig’s in Blankets during the holiday season.
Streaky bacon is often compared to back bacon, which comes from the leaner pork loin cut and has a much higher meat-to-fat ratio. Back bacon tends to be cut a little thicker and has a chewier texture than streaky bacon. Although it is more commonly unsmoked, there are also a variety of smoked versions available.
Weights Of Uncooked Streaky Bacon
If you’re looking to calculate the weight of your uncooked streaky bacon, it’s important to keep in mind that the weight can vary depending on the brand and thickness of the slice. However, on average, an uncooked rasher of streaky bacon from a supermarket weighs around 15-16 grams (0.53-0.56 ounces).
It’s worth noting that streaky bacon is cut from the belly of the pig and has a higher fat content than other types of bacon, such as back bacon. This means that streaky bacon slices may be slightly heavier than other types of bacon.
If you’re looking for a more accurate weight measurement for your streaky bacon, it’s best to use a kitchen scale. Simply place the uncooked bacon on the scale and weigh it in grams or ounces. This will give you an accurate measurement to use for calorie counting or recipe purposes.
Weights Of Cooked Streaky Bacon
When it comes to cooked streaky bacon, the weight can vary depending on how it was cooked and the amount of fat that was rendered out. Generally, one pound of bacon will lose around three-fourths of its weight once it’s cooked. This means that if you start with a pound of uncooked streaky bacon, you can expect to end up with around 4 ounces (113 grams) of cooked bacon.
In a test where dry-cured streaky bacon was weighed before and after cooking, both back and streaky bacon reduced in weight by around 50%. This was mainly due to fat loss, which remained in the pan. This means that if you cook 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of streaky bacon, you can expect it to weigh around 50 grams (1.76 ounces) once it’s cooked.
It’s worth noting that the weight of cooked streaky bacon can also depend on how crispy you like it. If you prefer your bacon well-done and crispy, it will likely weigh less than if you prefer it slightly less cooked.
How To Measure The Weight Of A Rasher Of Streaky Bacon
Measuring the weight of a single rasher of streaky bacon can be a bit tricky due to its irregular shape and size. However, there are a few methods you can use to get an accurate measurement.
One way is to use a kitchen scale. Simply place the uncooked rasher of bacon on the scale and weigh it. If you’re using a digital scale, make sure to tare it first to account for the weight of the plate or container you’re using.
Another method is to use a measuring cup filled with water. Place the rasher of bacon in the measuring cup and note the water level. Then, remove the bacon and add enough water to bring the level back up to its original measurement. The amount of water you added is equal to the weight of the bacon.
If you’re trying to measure the weight of cooked bacon, it’s best to weigh it after it has cooled down slightly. This will give you a more accurate measurement as it will have stopped losing moisture and fat.
Remember, when calculating calorie counts or recipe measurements, it’s important to use the correct weight of your bacon, taking into account any shrinkage that may occur during cooking.
Calorie Count Of Streaky Bacon
If you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s important to know the nutritional value of each rasher of streaky bacon. According to Tesco’s nutritional information, two rashers of their streaky bacon contain 55 calories.
In addition to calories, it’s also important to consider the macronutrient breakdown of the bacon. Two rashers of Tesco streaky bacon contain 0.3g total carbs and 0.1g net carbs, making it a low-carb option for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. The same serving also contains 3.6g of fat and 5.4g of protein, making it a good source of both macronutrients.
It’s important to note that the calorie count and nutritional information may vary depending on the brand and type of streaky bacon you’re using. It’s always a good idea to check the label or do some research to ensure you’re getting accurate information for your specific product.
Tips For Cooking Streaky Bacon To Perfection
If you want to cook streaky bacon to perfection, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, start with a cold skillet and make sure it’s large enough to fit your desired amount of bacon without crowding. This will help the bacon cook evenly and prevent it from sticking together.
Next, carefully separate the bacon pieces from each other and place them side by side in the skillet. Don’t stretch the bacon as you remove it from the package, as this can cause it to cook unevenly.
Cook the bacon over medium heat, flipping it occasionally until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. It’s important to keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks, as it can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in a matter of seconds.
If you’re cooking a large amount of bacon, consider using the oven method mentioned above. This will allow you to cook the bacon evenly and without any spattering or burning.
Finally, once your bacon is cooked to perfection, don’t waste the leftover fat. You can store it in the fridge for future cooking needs, such as frying eggs or sautéing vegetables for added flavor.