Are you a fan of bacon, but looking for a healthier alternative? Look no further than venison bacon!
Not only is it leaner than traditional pork bacon, but it also has a unique and delicious flavor. And the best part? You can easily cook it in your oven.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just looking to try something new, this step-by-step guide will show you how to make perfect venison bacon every time. From equipment needed to cooking times, we’ve got you covered.
So preheat that oven and let’s get started!
How To Cook Deer Bacon In The Oven?
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating up, cut your venison bacon into 1-inch pieces and spread them out on a baking sheet.
Bake the bacon for 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked to your liking. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and how you prefer it cooked.
If you want extra crispy bacon, you can place the bacon on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet. This will allow the bacon to cook evenly and prevent it from getting soggy.
Once the bacon is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why Choose Deer Bacon Over Pork Bacon?
Deer bacon, also known as venison bacon, is a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon. Venison is a lean meat that contains fewer calories and less fat than pork. Additionally, deer meat is completely natural and free from any additives or steroids that are often used in farmed animals. This makes venison bacon a better choice for people who want to watch what they eat but do not want to give up eating meat.
Moreover, venison bacon has a unique and robust flavor that cannot be matched by traditional pork bacon. This is because deer meat has a richer taste that is not as greasy as pork. Venison bacon is also less likely to be gamey or fatty if it is prepared correctly.
Another reason to choose deer bacon over pork bacon is that it can be made in any shape and style, and it can be seasoned to the specific tastes of the person making it. This means that you can experiment with different flavors and spices to create a bacon that is tailored to your preferences.
Equipment Needed For Cooking Deer Bacon In The Oven
Cooking deer bacon in the oven is a simple process that doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Here are the basic tools you’ll need:
1. Baking Sheet: A baking sheet is essential for cooking the bacon in the oven. Make sure to use a sheet with a rim to catch any grease that may drip off the bacon.
2. Foil or Parchment Paper: You can use either foil or parchment paper to line the baking sheet. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan.
3. Wire Rack (Optional): Using a wire rack can help the bacon cook more evenly and prevent it from getting soggy. If you choose to use a wire rack, make sure it fits inside your baking sheet.
4. Oven Thermometer (Optional): If you want to ensure that your bacon is cooked to the perfect temperature, you can use an oven thermometer to monitor the heat in your oven.
5. Tongs: Tongs are helpful for flipping the bacon and removing it from the oven without burning your hands.
Preparing The Venison Bacon For Cooking
Before cooking your venison bacon in the oven, it is important to properly prepare it to ensure the best flavor and texture. Here’s how:
1. Gradual Increase in Heat: Just like with any smoked sausage, you want to cook your venison bacon at a gradual increase in heat so you don’t render out the fat too quickly. This ensures that your bacon stays moist and tender.
2. Use a Smoker: If you have access to a smoker, it is recommended that you smoke your venison bacon before cooking it in the oven. This will give it a delicious smoky flavor that is hard to replicate with other cooking methods.
3. Use a Spice Rub: Before smoking or cooking your venison bacon, it is important to season it properly. You can use a spice rub made from cloves, allspice, peppercorns, nutmeg, salts, and sugars. Rub this mixture into the meat well to ensure proper seasoning.
4. Vacuum Seal and Refrigerate: After seasoning your venison bacon, vacuum seal it and refrigerate it for 2 days. This allows the flavors to develop and penetrate the meat.
5. Cut Into Pieces: After refrigerating your venison bacon for 2 days, cut it into 1-inch pieces and spread them out on a baking sheet.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your venison bacon is properly prepared for cooking in the oven and will be deliciously flavorful and tender when finished.
Cooking The Venison Bacon In The Oven
Cooking venison bacon in the oven is a simple and effective way to prepare this delicious treat. To start, preheat your oven to 450°F. While the oven is heating up, arrange the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup a breeze.
Bake the bacon for 10-20 minutes, or until it is browned and ripples. Keep an eye on the bacon starting at the 10-minute mark, as the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and how you prefer it cooked.
For extra crispy bacon, you can place the bacon on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet. This will allow the bacon to cook evenly and prevent it from getting soggy.
If you prefer to cook your venison bacon in a cast iron skillet in the oven, simply lay the bacon in the skillet and set it in the oven. Turn the oven to 300°F and cook for 6-8 minutes per side.
When processing your venison bacon, it’s important to cook at a gradual increase in heat to prevent rendering out the fat too quickly. If you have a smoker, you can use it to smoke your venison bacon. Preheat your smokehouse to 135°F and cook the deer bacon for one hour with smoke on. After that, increase the temperature by 10 degrees every hour until the smoker temperature reaches 180°F. Let it cook until the internal temperature of the venison bacon reaches 150°F.
Once your venison bacon has reached its desired temperature, let it come to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to cool. Once it’s completely cooled (40°F), slice it up, fry it, and enjoy!
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Venison Bacon
Cooking venison bacon in the oven is a great way to enjoy this delicious meat without the hassle of frying it up on the stovetop. Here are some tips to ensure your venison bacon turns out perfectly cooked every time:
1. Use a wire rack: Placing your venison bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet will allow the bacon to cook evenly and prevent it from getting soggy.
2. Check the cooking time: The cooking time for venison bacon may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and how you prefer it cooked. Keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed.
3. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your venison bacon is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal temperature for venison bacon is 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Don’t overcook it: Overcooking venison bacon can result in dry and tough meat. Be sure to remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches the desired temperature.
5. Let it rest: Once your venison bacon is done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked venison bacon straight from your oven.
Serving And Enjoying Your Venison Bacon
Congratulations, you’ve successfully cooked your venison bacon in the oven! Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Venison bacon can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy it on its own as a snack or appetizer, or use it as an ingredient in other recipes such as salads, sandwiches, or even pasta dishes.
When serving venison bacon, it’s important to keep in mind that it is leaner than regular bacon. This means that it may not have as much grease or fat, which can affect the texture and flavor. However, this also means that it is a healthier option and can be enjoyed without worrying too much about the calories.
To enhance the flavor of your venison bacon, you can try adding some spices or seasonings such as garlic, grill seasoning, or chili powder. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces or toppings such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even maple syrup.
When cooking venison bacon in the oven, it’s important to monitor the cooking time and temperature to ensure that it is cooked to your liking. If you prefer your bacon crispy, you can leave it in the oven for a few extra minutes. On the other hand, if you prefer your bacon softer and more tender, you can reduce the cooking time slightly.