Bacon lovers, rejoice! We’ve got some exciting news for you.
Have you ever heard of Peter Luger bacon? If not, you’re in for a treat. This legendary Brooklyn steakhouse is known for serving up some of the best bacon in the world. And now, you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.
But how do you cook this extra thick cut bacon to perfection? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to cook Peter Luger bacon just like they do at the restaurant.
Get ready to take your bacon game to the next level!
How To Cook Peter Luger Bacon?
First things first, you need to get your hands on some Peter Luger bacon. This bacon is not your average grocery store variety. It’s extra thick cut, weighing in at over 2 ounces and nearly a half-inch thick. You can order it online or visit the restaurant to purchase it.
Once you have your bacon, it’s time to start cooking. The key to cooking Peter Luger bacon is to cook it low and slow. Unlike regular bacon, this extra thick cut needs more time to cook through.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the bacon on top. Make sure to leave some space between each slice so they don’t stick together.
Bake the bacon for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time to make sure it doesn’t burn.
If you prefer to cook your bacon on the stovetop, you can do that too. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add the bacon slices. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and cooked through.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to let the bacon rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the excess grease to drain off and ensure that the bacon is crispy all the way through.
What Makes Peter Luger Bacon So Special?
Peter Luger bacon is not your average bacon. What sets it apart is its thickness, weighing in at over 2 ounces and nearly a half-inch thick. Most grocery store varieties are a measly 1/5 inch. This extra thickness allows for a unique texture and flavor that is unmatched by regular bacon.
Furthermore, Peter Luger bacon is made with pure ingredients. It’s uncured beef bacon, vegetarian fed, antibiotic-free, and animal welfare certified. It’s also paleo and keto-friendly, gluten-free, and MSG-free. This means that you can enjoy the delicious taste of bacon without any guilt or worries about harmful additives.
Moreover, Peter Luger bacon is packed with protein and leaner than turkey bacon. It’s raised humanely without growth stimulants, making it a healthier option for those who want to indulge in bacon while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Lastly, Peter Luger bacon has a rich history behind it. Originally served exclusively for employee meals, regulars began requesting this thick cut bacon to be served with their meals. It became so popular that it eventually became a menu item in the 90s. Now, you can have your very own Peter Luger experience at home with their packaged product that is guaranteed fresh to your door.
Choosing The Right Pan For The Job
When it comes to cooking Peter Luger bacon, choosing the right pan is crucial. While you can certainly use a regular frying pan, a cast iron skillet is the preferred choice for many chefs and home cooks alike.
Cast iron skillets are known for their ability to retain heat and distribute it evenly, which is essential when cooking thick-cut bacon. They also create a perfect sear on the bacon, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can still achieve great results with a non-stick pan or a stainless steel skillet. Just make sure to keep the heat low and cook the bacon slowly to prevent it from burning.
Regardless of the type of pan you use, it’s important to choose one that’s large enough to accommodate the bacon slices without overcrowding them. Overcrowding can cause the bacon to cook unevenly and result in chewy, undercooked sections.
Preparing The Bacon For Cooking
Before you start cooking your Peter Luger bacon, it’s important to prepare it properly. Unlike regular bacon, this extra thick cut requires a little more attention to ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
Firstly, remove the bacon from its packaging and separate the slices. If the bacon is frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this by leaving it in the fridge overnight or by placing it in a bowl of cold water for a few hours.
Next, pat the bacon dry with paper towels. This will remove any excess moisture and help the bacon cook more evenly. If you’re using a baking sheet to cook the bacon, make sure to line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
If you’re cooking the bacon on the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Once the skillet is hot, add the bacon slices and make sure they’re not overlapping.
When cooking Peter Luger bacon, it’s important to remember that it’s thicker than regular bacon, so it needs more time to cook through. Cook the bacon low and slow, flipping occasionally, until it’s crispy and golden brown.
Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow any excess grease to drain off and ensure that the bacon stays crispy.
Cooking The Bacon To Perfection
Cooking Peter Luger bacon to perfection requires some patience and attention to detail. The first step is to bring the bacon to room temperature before cooking. This will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and doesn’t end up burnt on the outside and undercooked on the inside.
Next, you’ll want to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier. If using a metal cooling rack, spray it with non-stick cooking spray and place it inside the baking sheet. Lay the bacon slices in a single layer, making sure not to overlap them.
For oven cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the bacon for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time to make sure it doesn’t burn. For stovetop cooking, heat a skillet over medium-low heat and cook the bacon for 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally.
The key to perfectly cooked Peter Luger bacon is to cook it low and slow. This will ensure that the bacon cooks through without burning or becoming too crispy. Once your bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes on a paper towel-lined plate. This will allow any excess grease to drain off before serving.
Serving And Enjoying Peter Luger Bacon At Home
Now that you’ve cooked your Peter Luger bacon to perfection, it’s time to enjoy it. One of the best things about this bacon is that it’s so thick and flavorful that you don’t need much to feel satisfied.
Consider serving it as a stand-alone dish, just like they do at the Peter Luger restaurant. Arrange the slices on a plate and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or a drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce.
You can also use this bacon to add some extra oomph to your favorite recipes. Crumble it over a salad for a hearty and flavorful crunch or chop it up and use it as a topping for your favorite pizza.
Another great way to enjoy Peter Luger bacon is in a classic BLT sandwich. Toast some bread, slather on some mayo, and pile on the bacon, lettuce, and tomato. It’s simple but oh so delicious.
No matter how you choose to serve and enjoy your Peter Luger bacon, one thing is for sure – it’s going to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and indulge in this bacony goodness. You deserve it.