How To Remove Salt From Bacon? A Detailed Guide

Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple, but sometimes it can be too salty for our taste buds. Whether you’re watching your salt intake or just prefer a milder flavor, there are several ways to remove salt from bacon.

From soaking and rinsing to adding something acidic, we’ve gathered some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect balance of flavor in your bacon.

So, let’s dive in and learn how to remove salt from bacon!

How To Remove Salt From Bacon?

There are several methods to remove salt from bacon, depending on whether it is raw or cooked. Raw bacon is easier to work with, while cooked bacon requires a bit more effort.

For raw bacon, one method is to soak it in cold water for 1-2 hours. Simply place the bacon in a sealable container and cover it with water. Keep it in the fridge while it soaks, then rinse and dry the bacon before cooking. This process is known as reverse-brining and helps to remove excess salt while preserving the taste.

Another option for raw bacon is to simmer it in boiling water for a few minutes. Remove the bacon and pat it dry before cooking. This method can also help to reduce the saltiness of the bacon.

If you’ve already cooked your bacon and find it too salty, there are still ways to salvage it. One option is to use the uncooked pieces and soak them in cool water for 2 hours. Dry off a piece and cook it to test if it’s still too salty. If so, repeat the process with fresh water until you achieve the desired level of saltiness.

Another option is to add something acidic to offset the saltiness. Pairing the bacon with an acidic sauce or something bland can help balance out the strong taste of salt.

Why Is Bacon So Salty?

Bacon is naturally salty because of the way it’s manufactured. The curing process involves either wet brining or dry packing the meat in salt, which draws out moisture and creates a hostile environment for bacteria and fungi. This results in a side of bacon that is both delicious and salty. Additionally, sodium nitrate is often added to the brine, which also contributes to the salty flavor.

The low moisture content of bacon means that it cooks faster, and when it’s fried, the moisture evaporates, leaving behind the same amount of salt. This is why crispy bacon will always be saltier than fresh bacon. As the water is cooked off and the fat is rendered out, the size of the piece of bacon reduces without reducing the salt content much, leading to a higher concentration of salt in each bite. Making the bacon taste saltier.

If bacon tastes too salty, it’s possible that it was exposed to the curing salt for too long or that too much salt was used when preparing the cure. Adding sugar to the cure recipe can help mitigate the salty flavor. Dry-cured bacon tends to be saltier than bacon that’s cured in a wet brine. Finally, if you’re making your own bacon, be sure to use curing salt #

Soaking And Rinsing Bacon

Soaking and rinsing bacon can also help to reduce its saltiness. However, it’s important to note that this method may also affect the flavor of the bacon.

One popular method is to rinse the bacon with cold water before cooking it. This can help remove some of the excess salt and reduce shrinkage while cooking. However, some people argue that rinsing bacon can also lessen its flavor.

Another option is to soak the bacon in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This method can help remove some of the salt, but it may also make the bacon less flavorful. Additionally, soaking for too long could result in a mushy texture.

Using Vinegar Or Lemon Juice To Remove Salt

One effective method to remove salt from bacon is to use vinegar or lemon juice. Both of these acidic ingredients can help to mask the saltiness of the bacon and create a more balanced flavor profile.

To use vinegar, simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl or container. Place the bacon in the mixture and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the bacon with cool water and pat it dry before cooking.

For lemon juice, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the bacon and let it sit for a few minutes. The acidity in the lemon juice will help to counteract the saltiness of the bacon. Rinse the bacon with cool water and pat it dry before cooking.

It’s important to note that while vinegar and lemon juice can help to remove excess salt, they can also alter the flavor of the bacon. Use these methods sparingly and taste test frequently to ensure that you achieve the desired level of saltiness without compromising on taste.

Blotting Excess Salt With Paper Towels

If you’re working with raw bacon and want to remove excess salt, blotting it with paper towels can be a helpful step. After soaking or simmering the bacon, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, take another paper towel and gently press it onto the surface of the bacon to absorb any remaining salt. Be careful not to rub too hard or you may damage the texture of the bacon. Once you’ve blotted away as much salt as possible, you can proceed with cooking the bacon as desired. This simple step can make a big difference in the overall flavor of your dish and ensure that your bacon isn’t overpoweringly salty.

Cooking Techniques To Reduce Saltiness

If you find that your dish is too salty, there are several cooking techniques you can use to reduce the saltiness. One method is to dilute the dish with water or unsalted broth. This can help to balance out the saltiness, but be careful not to add too much liquid as it may thin out the dish too much. You can also add unsalted diced tomatoes or tomato paste to boost the liquid level without adding more salt.

Another technique is to use an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or white vinegar to cut the saltiness. A splash of acid can help to balance out the flavors and reduce the saltiness of soups and sauces. If your dish is still too salty, try adding a bit of sugar, honey, or molasses to counteract the saltiness.

If you’re making a stew or soup, you can use a roux or cornstarch slurry as a thickener instead of adding more salt. This will help to maintain the consistency of your dish while reducing the saltiness.

Finally, if you’re using ingredients like meat or vegetables that have absorbed too much salt, you can rinse them off under cold water before cooking. This will help to remove any excess salt and reduce the overall saltiness of your dish. Remember to taste as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly to achieve a balanced flavor profile.

Tips For Buying Less Salty Bacon

When shopping for bacon, there are a few things you can look for to ensure that you’re buying a less salty product. First, consider purchasing center-cut bacon. This type of bacon comes from the leaner and meatier section of the pork belly, meaning there will be less fat and potentially less salt.

Additionally, check the label for any mention of “low-sodium” or “reduced-sodium” options. These products will have less salt than their regular counterparts.

If you’re looking for a more natural option, consider purchasing uncured bacon. While all bacon is technically cured, uncured bacon uses natural ingredients such as celery salt to preserve the meat instead of synthetic nitrates or nitrites. This can result in a less salty product with fewer potential health risks.

Finally, consider purchasing from local or artisanal producers who may use different curing methods or have more control over the salt content in their products. These options may be more expensive but can provide a unique and potentially less salty bacon experience.